GITEX SCALEX – POWERED BY DWTC FREE ZONE

JUST THE BOLDEST 100 – FEW SPOTS REMAIN

100 GLOBAL TECH SCALEUPS.
1 EXCLUSIVE LAUNCHPAD.

Applications are now open for GITEX ScaleX — the official growth programme of Expand North Star 2025, designed to fast-track global scaleups into the MENA region.

Powered by Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone Authority, this curated, high-impact programme connects you directly with investors, enterprise buyers, and government partners, all within the world’s largest startup and tech event — Expand North Star.

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Unlock Special Advantages with DWTC Free Zone Offers

50% Discount on Licenses

New business set-ups can benefit from a 50% reduction on DWTC Free Zone license fees.

Access to DWTC Expo Village WorkHub

Members who sign up will receive 10 days of complimentary access to the DWTC Expo Village WorkHub.

Value-Added Services with Corporate Hub

Special discounted packages with Corporate Hub to provide practical support in tax, banking, and compliance for start-ups and new businesses.

Scaling Smarter: ScaleX Webinar Series

Session One: 3PM UAE TIME Monday 22nd September

Title: UAE Market Overview & Insights

Presenters: Omar Hassan andMaurice Tannas (Dubai Chamber)

Session Overview:In this session, participants will gain valuable insights into the sectors driving digital and tech growth in the UAE, alongside key regional economic trends and the evolving priorities of both government and private sector stakeholders. The discussion will also include a focused look at Dubai World Trade Centre Freezone, highlighting its role as a hub for international scaleups. Founders will be guided through the essential legal and regulatory considerations they must address when establishing their business in the UAE .

Session Two: 3PM UAE TIMEThursday 2nd October

Title: Investor Winning in the Gulf: Go-To-Market united Arab Emirates & Saudi Arabia  

Presenters: Omar Hassan and MCIT Saudi Arabia

Session Overview: The UAE & Saudi Arabia are the two fastest-growing tech markets in the Middle East, offering founders unmatched opportunities for scale, investment, and partnerships. In this session, founders will gain deep insights into the unique market dynamics, what makes them distinct, entry channels, and how to approach them effectively. How to structure a winning go-to-market strategy, execution playbook and common pitfalls to avoid. .

Session Three: 3PM UAE TIMEMonday 6th October

Title: Investor Readiness - The Right Investment Partner  

Presenters: Julien Plouzeau (Oraseya Capital) Omar Hassan  

Session Overview: Dubai has become a launchpad for international scaleups looking to access the Middle East, but securing the right investment partner is critical to scaling successfully. In this session, we will explore what investors look for when backing startups, the various options of capital available, and the key signals of readiness. .

Session Four: 3PM UAE TIMEWednesday 8th October 

Title: Partnering with Corporations in the UAE - What you Need to KnowPresenters: Dr Ankur Narang Associate Vice President – Innovation and Transformation ( apparel Group) / Omar Hassan (Global Growth Hub) 

Session Overview: Corporations in the UAE are actively seeking partnerships with innovative scaleups to drive innovation, meet government mandates, and stay ahead. In this session, we examine the strategic priorities of UAE corporates, the role of corporate innovation and procurement cycles in the Gulf, and success stories of startup-corporate partnerships. We also provide practical tips for founders navigating this journey.  

Session Five: 3PM UAE TIMEFriday 10th of October

Title: Maximising Your Impact at Expand North Star Dubai

Presenters: Peter Brady (DWTC) Omar Hassan (Global Growth Hub)

Session Overview: ENS is the World's largest gathering of startups, investors, and tech leaders, and for scaling into the region, it's a unique platform to build visibility, secure meetings and accelerate your growth. This session will equip founders with strategies to ensure they leave Expand North Star with tangible outcomes, not just business cards. 

 

Proven Impact: Startup Success Stories

Moove (Nigeria)

Scaled to 13+ markets, raised $460M, and reached a $750M valuation after participating in Expand North Star. Backed by Uber, Mubadala, and BlackRock.

Obo World (France)

Raised $20M post-event to expand their AI-powered virtual HR agents globally.

Encore Pay (UAE)

Partnered with ENOC to power ENOCPay, revolutionising payment experiences at fuel stations across the UAE.

Zaara Biotech (India)

Secured multiple funding rounds, established a UAE base, and launched FMCG products through regional partnerships.

