RAY DARGHAM, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER OF STEP ON THE FESTIVAL'S 13TH EDITION

Step is on its 13th year, can you walk us a little with the numbers surrounding this edition?

This year, we're bringing a bigger and better Step than ever before. We've already secured over 400 pioneering startups, hundreds of companies, and more than 350 influential speakers. We’re looking at a gathering of over 8,000 attendees from around the world, alongside a funding landscape of $9 billion USD.

To capture the latest industry trends, we’re introducing five new tracks: Founders & Funders, focused on scaling startups and securing investments; AdTech 2.0, exploring AI-driven advertising and brand safety; AI Agents, diving into AI’s transformative role across industries; FinTech for SMBs, highlighting fintech solutions for small and medium businesses; and PropTech, hosted by the Dubai Land Department, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in real estate tech.

These additions are set to elevate the Step experience and further strengthen the region’s tech ecosystem.

Everyone has AI on their minds, and whereas everyone is using it one way or the other, no one is even sure what to make of it. Any thoughts?

AI's everywhere, and nobody's quite sure what to do with it yet. The real deal isn't whether to jump on the AI bandwagon, but how to ride it like a pro. It's not about replacing human smarts; it's about supercharging them. Those who crack the code on using AI to automate, innovate, and elevate will lead the pack.

At Step, we're driving the convo on how AI reshapes business and innovation, ensuring everyone's ready to master this tech wave.

This year Step has specialised panels about the future of advertising namely Adtech 2.0, where do you see things going in the region specifically?

Advertising in MENA is evolving at breakneck speed. AI, privacy regulations, and first-party data are completely transforming the landscape. Brands are moving toward hyper-personalised, AI-driven campaigns, making advertising more targeted than ever.

We’re also seeing a surge in retail media, where brands use their own platforms to advertise directly to consumers, reducing reliance on traditional ad channels. At the same time, the demand for Arabic-first digital content is surging, opening up major opportunities for brands to connect with audiences in more meaningful ways.

AdTech 2.0 at Step is all about what’s next—how brands, agencies, and platforms can stay ahead in a space that’s evolving almost daily.

Step labels itself the “heartbeat of tech” yet nothing devalues more fast than technology, do you even see yourself not being connected in today’s world?

Step's "heartbeat of tech" label reflects tech's rapid evolution, not its decline. Disconnecting from technology today seems unlikely because it's so woven into our lives for convenience, work, and social interaction. As tech changes, we adapt to new forms of connectivity rather than disconnecting. It's about evolving with tech, not opting out.

H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei, the UAE minister of entrepreneurship is joining step this year, can you talk to us more about this spirit in the Emirates?

The UAE has built a world-class innovation ecosystem, and having H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei join us at Step is a testament to how seriously the region takes entrepreneurship and economic diversification.

The Emirates have long positioned themselves as a hub for startups, venture capital, and digital transformation, with initiatives that foster business growth, investment, and technological advancement. From funding programs and accelerators to regulatory support, there’s a strong commitment to nurturing a globally competitive startup landscape.

At Step, we see this firsthand—startups here aren’t just looking to scale locally; they’re building global businesses. The presence of visionary leaders like H.E. Alia Bint Abdulla Al Mazrouei reinforces this vision, as we work toward a future where entrepreneurs thrive and innovation drives economic progress.

With Step fostering so many startups, do you have any idea what sets a promising startup from a bust?

There's no single blueprint for success, but thriving startups often share several key characteristics: they solve real problems, understanding that no idea is inherently bad; sometimes, it's just a matter of timing. An idea might be ahead of its time or introduced when the market isn't ready, but that doesn't mean it's without merit. These startups are quick to adapt, recognizing when to pivot or double down based on market shifts, tech evolution, and challenges, illustrating the importance of timing. They also have a solid revenue model because even with funding, without a clear path to making money, it's a risky venture. And of course, none of this works without the right team—great ideas are nothing without the right people to bring them to life. Over the last 13 years at Step, we've seen startups go from launch to funding to global success, where the standout ones don't just have a great idea; they execute, refine, and push forward relentlessly, understanding that timing can be as critical as the idea itself, and today's "bad" idea might be tomorrow's breakthrough, all depending on when you make your move.