Step Dubai 2026 will deliver over 100,000 hours of AI-focused content to support the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence 2031 Strategy, uniting innovators, investors, and global experts.
DUBAI: In alignment with the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, Step Dubai 2026 is set to unveil its most ambitious edition yet — delivering nearly 100,000 hours of AI-focused content, business commentary, and innovation showcases over two days from 11–12 February at Dubai Internet City.
Now in its 14th edition, the region’s leading tech and startup festival will bring together over 8,000 attendees, including more than 400 startups, 100 companies, and global speakers. Held in partnership with Dubai Internet City and joined by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy as Strategic Partner, Step Dubai 2026 aims to drive real economic impact by embedding artificial intelligence across sectors including finance, technology, media, and business.
Themed Intelligence Everywhere: The AI Economy, the event will feature four tracks: Founders & Funders, The AI Stack, AI in Finance, and Human First. These tracks explore AI’s role in entrepreneurship, foundational tech, financial innovation, and human-AI interaction. From autonomous agents to ethical content creation and AI-led finance, the event mirrors the UAE’s commitment to positioning AI at the core of its non-oil GDP growth.
Ammar Al Malik of TECOM Group and Dubai Internet City said the platform empowers innovators, supporting Dubai’s D33 economic agenda. Ray Dargham, Step’s CEO, echoed this vision: “Artificial intelligence is no longer a vertical or niche — it is the economic infrastructure of the future.”
Notable sessions include insights from Justin Li, Co-Founder of Genspark, a recognised OpenAI partner, and Luca Allam’s Human First media track exploring human-AI co-creation. Startup ecosystem players like Atlassian and Intercom will also showcase how AI is revolutionising collaboration and customer service.
With the UAE continuing to attract AI-driven talent and investment, Step Dubai 2026 underscores the country’s transformation from AI strategy to global leadership in innovation.
