Step Conference, the leading technology festival for emerging markets, launches its 10th edition to be held on February 23rd and 24th in partnership with Dubai Internet City (DIC), the region’s leading hub for tech companies and talent.

The conference ecosystem has grown immensely over the last 10 years, expected to attract 8000 international attendees in 2022 from 100 attendees in the first year and showcasing 1224 startups, 252 investors and influential tech leaders and speakers since 2012.

This year, conversations and highlights will focus on 4 key tracks tackling fintech with an emphasis on payments, crypto and E-commerce; future innovations with a focus on AI, mobility, energy and cloud; digital with media, marketing and content; and finally, wellness deep diving into Healthtech and lifestyle. The event will take place at Dubai Internet City, a representation of the success of startups and tech companies in the UAE.

Ray Dargham, CEO of Step said: “I am very proud to witness and celebrate the conference's evolution over the last 10 years. Despite difficult times in 2020, we are back to meet physically and with Expo 2020 – Dubai is opening to welcome everyone from around the world.  Step actively supports the entrepreneurship sector in providing a platform for startups to accelerate their growth and develop initiatives while becoming the contributing engine to the economy. We aim to continue expanding this platform, lead the conversation, contribute to the ecosystem and empower entrepreneurs. Our focus is not only on the Middle East but also on other emerging markets such as India and Pakistan. We want the ecosystem to engage and support entrepreneurs to innovate and develop, as a priority within the UAE’s plans for the next 50 years. We are also happy to announce our continued partnership with Dubai Internet City, the leading innovation hub of the Middle East.”

Ammar Al Malik, Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, said, “It is among our community’s founding principles to support our nation’s economic diversification strategy and global competitiveness by enabling start-ups and entrepreneurs. By enhancing our world-class infrastructure and offerings, Dubai Internet City delivers businesses unrivalled opportunities for collaboration, investment and success. As such, we are delighted to continue our 10-year long partnership with Step Conference in expanding our offerings and the emirate’s entrepreneurial landscape by highlighting potential unicorns. The UAE ranking first in the Middle East and fourth globally in the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) 2020 is a testament to our innovative spirit. Our strategic partnership with Step will allow us to deliver agile solutions suited to the evolving work environment and enable sustainable growth for emerging businesses in the region.”

Tickets for Step Conference 2022 in Dubai are on sale now and can be purchased from the Step website.

About Step

Step is a new media company with a suite of virtual and in-person events, podcasts, and newsletters for the tech savvy cross-generational audience in MENA and emerging markets. Step is most known for hosting the largest tech and startup conference in Dubai and MENA.

Step has a decade of expertise and network building in MENA's tech and digital ecosystem.

• Hosted more than 200 events and programs in the areas of tech, startups, and digital.
• Step's landmark conference in Dubai attracts over 7,000 global attendees.
• More than 2,000 startups from MENA and beyond have participated in a Step event or program in the last 10 years.
• Many startups have launched at Step, made connections which led to follow-on meetings to pitch for investment, and graduated from the startup programs to become thought leaders in their space.
• Over 10,000 facilitated connections through Step’s investor meeting and mentorship programs