Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, plays an instrumental role in accelerating digital transformation across Dubai’s business landscape. The chamber’s strategy is closely aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), an ambitious roadmap that aims to generate US$ 27 billion annually through digital transformation projects and increase productivity by 50% through the adoption of innovative solutions.

Government initiatives such as the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence are focused on leveraging the benefits of AI across all sectors to build a future-ready economy. Dubai is also moving forward with plans to integrate AI tools to streamline government services, with applications in key sectors including healthcare, energy, and education. These bold steps reflect the city’s ambition to lead in AI infrastructure, innovation, and real-world implementation.

Advancing the growth of the digital sector remains a strategic priority. During 2024, the chamber facilitated the establishment and expansion of 1,210 digital startups, representing a 120% increase over the previous year. These businesses span high-impact technology fields and contribute significantly to Dubai’s innovation-driven economy.

One of the chamber’s key initiatives is Expand North Star, the world’s largest gathering of startups and investors. Hosted annually in Dubai during October, the event creates a unique platform for tech entrepreneurs to connect with investors, explore funding and partnership opportunities, and showcase their innovations on the global stage. 

Last year’s edition attracted more than 1,800 startups and 1,200 investors with assets under management exceeding US$ 1 trillion. Expand North Star brings the global tech community to Dubai, accelerating the transfer of technology and expertise and positioning the city as a hub for the digital economy.

As AI and other emerging technologies continue to reshape industries, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is committed to ensuring businesses of all sizes can successfully adapt, innovate, and compete. A key pillar of these efforts is helping local companies embrace digitalisation to drive growth, enhance efficiency, and unlock new market opportunities. 

Through a dynamic programme of events, workshops, and research, the chamber provides businesses with the knowledge and tools required to integrate advanced digital solutions into their operations. In 2024, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy organised 21 targeted events bringing together global experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. These sessions provided companies with strategic guidance and actionable insights to support digital adoption.

Complementing these efforts, the ‘Business in Dubai’ platform provides tailored support to startups and SMEs. By simplifying market entry and helping companies connect with business partners, investors, and the wider digital ecosystem, the chamber ensures they have access to the resources, services, and networks they need to scale and succeed.

Talent development forms another core pillar of the chamber’s strategy. Through initiatives such as Create Apps in Dubai, which provides training in coding and mobile application development, the chamber is building a skilled digital workforce and reinforcing the emirate’s global competitiveness. 
In addition, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy published six economic reports and studies in 2024, reflecting the dynamism and resilience of Dubai's digital economy, including a comprehensive guide designed to help startups navigate the fast-evolving digital landscape with clarity and confidence.

Dubai’s model offers valuable lessons for chambers of commerce worldwide. By aligning digital transformation with national economic priorities, fostering public-private collaboration, and investing in both infrastructure and talent, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy’s multifaceted approach demonstrates how chambers can serve as catalysts for innovation and support long-term competitiveness.

As the World Chambers Congress prepares to bring together chamber leaders to share knowledge and shape the future of business, Dubai’s experience highlights the vital role chambers can play in helping the business community embrace transformative technologies. Through a clear strategy and focused implementation, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy is not only advancing the local digital agenda; it is setting new benchmarks for innovation-led chamber leadership.