The Step Conference – Step Conference – a leading event in the field of technology in the Emirate of Dubai, announced the organization of the twelfth edition during the 21st and 22nd of February 2024, in collaboration with Dubai Internet City, a subsidiary of Tecom Group.
Over the past 12 years, the Step Conference has hosted thousands of startups representing 58 different countries.
Around 28.5% of these companies have received funding exceeding $800 million. It is expected that 500 startups will participate in the 2024 edition, which will include more than 500 meetings and discussion sessions. Additionally, there are over 150 specialized companies in the investment capital sector that will provide funding sources totaling approximately $8.2 billion.
Over two days, this event will witness the participation of 8,000 individuals from around the world, aiming to enhance Dubai’s position in the global technology industry.
The 2024 general edition of the conference is expected to be the most diverse in terms of events. It will unveil a new track related to artificial intelligence supporting the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2031. The strategy aims to elevate the country’s status to a global leader in the field of artificial intelligence.
Experts in the sector will shed light on promising possibilities and challenges facing transformative technology, in key areas such as general artificial intelligence, regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence, large language models, assistive systems, and deep learning.
Amr Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Tecom Group – Commercial Sector, and General Manager of Dubai Internet City, stated that artificial intelligence has become a catalyst for empowering individuals and talented institutions to achieve unprecedented levels of productivity and creativity.
Mehdi Ghessasi, Product Management Director at Google DeepMind, mentioned that the Step Conference 2024 clearly reflects the country’s deep commitment to continued development in the field of artificial intelligence in a studied and responsible manner.
He added that in-depth discussions on artificial intelligence are not just simple steps but the path that will lead us towards establishing a bright and unprecedented future that benefits the entire world.
Ray Dargham, CEO of Step, emphasized the importance of adaptation and adjustment as a specialized conference in the field of artificial intelligence. He added that artificial intelligence is not just a temporary trend but a stable and continuous element in this field.
Moreover, the artificial intelligence track will be launched to be in the forefront at Step Conference, where all the topics around which the conference will revolve will be related to this field.
During the upcoming conference, startups will be able to reach the forefront by adding a new effective event to the agenda, called the “Founders’ Circle.” This event will serve as a special platform for founders seeking guidance, direction, and advice from expert professionals in the startup sector.
