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Attendees from 80 countries converge in Berlin for landmark event
Attendees from 80 countries converge in Berlin for landmark event

Tahawul Tech

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • Tahawul Tech

Attendees from 80 countries converge in Berlin for landmark event

Following rallying calls for global tech, research and innovation ecosystems to 'Choose Europe' and the groundbreaking launch of the EU Startup & Scaleup Strategy, Europe's tech sector embarks on a revitalised era of exponential growth and development, fuelled by a renewed focus on research, tech talent and increasing later-stage investments across the continent. With Atomico's latest 'State of European Tech' report revealing Europe's tech sector has surged to €2.95 trillion in 2025 – a fivefold increase from €518 billion a decade ago – the most promising startups at forefront of regional tech momentum are showcasing their innovations at the highly anticipated North Star Europe. Debuting as part of GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, from 21-23 May at Messe Berlin, North Star Europe stands as the region's largest and most global startup, accelerator, and investor event. It presents the continent's most comprehensive showcase of international startups, as over 750 startups from over 80 countries join 600-plus international investors with over $1 trillion (€880 billion) in assets under management (AUM). North Star Europe is the startup engine of GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, which is held in partnership with the Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, Berlin Partner for Business and Technology, Startup Germany, and the European Innovation Council (EIC). Phenomenal International Involvement Drives Urgency to Access New Markets & Capital Reflecting Berlin's global magnetism, North Star Europe hosts one of the biggest international participations of founders, venture capitalists, ecosystem enablers, and tech leaders, with participation from Germany, France, Italy, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Spain, Netherlands, Morocco, Portugal, Serbia, and South Korea, among the major delegations. Startups revolutionising diverse sectors feature at North Star Europe, with the top five sectors including AI, Climate Tech, Deeptech, Health Tech and Cyber, followed by award-winning ventures in fintech, manufacturing, edtech, and creative economies. Attendees will also have first-hand experience of groundbreaking innovation from the UAE, spotlighting the country's shared commitment with Europe to advance new frontiers of AI, technology, research and digital adoption. At the event, Dubai's Chamber of Digital Economy, Department of Economy and Tourism, and the Ministry of Economy will present a power-packed lineup of startups and tech hubs transforming AI, finance, healthcare, and more; alongside Dubai Digital Authority showcasing the country's influential interconnected government services. The Most European-Centric Startup Show Ever Staged Featuring 35 European states in its landmark first edition, North Star Europe welcomes nearly 400 early-stage European companies alongside a formidable selection of national digital development entities. Germany's most prominent startup and investment hubs, including De:Hub, Start2 Group and Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), present the latest projects and solutions spanning the aviation, space, and deep tech sectors. Matthias Notz, Global CEO of Start2 Group, said, 'Europe's startup and SME landscape is rich in innovation and entrepreneurial energy, however, it needs a shared momentum where nations, investors, and ecosystem builders move in together to empower growth. Especially for scale-ups, timing is critical: funding needs to keep pace with ideas. Creating the right environment where meaningful, efficient connections between startups, enterprises, and capital can happen in one place is not just useful, it's necessary.' At the show, Europe's entrepreneurial prowess is further reinforced through a strategic collaboration with the European Innovation Council (EIC) – the EU's flagship deep tech accelerator. EIC launches its largest-ever startup showcase at GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, where 40+ deep tech ventures backed by a €10 billion programme highlight the future of European innovation. These include ATLAND 3D, Denmark's atomic-precision 3D nanofabricator working with NASA; and Germany's Kiuntra, the world's only cryogen-free sub-Kelvin cooling provider enabling scalable quantum infrastructure. Illustrating the wider region's surging startup momentum, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia and Bulgarian SME Promotion Agency are among those bringing 20+ innovative companies to the German capital. Emerging ecosystem hubs from Latvia, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan, and Croatia are also making a significant mark in Berlin, solidifying its status as the continent's most dynamic and open innovation hub. Driving startup growth through programmes for early-stage and later stage companies North Star Europe shines at connecting growth stage and later stage founders to enterprise and government customers, as well as late-stage investments. This includes the premiere of its GITEX ScaleX programme, powered by AWS for startups, supercharging 25 venture-backed, fast-scaling companies from around the world whilst Supernova All-Stars, the world's ultimate pitch competition, welcomes aspirational founders to showcase outstanding innovations and win €100,000 in cash prizes. Europe's Premier Platform for Investor Connections A global launchpad for investor collaborations and expansion, North Star Europe's Investor Matchmaking Programme sets the stage for accelerated startup growth with leading investors including Austria's Speedinvest; France's Cathay, Partech, Venture Captial, and Serena VC; Germany's Earlybird, High-Tech Gründerfonds, T Capital, Cherry Ventures, 468 Capital, and DN Capital; Japan's ITOCHU Corporation; Luxembourg's Apis; and Netherlands' 33 Equity – at the event to scout new funding opportunities. The show also features one of the most empowering expert-led conference programmes on 10X stage, diving deep into topics such as scaling from seed to IPO, navigating complex global tech dynamics, rising from local roots to global expansion, and the evolving frameworks of VC funding. An impressive line-up of unicorns is represented on-stage through Alexandre Prot, Co-Founder & CEO, Qonto (France); Justin Grooms, CEO, Bolt (USA); Carsten Höltkemeyer, CEO, Solaris (Germany); Sinead Fitzmaurice, CEO, TransferMate (Ireland); Hannah Huber, SVP Technology / CTO, Flix (Germany), and Mats Solberg, Chief Design Officer, reMarkable (Norway). Joining them are national ecosystem stakeholders and corporate investors including Milena Stoycheva, Board Member, Ministry of Innovation and Growth, Bulgaria; Jager McConnell, CEO, Crunchbase (USA); Joerg Landsch, Head Central Corporate Venture Capital, Deutsche Bank (Germany); and Costanza Carissimo, Investment Director, Cathay Innovation (Germany). North Star Europe is part of the GITEX global network of tech and startup events, taking place across Germany, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the global flagship programme UAE. For more information, please visit: Image Credit: North Star Europe

GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything poised magnified the value of AI
GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything poised magnified the value of AI

Tahawul Tech

time6 days ago

  • Business
  • Tahawul Tech

GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything poised magnified the value of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is swiftly redefining Europe's digital landscape, transforming industrial productivity, scientific discovery, public services efficiency, and socio-economic development at scale. With McKinsey projecting AI could add €2.7 billion to European economic output by 2030 – translating to a potential 20% GDP increase – GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything is poised to magnify the exponential value accompanying this incomparable technology. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International, the region's largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments event is running at Messe Berlin from 21-23 May. Featuring over 1,400 big tech enterprises, startups, and SMEs alongside over 600 investors and 500 global speakers from more than 100 countries and 35 European states, the event's programme explores the rising potential of AI, cloud, cybersecurity, quantum computing, green tech, and more. Tech Titans Converge to Showcase AI's Disruptive Power An illustration of AI's transformative potential, a recent European Parliament study anticipates labour market productivity increases as high as 37% by 2035. Central to this scenario are the world's most reputable tech enterprises currently driving cross-sector disruption through innovative AI-powered solutions – many of whom are GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything exhibitors and partners. Alongside AI changemakers including AWS, IBM, Cisco, and Honeywell, such exhibitors include Nutanix, a global cloud software leader showcasing Nutanix Enterprise AI (NAI). Alongside core data centres and on public cloud services including AWS EKS, Azure AKS, and Google GKE, this extended AI infrastructure platform can be deployed on any Cloud Native Computing Foundation® (CNCF)-certified Kubernetes® environment. Thomas Herrguth, General Manager Germany at Nutanix, said: 'GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything fills a huge gap as a general IT trade show that has been missing in Germany for years. Building on their success and expertise in the Gulf region, we wish the organisers all the best for their first edition in Berlin. For innovative vendors like Nutanix, it's a place to showcase to businesses and the wider public alike the future of IT and what this looks like for all of us.' Geoffrey Hinton: 'The Godfather of AI' Joins Star-Studded AI Expert Panel As Europe accelerates AI development following the recently passed EU AI Act, the world's first comprehensive legal AI regulation and innovation framework, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything spotlights emerging challenges and opportunities facing regional and international digital ecosystems. To forge consensus in new partnerships and business outcomes for more agile, business-friendly, and responsible global digital systems, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything stages thought-provoking discussions and powerful perspectives from the world's leading voices in AI. In a historic appearance, Geoffrey Hinton – 2024 Nobel Prize winner in Physics widely recognised as the 'Godfather of AI' – delivers a keynote address poised to reshape the discourse on AI. Celebrated for his pioneering research and sobering call to control superintelligent systems, Hinton offers a nuanced view of AI's promise and perils. The event programme welcomes an international line-up of featured AI panellists across its three-day duration, all of whom have extensive expertise across increasingly AI-critical industries. These include Mark Surman, President of Mozilla; Dr. Farzana Dudhwala, Global AI Policy & Governance Lead at Meta; Prof. Dr. Antonio Krüger, CEO of the German Research Center for AI (DFKI), and executives from AWS, IBM, Airbus, SAP, Cisco, and Nvidia. Christian Darkin, Head of AI at Deep Fusion Films, also brings 'Virtually Parkinson' to the stage – the studio's pioneering AI-driven talk show featuring a digital Sir Michael Parkinson interviewing global AI leaders live for the first time. Integration at Scale: Showcasing AI's Cross-Sector Influence & Impact As per the European Commission, Europe now hosts over 35,000 early-stage startups – more than any other region globally. Boasting a vibrant entrepreneurial landscape, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything paves the way for greater cross-border collaborations, new public-private partnerships, and the rise of a new generation of digital entrepreneurs. Ahead of his involvement as an expert panellist, Adrian Locher, Co-Founder & General Partner of Merantix Capital, one of Europe's leading AI group working with founders to integrate AI with real-world applications, said: 'We've seen AI change in the public consciousness from an exciting opportunity into the dominant, most hyped topic in the entire tech and investing world. Practically every industry will be transformed by AI, offering huge, purpose-driven opportunities for investors and founders. Two industries particularly ripe for change are finance and legal. The next wave of fintech companies is replacing legacy structures with AI-powered systems, rebuilding the antiquated plumbing of our financial world from the ground up. In the legal space, AI will revamp the menial tasks of being a lawyer, from contract work to research, thereby empowering lawyers to focus on creatively serving clients.' Locher added: 'The GITEX brand is well known for its presence in the Middle East, and it's a really exciting development that the event is coming to Europe. We're eager to meet and network with a great roster of investors, founders, and AI builders.' Since 2018, the EU and member states have also committed over €8 billion to quantum technologies, and Fortune Business Insights has projected that the European quantum market will grow at a CAGR of 33.2% from 2024-2032. The GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything programme welcomes various specialists to discuss Europe's success in driving digital innovation and championing initiatives developing AI, quantum, and deep tech. Previewing his participation, Jan Goetz, Co-CEO & Co-Founder at IQM Quantum Computers, a Finland-based global leader in building quantum computers, revealed: 'The expected business benefits of quantum and AI convergence are vast, and business leaders must therefore begin thinking about how quantum AI might impact their industry and how they can position their respective companies to take advantage of this technology. Tech Hubs in Europe have grown from local initiatives into global powerhouses – and I believe this event will serve as a significant platform for shaping the future of investments, collaboration, and digital innovation in Germany and Europe.' The European Innovation Council (EIC), Europe's largest deeptech investor, also presents its largest-ever line-up of outstanding AI-first startups and scaleups in the most advanced tech sectors. For more information, please visit: Image Credit: Merantix Capital & IQM Quantum Computers.

Building Effective Business Connections: Advanced Networking Strategies for Growth in Dubai
Building Effective Business Connections: Advanced Networking Strategies for Growth in Dubai

Hi Dubai

time13-06-2025

  • Business
  • Hi Dubai

Building Effective Business Connections: Advanced Networking Strategies for Growth in Dubai

