Saeed Al Gergawi has served as the Vice President of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy since March 2023. In this executive capacity, he is responsible for steering the chamber's strategic initiatives to build the world’s best digital infrastructure, transform Dubai into a global digital economy capital, and foster the growth of the emirate’s tech ecosystem. His role emphasizes strengthening partnerships, defining the digital economy growth agenda, and promoting Dubai as a strategic hub for market expansion leveraging its advanced logistics and global connectivity.
Prior to his current role, Al Gergawi was the Director of the Dubai Future Academy, the capacity-building arm of the Dubai Future Foundation. His leadership there focused on developing future competencies and facilitating innovative ecosystem development in alignment with Dubai’s long-term strategic vision. He has also held the role of Program Director for the Mars 2117 initiative at the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), highlighting his involvement with cutting-edge technological and space exploration programs.
Al Gergawi is a member of the Dubai Youth Council, underscoring his engagement with youth development and innovation leadership within the emirate.
Strategic Focus and Contributions
- Digital Economy Growth & Infrastructure: Al Gergawi actively leads efforts to establish Dubai as a global capital of the digital economy. This includes commitment to projects like the Expand North Star initiative, which celebrated its tenth edition under his vice presidency. He underscores the event’s role in catalyzing startup formation and strengthening Dubai's position in the global digital landscape.
- Support for Startups: Under his vice presidency, the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy supported the establishment and expansion of 485 digital startups between Q1 and Q3 2024, and notably 308 startups in H1 2025, registering a 39% year-over-year growth. These figures reflect the chamber’s scalable and impactful ecosystem-building efforts.
- Artificial Intelligence and Innovation: He has publicly highlighted the importance of leveraging generative AI and other advanced technologies as essential for maintaining business competitiveness. Al Gergawi has personally led AI-driven transformations for legacy organizations, providing measurable impacts and sharing expertise on AI adoption.
- Global Positioning & Market Access: Al Gergawi articulates Dubai’s strategic position as a global business and logistics hub, emphasizing connectivity through DXB airport, Emirates Airlines, and flydubai. This positioning supports Dubai’s role as a preferred destination for tech companies and content creators seeking global market access.
Initiatives and Public Engagement
- Expand North Star Series: Al Gergawi regularly represents the chamber in promoting the Expand North Star summit, a platform for startups, investors, and business leaders. He credits the initiative with launching hundreds of startups and facilitating business matching events, which remain central to advancing Dubai’s tech ecosystem.
- Business Matching and Networking: He emphasizes the importance of facilitating engagement between Emirati entrepreneurs, the private sector, and international markets through structured events that support digital leapfrogging and global expansion.
- Memoranda of Understanding: Historically, Al Gergawi participated as a representative for the UK Foreign Minister in the General Assembly and has experience creating strategic MoUs on political consultations, illustrating diplomatic and high-level negotiation capabilities.
Additional Roles and Ventures
- Founder and chief beekeeper of Native, a Dubai-based startup focused on beekeeping and local ecosystem sustainability, highlighting a multifaceted leadership portfolio that includes environmental entrepreneurship.
Recent Highlights and Public Statements
- In January 2024, Al Gergawi emphasized Dubai’s trajectory towards becoming a creative economy powerhouse, supported by its ability to attract global talent and content creators.
- He consistently promotes the chamber’s commitment to building on successes like Expand North Star and advancing Dubai’s position as a digital economy leader in various interviews and media appearances.
- Al Gergawi actively communicates the importance of partnerships and communication with private sector stakeholders to define and implement the digital economy growth agenda for 2024 and beyond.
- His recent comments as of mid-2025 reflect ongoing support for accelerating digital startup ecosystems and AI integration across business sectors.
LinkedIn Profile: [http://www.linkedin.com/in/saeedalgergawi](http://www.linkedin.com/in/saeedalgergawi)
