STEP Conference 2026 to Focus on the AI Economy in Dubai

STEP Conference will return to Dubai Internet City from February 11th to 12th, 2026, marking the 14th edition of the city’s longest-running tech festival. What began 13 years ago as a series of small workshops has since developed into one of the region’s most established convening points for founders, investors, creatives and technology leaders.

The 2026 edition is built around the theme ‘Intelligence Everywhere: The AI Economy’, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries including finance, business operations, product development and creative work. Rather than positioning AI as a standalone field, the programme focuses on its integration into everyday tools, decision-making processes and digital infrastructure.

Over two days, STEP 2026 is expected to welcome more than 8,000 attendees, with around 400 startups exhibiting and 100 companies participating across the conference and exhibition programme. Discussions will unfold across four thematic tracks, reflecting the intersections between technology, culture and entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on applied use cases and real market developments.

The event will also draw a substantial concentration of capital, with organisers estimating that approximately $9 billion in funding will be represented on site through investors, funds and financial institutions.