In Dubai's dynamic business landscape, success is less about what you know and more about who you know. The city thrives on relationships, trust, and a robust network of connections. Networking in Dubai goes far beyond a quick exchange of business cards; it's about cultivating genuine, long-term relationships that can become the bedrock of your business's growth and resilience. This article dives into advanced networking strategies tailored for Dubai. Explore actionable techniques, crucial cultural considerations, and how to leverage Dubai's unique opportunities to build a powerful network that propels your business forward. The Power of Strategic Networking in Dubai Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and opportunities. Its rapid growth and diverse economy make it an ideal place to expand your reach, but standing out requires more than just showing up. Strategic networking is about being intentional and effective in your efforts to connect with others. When you meet someone new, resist the urge to immediately jump into a sales pitch. Instead, focus on building a genuine connection. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and find common ground. In Dubai, relationships are often built over time, so approach each interaction with a long-term perspective, valuing trust and mutual respect over immediate transactional gains. Strategic Event Selection: Not all networking events are created equal. Be selective with your time. Prioritise industry-specific events that directly relate to your niche, whether it's tech conferences, real estate forums, or finance summits. Don't overlook high-profile gatherings like GITEX or Arab Health; these flagship events bring together a diverse international audience. However, remember that smaller, targeted gatherings often yield higher-quality connections. Quality over quantity always wins. Leverage Online Platforms: Your online presence is an extension of your professional self. Master LinkedIn by maintaining a professional profile and actively engaging in Dubai-based industry groups. Share insights, comment on relevant posts, and connect with people you meet offline. Explore other industry forums and communities where professionals in your sector gather virtually. The true value of networking often lies in the follow-up. Aim to connect with new contacts within 24-48 hours of meeting them. Your message should be personalized, referencing a specific point from your conversation. Beyond just saying "nice to meet you," look for ways to add value – perhaps by sharing a relevant article, suggesting a useful resource, or offering an introduction to someone in your network. Become a "Giver," Not Just a "Taker": The strongest networks are built on reciprocity. Position yourself as a valuable resource by offering help and sharing your expertise without expecting immediate returns. Actively look for opportunities to make introductions between people in your network who could benefit from knowing each other. This generosity builds trust and credibility. Master Your "Elevator Pitch": Be ready to concisely and compellingly articulate what you do and the value you offer. Your "elevator pitch" should be short, engaging, and focus on the benefits you bring to potential connections, rather than just listing your services. Practice it until it feels natural and impactful. Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Dubai has a wealth of experienced business leaders. Don't hesitate to connect with them for advice, insights, and potential mentorship. Actively engage with industry associations and chambers of commerce; many offer mentorship programs or provide platforms to meet seasoned professionals. Dubai's vibrant multicultural environment means that effective networking requires an understanding and appreciation of its unique cultural nuances. Respecting local customs isn't just polite; it's a critical component of building genuine trust and long-lasting relationships. Respect for Hierarchy and Titles: Be mindful of the social and business hierarchy. Address individuals appropriately, using formal titles like "Sheikh," "Dr.," or "Engineer" when applicable. Showing deference to seniority in business interactions is a sign of respect. Building Trust and Relationships: In many cultures represented in Dubai, especially Arab culture, business relationships are often built on personal trust and mutual respect, which develops over time. Be patient and persistent; invest time in getting to know people on a personal level before diving straight into business discussions. Share a coffee or a meal. Be aware that direct confrontation is often avoided in local business culture. Communication can be more indirect, relying on subtle cues and nonverbal communication. Pay attention to body language and read between the lines to