Source : WAM
Step Dubai 2026 will feature nearly 100,000 hours of artificial intelligence–focused programming as the region’s leading technology and startup event aligns its 14th edition with the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031.
Scheduled for 11–12 February at Dubai Internet City, part of TECOM Group PJSC, the event reflects the UAE’s long-term vision to place artificial intelligence at the centre of its future economy. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy will participate as a strategic partner, underscoring the event’s strong focus on AI and digital transformation.
Introduced in 2017, the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 is designed to enhance government efficiency, drive economic growth, develop future-ready skills and position the UAE as a global leader in AI-led transformation. The strategy aims to significantly increase AI’s contribution to non-oil GDP, supported by a competitive ecosystem that includes startups, enterprises, research institutions and the public sector.
Now in its 14th edition, Step Dubai brings together founders, investors, scaleups, corporates, government representatives and ecosystem partners to share insights and explore emerging opportunities. The 2026 edition represents a shift to a fully AI-focused programme, supporting national priorities related to AI adoption, entrepreneurship and economic diversification.
Held under the theme Intelligence everywhere: the AI economy, Step Dubai 2026 is expected to welcome more than 8,000 attendees, including over 400 startups and more than 100 regional and international companies and speakers. The programme will examine how artificial intelligence is transforming business, finance, technology and creative industries, while offering access to an investor community with more than US$12.6 billion in deployable capital.
Innovators from in5, Dubai’s startup incubator established by TECOM Group, will participate alongside D/Quarters, which joins the event for the first time as an ecosystem partner. D/Quarters will showcase its flexible co-working solutions through an outdoor workspace at the venue.
Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, said the event will unite global experts and regional innovators to explore how artificial intelligence can unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs and future-focused businesses, supporting Dubai’s digital economy and innovation agenda.
Ray Dargham, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Step, said artificial intelligence has become the economic infrastructure of the future, noting that Step Dubai 2026 reflects the UAE’s ambition to lead regionally by bringing together builders, investors and decision-makers shaping AI adoption across sectors.
Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said the event highlights the shift from testing AI tools to deploying them at scale, supporting startups and fast-growing digital companies by strengthening access to partnerships and growth opportunities from Dubai.
The agenda will feature four dedicated tracks: Founders and Funders, The AI Stack, AI in Finance, and Human First. These tracks will explore entrepreneurship, advanced technologies, regulated industries and human-centric innovation, reflecting AI’s cross-sector role in driving sustainable growth, competitiveness and productivity.
With a global reach, technology companies including Atlassian and Intercom will take part, supporting the startup ecosystem and showcasing AI-powered solutions for modern businesses.
