Often perceived as a void, the desert has been transformed into an innovation incubator in the United Arab Emirates. This Sunday, October 12, Dubai opened the doors to the 10th edition of Expand North Star 2025.

This event will run until October 16 on the sidelines of Gitex Global. The event brings together startups, investors, governments, and major technology players, with the goal of making the Emirates a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Expand North Star also aims to foster partnerships, fundraising, and the large-scale deployment of technological solutions, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital technology.

As part of the ceremony, Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Teleworking Applications, outlined the vision that places his country at the center of global innovation. According to him, the uniqueness of the Emirates lies in its ability to "transform the desert into a land of opportunity." He recalled that, despite modest beginnings fifty years ago, the country has built a model based on "boldness and attracting talent from around the world."

The minister detailed the three pillars of this success. First, security and quality of life, which, according to him, attract the best talent. Second, equal opportunity, which offers everyone a fair framework for entrepreneurship. Third, a long-term vision, guided by planning over several decades. This approach, he said, has allowed Dubai and Abu Dhabi to anticipate technological revolutions, from blockchain to artificial intelligence.

Omar Sultan Al Olama emphasized the role the country is giving to artificial intelligence. "AI is not intended to be a showcase, but a concrete lever to improve the lives of citizens," he explained. He cited, in particular, the example of automated airport checks, allowing for passport-free travel. The challenge, he specified, is to use AI in a "responsible, non-intrusive, and secure" manner, under the supervision of the National Cybersecurity Council. To ensure transparency, the government has trained AI managers in each public department and established a certification and ranking system for companies in the sector. The stated goal is to increase the number of artificial intelligence companies from 1,500 to 10,000 within five years.

The minister concluded: "True success lies not in technological gadgets, but in the real impact on society. The Emirates do not claim to be the best, but the best students, open to learning, listening, and adapting to build the future."

In the aisles of the Expand North Star, several leaders presented innovations that could transform urban and professional life. Aloisio Pereira Da Silva, CEO of InfraCities, detailed his underground infrastructure management system. “I am a civil engineer, and I would like to present our system called InfraCities. Cities around the world face many problems, particularly related to underground infrastructure. These facilities located beneath the roadway pose serious challenges, especially when they need to be repaired: this requires digging and damaging the roadway,” he explained.

His solution involves creating a "sidewalk-level trench" made from plastic waste. Inside, all the utilities—gas, telecommunications, water, and electricity—are grouped together. The process recovers hard-to-recycle plastics and produces modular panels that facilitate development and maintenance without damaging the roadway. He reports that tests conducted at Sapiens Park in Brazil have shown that this solution saves 30% on construction costs and 70% on maintenance costs. The structure is modular and scalable, adapting to urban configurations like "Lego-like" blocks.

Pratik Parmar, CEO of Atomo Innovation, presented an edge computing device capable of running artificial intelligence directly on-site. “Whatever happens on your premises stays on your premises: your data doesn’t leave your environment,” he explains. Aimed at the B2B and B2G markets, this device can run a variety of applications, ranging from fire detection to facial recognition and crowd management. The Indian entrepreneur aims to expand his activities globally and is looking for partners, particularly in Africa. “My vision is clear: artificial intelligence for the world, designed in India,” he assures.