fully understand the message. Importance of Arabic Language: While English is widely spoken in Dubai's business circles, learning a few basic Arabic phrases – such as greetings ("Marhaba"), thank you ("Shukran"), and how are you ("Kaif halak?") – can demonstrate respect and significantly help in building rapport. If you have business cards, consider having them printed in both English and Arabic on opposite sides. Ramadan and Other Cultural Observances: Be highly mindful of Ramadan and other significant cultural or religious observances. During Ramadan, business hours are often adjusted, and it's respectful to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours. Adjust your networking activities and meeting schedules accordingly, and always show sensitivity to local customs and traditions. Leveraging Dubai-Specific Networking Opportunities Dubai offers unique avenues for networking that can significantly accelerate your growth. Free Zone Networking Events: Many of Dubai's specialised Free Zones (like DMCC, DIFC, Dubai Media City, Jafza) regularly host their own targeted networking events. These events offer an excellent opportunity to connect with businesses within specific industry clusters and meet potential partners or clients who operate under the same regulatory framework. Business Councils and Chambers of Commerce: Dubai is home to numerous active business councils (e.g., American Business Council, British Business Group, French Business Council, Indian Business & Professional Council) and Chambers of Commerce. Actively participating in these organizations offers unparalleled networking opportunities. They often host industry-specific groups, seminars, and exclusive events. Government Initiatives and Programs: The UAE government is highly supportive of business growth. Leverage initiatives like Dubai SME (Small and Medium Enterprises) and other government-backed programs that offer workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to support local and international businesses. Keep an eye on ongoing initiatives, like the legacy opportunities emerging from Expo 2020, such as District 2020. Cultural and Social Events: Networking isn't confined to formal business settings. Attending cultural events, community gatherings, or even joining sports clubs and recreational activities can be fantastic ways to build relationships with a diverse range of people in a more relaxed environment. Shared hobbies often create strong bonds that can translate into professional connections. Measuring Your Networking Success To ensure your networking efforts are genuinely contributing to your business growth, it's essential to measure your success: Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) networking goals. For example, "Gain 5 quality leads from events per month." Use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system or even a simple spreadsheet to manage your contacts, note details about your interactions, and plan follow-ups. Monitor referrals and leads: Regularly assess the number and quality of referrals and leads that originate from your networking activities. Assess relationship depth: Beyond just the number of contacts, evaluate the strength and quality of your relationships. Are these connections leading to deeper collaborations or valuable advice? Strategic and culturally sensitive networking is not just an optional extra; it's a fundamental pillar for sustainable business growth in Dubai. The city offers a unique blend of opportunities, but unlocking them requires dedication, a genuine desire to connect, and an understanding of the local way of doing business. Embrace these advanced strategies, be mindful of Dubai's rich cultural tapestry, and leverage the diverse opportunities available. Building a strong network is an ongoing process that yields invaluable returns, propelling your business to new heights in this thriving global hub. Also Read: Best Business Networking Events & Conferences in Dubai Explore top business networking events and conferences in Dubai. Connect with industry leaders, expand your network, and discover new opportunities in 2025. Top 10 Business Opportunities in Dubai for 2025 Discover the top 10 emerging business opportunities in Dubai for 2025, from renewable energy to AI and education, driving growth in a dynamic market. Creating Opportunities in Dubai: How to Connect, Grow, and Thrive Discover powerful networking strategies to build meaningful connections, unlock opportunities, and thrive in Dubai's dynamic business landscape. Unlock the secrets to professional success in this thriving city. Financial Resolutions for 2025: How to Save and Invest While Living in Dubai This guide will walk you through simple, practical tips to help you make the most of your money and set yourself up for a successful 2025.

