Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, preparations have begun to relocate GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star to Expo City Dubai in 2026. The announcement was made under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The prestigious technology event will take place from 7 to 11 December 2026, marking a new chapter in its journey. Sheikh Hamdan also directed the organization of the world’s first and largest TechCation experience, combining technology and lifestyle through citywide activations.

The move supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position the city among the world’s top three urban economies. After 45 years of shaping Dubai’s role in global technology, GITEX GLOBAL is preparing to reshape the international tech events calendar with an edition that blends innovation, business, and lifestyle experiences.

TechCation will debut at the event, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a leading global destination. The city was ranked No. 1 in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Destinations Awards 2024.

The shift to December strategically aligns the event with Dubai’s peak tourism season. It allows international tech executives and investors to explore the city’s cultural and social offerings, encouraging longer and more immersive stays.

• Daily collaborations between technology and lifestyle sectors
• Enhanced partnerships across hospitality, sports, and eco-tourism
• Focus on creating unique staycation programs in Dubai

GITEX GLOBAL TechCation has been designed in line with the D33 Agenda, attracting global investors, technology leaders, and digital nomads. Dubai’s business-friendly environment, safety, and advanced infrastructure continue to drive its competitiveness.

In September 2025, Dubai ranked first globally in Greenfield FDI projects, attracting $11 billion in inflows during the first half of the year, according to the Dubai FDI Monitor. The city also secured No. 1 in the Savills Executive Nomad Index and No. 2 in the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index.

By drawing international talent, GITEX TechCation aims to strengthen Dubai’s standing as the world’s best city to live, work, and innovate.

The 2026 edition, titled GITEX 5.0, represents a major evolution. It will be hosted at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, which is undergoing a $2.7 billion expansion to become the region’s largest purpose-built indoor events venue.

The event will open on 7 December with the new GITEX Scale Summit, a platform for global leaders to discuss opportunities, trends, and policy frameworks shaping AI economies.

From 8 to 11 December, the exhibition will showcase frontier innovations in AI, quantum computing, biosciences, and advanced manufacturing, fostering collaboration across critical sectors.

GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star will reunite in one location, creating an integrated platform for technology giants, policymakers, startups, and investors.

Together, GITEX 5.0 and TechCation will redefine global tech events, merging next-generation technologies with Dubai’s innovation-driven lifestyle to inspire, connect, and accelerate the future.

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