Technology festival for emerging markets Step Conference launches its 11^th edition, to be held on February 22-23, 2023, in partnership with Dubai Internet City.

This year, the conference will explore the 'retro future," mixing retro styles with futuristic technology. For the first time in 2023, direct-to-consumer brands will have the opportunity to showcase their products to more than 8,000 consumers at the dedicated new Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Hub. Conversations and highlights will focus on six key tracks:

• Start Track: covering the startup scene and featuring global influencers in the tech and digital space
• Fintech Track: bringing together banks and payment gateways, plus the latest in financial technology
• Future Track: featuring the latest futuristic transport and autonomous technology
• Digital Track: bringing together brand managers and digital gurus
• Wellness Track: covering topics on well-being and the latest trends in tech and fitness

For the first time ever, Step will introduce the Earth Track, which will explore greentech, sustainability, and impact on the environment.

Step Conference will take place at Dubai Internet City, which has been fostering a tech community of global, regional, and local businesses and entrepreneurs for more than 20 years.

Ray Dargham, CEO of Step, said in a statement, “I’m delighted to announce the launch of the 11^th Edition of our conference and to provide a platform for the tech industry to come together, discuss, and debate the latest and future trends. With startups in MENA having raised more than $646 million across more than 69 deals during October alone, the impressive total raised so far this year is $3 billion spread over 551 deals. The cleantech sector has the highest funding, with Yellow Door Energy, and the fintech sector recording the highest number of deals in the region, according to Wamda. We wanted to focus on six tracks where we see past trends developing and impacting the future. Exploring retro-futurism and the dynamic between past and future technologies at the conference will help to pave the way for what is yet to come.”

On behalf of Dubai Internet City, Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group, said, “Dubai’s innovative spirit has put the emirate on the global technology map. Our integrated business-friendly ecosystem has not only attracted global brands to Dubai, but that same framework has provided startups and SMEs an environment where they can thrive. Dubai Internet City has been at the cornerstone of creating this global, innovation-minded community. Events like Step mirror our commitment to elevating opportunities and startups in the region to inspire global change and progress. We look forward to another successful edition of the conference for both participating brands and the region’s tech ecosystem.”

To further establish Dubai as a global business and talent hub, TECOM Group has been developing strategic, sector-focused business districts across the emirate since 1999, such as Dubai Internet City, that serves as a thriving home base for technology giants, SMEs, unicorns, startups, and entrepreneurs.