Step Conference Dubai is set to return in 2026 as one of the most anticipated technology and startup events in the region, bringing together founders, investors, innovators and digital leaders from across the globe. As Dubai’s largest tech festival enters its 14th edition, the conference continues to play a defining role in shaping conversations around innovation, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies in the Middle East.
Hosted at Dubai Internet City, Step Conference Dubai will take place across two days in February 2026, offering a packed programme of talks, workshops, exhibitions and networking opportunities. With a strong focus on artificial intelligence and its growing influence across industries, the event attracts thousands of attendees looking to connect, learn and scale within the MENA market.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Event Overview
- Dates and Timings
- Location
- Tickets and Entry
- Agenda and Activities
- Key Participants and Partners
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Event Overview
Step Conference Dubai 2026 marks the 14th edition of Dubai’s largest technology festival and will be held on February 11th-12th, 2026, at Dubai Internet City. The event is themed “Intelligence Everywhere: The AI Economy”, reflecting the increasing role of artificial intelligence across startups, finance, digital media and future technologies.
What began in 2012 as a series of small workshops has grown into a large-scale festival hosting over 8,000 attendees, 400+ showcasing startups, 100+ participating companies, and investors representing more than $9 billion in available funding. Step Conference Dubai is now recognised as a major platform for innovation, investment and collaboration within the MENA tech ecosystem.
The conference is organised by Step Media and Events FZ-LLC, with Seed Group joining as Ecosystem Partner, supporting founders and businesses seeking insights and entry points into the regional market.
Dates and Timings
Step Conference Dubai 2026 will run across two consecutive days, offering a full-day conference experience with multiple stages and parallel sessions.
- Wednesday, February 11th, 2026
- Thursday, February 12th, 2026
Expected Daily Timings
- 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM GST (Dubai Time)
These timings are consistent across primary sources, although attendees are advised to confirm final schedules closer to the event via the official website.
Time Zone Reference
- Dubai (UTC+4): February 11th-12th
- Eastern Standard Time (EST): February 10th, 3:00 PM – February 11th, 3:00 PM
Location
Step Conference Dubai 2026 will take place at Dubai Internet City (DIC Building @4), a location widely regarded as the centre of the region’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
To be precise, it is located on King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Sufouh – Al Sufouh 2 – Dubai
It is also worth noting that Dubai Internet City is located near Dubai Media City and is well connected by major road networks. Official venue maps and access details are expected to be made available through event channels to help attendees plan their arrival.
Tickets and Entry
Step Conference Dubai 2026 is a paid-entry event, with tickets available through the official Step Conference website. Multiple ticket types and participation packages are typically offered to suit different attendee profiles.
Available ticket options may include:
- All-access attendee passes
- Founder-focused passes
- Startup exhibition booths
- Startup packages with networking and pitch access
Founders attending Step Conference Dubai can benefit from targeted networking opportunities, investor access and startup-focused programming designed to support early-stage and scaling businesses.
With an estimated 8,000 delegates and 100+ exhibitors, early registration is recommended. Attendees can also sign up for official updates regarding ticket releases, agenda announcements and event news.
Agenda and Activities
Step Conference Dubai follows a festival-style format that blends structured learning with informal interaction. The agenda is designed to accommodate a wide range of interests across technology, business and innovation.
What the event includes:
- Keynote talks and panel discussions
- Hands-on workshops
- Startup programming and pitch sessions
- Satellite and side events
- Exhibition areas and brand activations
- Entertainment, food and social experiences
Main Tracks
| Track Focus | Description |
| Startups & Investment | Unicorn journeys, scaling strategies, exits, and capital flows in the AI era. |
| Future Tech | Intelligent agents, cloud technologies, robotics, and large language models. |
| Fintech | Wealth intelligence, cryptocurrency, autonomous banking, and evolving trust and risk models. |
| Additional Content | Digital media and startups, delivered across four stages of talks and workshops. |
- Networking: Curated meet-ups hosted by venture capital firms and incubators, offering opportunities to connect with over 1,000 entrepreneurs and hundreds of investors.
- Exhibitions: Showcasing 400+ startups and technology brands, creating opportunities for discovery, partnerships and collaboration.
- Entertainment: A festival-style experience featuring food trucks, music, pop-up vendors and interactive brand activities.
Key Participants and Partners
Step Conference Dubai has a strong track record of attracting influential voices from the tech and investment ecosystem.
Investors (Past Editions)
- Grover Impact Ventures
- YAS Investments
- Beco Capital
- 500 Global
Partners
- Seed Group (Ecosystem Partner)
- Hub71
Past Speakers
Previous editions have featured industry leaders such as Elie Habib (Anghami), Fadi Ghandour (Wamda Capital) and Amal Dokhan (500 Global). Speaker announcements for 2026 are expected closer to the event.
Key Takeaways
Step Conference Dubai 2026 will take place on February 11th-12th at Dubai Internet City, bringing together over 8,000 attendees and more than 400 startups to explore the impact of artificial intelligence across industries. Running from approximately 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM, the event offers paid ticket access via the official website and features four core tracks alongside extensive networking opportunities, startup exhibitions and entertainment experiences.
Centred around the theme “Intelligence Everywhere: The AI Economy”, Step Conference Dubai 2026 covers startups, fintech and future technology.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Step Conference Dubai 2026 will be held on February 11th-12th, 2026, running from approximately 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM GST.
The conference takes place at Dubai Internet City (DIC Building @4), Dubai, UAE.
Tickets are paid and available through the official Step Dubai website. Startups can access special passes, exhibition booths, and networking opportunities.
The theme is “Intelligence Everywhere: The AI Economy”, with 8,000+ attendees, including startups, investors, and tech enthusiasts.
While speakers for 2026 are TBD, past participants have included Elie Habib (Anghami), Fadi Ghandour (Wamda Capital), and investors like 500 Global and Seed Group.
