Dates: 11–12 February 2026
Location: Dubai Internet City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Overview:
STEP Dubai Conference is the largest tech festival in Dubai, attracting 8,000+ attendees, 400+ startups, 100+ companies, and a funding presence of $9 billion. The event focuses on startups, digital media, fintech, and future tech, offering opportunities to learn, network, and showcase innovations.
Event Highlights
Talks & Workshops
- Four dynamic stages featuring keynotes, panels, and hands-on sessions.
- Topics include startup scaling, adtech, AI applications, fintech for SMBs, real estate tech, generative AI, and blockchain.
- Actionable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech professionals.
Startup Basecamp
- 400+ startups showcase their ventures with free branded booths.
- Platform to demo solutions to investors, clients, and partners.
Pitch Competitions
- Powered by ECA, judged by top-tier VCs such as Nuwa Capital and Global Ventures.
- Startups gain exposure and the chance to secure funding.
Investor Meetings
- Facilitated by Zest Equity, featuring 1-on-1 sessions with prominent funds like Alpha Wave Global, Shorooq Partners, and Techstars.
- Ideal for securing investment deals.
Exhibition Areas
- 100+ companies displaying cutting-edge technologies.
- Opportunities for B2B networking, discovering market trends, and forging partnerships.
Brand Activations
- Experiences hosted by leading tech brands, FMCG companies, automotive firms, banks, and media outlets.
- Interactive demos and unique setups.
Entertainment
- Outdoor activities, food trucks, live music, and pop-up vendors.
- Relaxed networking opportunities in a festival atmosphere.
Featured Speakers
- Kat Cole, CEO, Athletic Greens (AG1) – Lessons from scaling global brands and mission-driven growth.
- H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, UAE – Driving UAE’s SME ecosystem and entrepreneurship initiatives.
- Allen Blue, VP Product & Co-founder, LinkedIn – Product strategy, education initiatives, and closing global skills gaps.
- Amjad Masad, Founder & CEO, Replit – Insights into developer tools, coding platforms, and open-source innovation.
- Sriram Krishnan, General Partner, Andreessen Horowitz – Early-stage tech investment and deep tech insights.
- Ali Jaber, Dean & Group TV Director, MBC – Expertise in media, journalism, and digital transformation.
- HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud, Saudi Ambassador to the US – Women’s empowerment, innovation, and leadership.
- H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship & SMEs, UAE – Policy, SME support, and innovation perspectives.
- Alex Bouaziz, Co-founder & CEO, Deel – Global payroll innovation and scaling startups internationally.
Registration
- Tickets and startup applications are open now.
- Early bird 2-for-1 promotion is live.
- For details and registration, visit: dubai.stepconference.com
