International pavilions from across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa will connect startups with investors, commercial partners and new markets.
Dubai will host startup delegations from across the world at Expand North Star 2026, as the event positions the emirate as a gateway for cross-border investment, technology partnerships and international business expansion.
The event will run from 7 December at Dubai World Trade Centre and from 8–10 December at Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai, alongside GITEX GLOBAL. The combined showcase is expected to bring together more than 6,000 enterprise and startup exhibitors from over 80 countries.
Organised by inD, with Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy as Digital Economy Partner, Expand North Star will feature national pavilions and trade delegations from countries including Canada, Italy, Thailand, Brazil, China, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Serbia and the United States.
“Dubai puts investors and potential customers in multiple international markets within reach of our Canadian founders.”
— Hammad Siddiqui, Executive Director, Canada Startup Association
Canada Startup Association will present its first national pavilion during its third consecutive participation, showcasing innovations in AI, financial inclusion, healthcare and photonics. Italy will bring 30 startups and SMEs through the Italian Trade Agency, while Thailand’s pavilion will host 12 companies working across AI, agri-tech, climate and marketing technology.
Valerio Soldani, Trade Commissioner of the Italian Trade Agency to the UAE and Oman, said the event would help Italian startups connect directly with businesses and investors capable of opening new markets.
The 2026 programme will also feature ScaleX, connecting high-growth companies with investors and corporate buyers, and Supernova 0X, offering equity-free cash prizes. New initiatives include the ENS Founders Academy and Apollo100, focused on expanding business opportunities across 100 global destinations.
The gathering comes as the UAE strengthens its position as an international investment hub, having attracted a record US$48.3 billion in foreign direct investment in 2025.