The UAE's Emirates ID might be changing soon – here's how
The UAE's Emirates ID might be changing soon – here's how

Time Out Dubai

time03-06-2025

  • Business
  • Time Out Dubai

The UAE's Emirates ID might be changing soon – here's how

That little Emirates ID card you carry around in your wallet? It might be on its way out – or at least, headed for a serious digital upgrade. Known for being one step above the rest, the UAE has futuristic plans to phase out the need to physically present your Emirates ID when accessing key services. Instead, biometric tech like facial recognition and digital verification through your phone will do all the work. The new system – spearheaded by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) – is expected to roll out within the next year. And it could be a game-changer for everything from hospital visits to hotel check-ins. The new e-Emirates ID system Currently, despite all the tech advances in the UAE, you still need to flash your original Emirates ID card to do quite a few things – like open a bank account, check into a hotel, or access healthcare. But not for long. Enter: the upgraded e-Emirates ID system. How will it work? The ICP is expanding the use of digital Emirates IDs via the UAEPASS app – a government-backed platform that already allows users to request digital versions of official documents. The next step? Making facial recognition and biometric authentication the norm. Instead of handing over a card, you'll soon be able to verify your identity just by looking at a screen. The plan is to integrate this across a wide range of sectors – think banking, healthcare, telecoms and hospitality. You might also like: You won't believe what your Emirates ID chip knows about you Wait, haven't we seen this before? Sort of. The UAE introduced facial recognition services through the UAEPASS app back in 2021, during GITEX. Since then, the tech has slowly been rolled out across select services. But now, the ICP wants to take things further, encouraging partners across industries to adopt the new system and make it universal. Minister of State for FNC Affairs, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, confirmed that e-Emirates IDs are already in use for several services. The focus now is on speeding up adoption, ironing out challenges and expanding digital identity use across all key sectors. What about privacy? Naturally, when biometric data is involved, people want to know how their information is being protected. The ICP says it's following strict laws and data protection standards to ensure trust and security for all users. So while you may be trading your card for a camera scan, your personal data should still be safe and sound. This could be the beginning of the end for physical Emirates IDs – at least when it comes to using them for everyday services. The transition won't happen overnight, but it's well underway. So, if you haven't downloaded the UAEPASS app yet, now might be a good time. More Dubai news Dubai commits Dhs1.4 Billion to major flood-prevention project The city is working hard to fight flooding Dubai's Mall of the Emirates to undergo *huge* expansion — here's what to expect You're going to see some big changes 18 renamed Dubai Metro stations (and their true meanings explained) A full breakdown

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