The STEP Conference 2026 event will be held in Dubai Internet City from February 11 to February 12, 2026. The conference represents the 14th edition of STEP, one of the Middle East’s longest-running technology gatherings. The 2026 edition centers on the theme “Intelligence Everywhere: The AI Economy.” The focus is on how artificial intelligence is shaping businesses, markets, and digital infrastructure across the region.
STEP began more than a decade ago as a small series of workshops. Over time, it expanded into a large-scale technology festival attracting international participation.
STEP Conference 2026 Theme and Focus
The STEP Conference 2026 theme highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in daily operations rather than treating AI as a standalone sector. The program will examine how AI is being integrated into finance, product development, operations, and creative industries.
Conference sessions will emphasize applied technologies and real-world use cases. Discussions are structured to reflect how AI tools are becoming embedded in existing platforms and workflows used by companies and startups.
Attendance, Startups, and Industry Participation
Organizers expect more than 8,000 attendees at STEP Conference 2026. The event will host approximately 400 startups showcasing products and services. Over 100 companies are scheduled to participate through exhibitions, panels, and networking sessions.
The conference will feature four thematic tracks. These tracks explore intersections between technology, entrepreneurship, culture, and innovation within the AI-driven economy.
Investment Presence and Regional Impact
The STEP Conference 2026 event is expected to represent nearly $9 billion in available funding through the presence of investors, venture capital firms, and financial institutions. This funding presence reflects strong interest in regional startups and emerging technologies.
STEP Conference 2026 positions Dubai as a central meeting point for founders, investors, and technology leaders during a period of rapid AI adoption. The event continues to serve as a platform for collaboration across the Middle East’s evolving tech ecosystem.
Source: https://cairoscene.com/Business/STEP-Conference-2026-to-Focus-on-the-AI-Economy-in-Dubai