PROGRAMME

DETAILS

Pre-show engagement:

4-week virtual workshop programme led by MENA experts

Dedicated access to the investor & corporate matchmaking platform

Curated warm intros to relevant VCs, CVCs, and enterprise buyers

Amplify your story with marketing & PR support

Book your free flight and hotel stay with our client relationship team

Personal coaching & localization to tailor your messaging for the MENA region

Onsite inclusions:

Present your brand at GITEX ScaleX by showcasing your latest innovations

1-2-1 meetings with investors, customers, and ecosystem partners

Access fast-track services for Golden Visa application

Join the Dubai Chambers Launchpad (market access programme) - Learn about Dubai’s zero-tax zones, business setup packages & incentives

Exclusive briefings with ministers, regulators, and tech leaders

Private lounge access at Expand North Star

Invitations to networking events and social events

Post-show involvement:

Ongoing support from Global Growth Hub and DCDE for market setup

Featured in the ScaleX Alumni directory for future GITEX events

Special invitations to international roadshows, embassy sessions & delegation trips

Programme Benefits

Before Expand North Star (6 weeks remote)

Before Expand North Star (6 weeks remote)

  • Market readiness sessions: legal, cultural, regulatory, and commercial
  • Sector deep dives across the GCC landscape
  • Personalised coaching
  • Navigation strategies for Expand North Star

During Expand North Star (Dubai, 4 days onsite):

  • Access to the exclusive ScaleX House arena within Expand North Star
  • Concierge support with pre-booked meetings
  • Curated intros 1,000+ global investors, UAE corporates, and government buyers
  • Brand visibility to 70k+ attendees


WHO SHOULD APPLY?

GITEX ScaleX is designed for venture-backed, fast-scaling companies with global ambitions. The community also includes investors, corporations, innovation agencies, and tech clusters, creating a powerful ecosystem for high-growth companies.

We’re looking for Series A+ companies , with strong product fit and active international expansion plans, interested in the MENA region as the next growth frontier.

Programme Cost: $4,795

Remote market access programme

GITEX ScaleX House participation (Meeting Space)

Return economy flights & 5 nights' hotel accommodation for 1 company representative

Full concierge meeting service

How to Apply?

Open application process for all qualifying companies. Limited to 100 companies only.

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Q&A – GITEX ScaleX

This programme is designed for companies that are ready to scale, ideally at Series A stage or beyond, with a minimum of $500–600K in annual recurring revenue. Additionally, applicants should have a serious interest in expanding into the UAE market.

The all-inclusive package is priced at $4,795. It covers return flights, hotel accommodation, investor meetings, a 2x2m exhibition space within the exclusive ScaleX area at Expand North Star, and full pre- and post-event support.

Not at all. While VC-backed companies are welcome, we also accept start-ups funded through family offices, private equity, or self-funding—as long as they’re ready to scale.

The package includes participation for one founder. You’re welcome to bring additional team members, but their costs will need to be covered by you. We will, however, provide complimentary conference passes for them.

The programme begins in September with four high-impact virtual sessions (90 minutes each), covering Market Launch, Commercial Planning, Investor Readiness, and Market Validation. This is followed by a four-day on-ground experience in Dubai from 12–15 October 2025 at Expand North Star, featuring live showcases, investor meetings, and networking opportunities.

Founders from all industries are encouraged to apply, with a focus on scalable technology-driven businesses.

Participants benefit from three months of post-programme support, including guidance on continuing conversations and navigating the UAE market entry process.

Applications close on 31st August 2025. Early applications are encouraged, as places are filling fast.

This isn’t just a market access programme. It offers direct access to UAE government entities, corporate partners, and a carefully curated ecosystem. Participants benefit from expert-led preparation, in-market support, and follow-up assistance—all backed by local authorities and stakeholders.

Yes. The UAE is prioritising green innovation, with both government bodies and major corporations actively seeking sustainable technologies and circular economy solutions.

The programme offers a comprehensive framework: expert-led webinars, one-on-one meetings with investors and corporates, hands-on support during the event, and follow-up engagement to help founders successfully expand in the region.

Participants gain access to over 6,000 enterprise exhibitors, government and corporate buyers, and potential investors. The heavily subsidised package—valued at $9,000–$12,000—is offered at just $4,795, making it a strategic opportunity for entering the Middle East market.

Dubai offers a dynamic tech ecosystem, world-class infrastructure, a zero corporate tax regime, robust government support for innovation, and unparalleled access to the broader MENA region.