23 October 2024, Wed |
12:38 AM
GITEX GLOBAL 2024 concluded on Friday, highlighting AI’s pivotal role as a transformative force that will continue to reshape industries and drive global business and economic growth.
This year, the event witnessed an unprecedented turnout, with 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from over 180 countries—marking the highest international participation ever. The event attracted 200,000 visitors, further solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a premier global tech hub.
The 44th edition of GITEX GLOBAL, themed ‘Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy,’ set new benchmarks for innovation and business opportunities. It underscored the event’s critical role in shaping a technology landscape increasingly defined by AI adoption.
Over five days, numerous Memorandum of Understanding agreements were announced, with strategic deals poised to accelerate the growth of the global AI market, projected to reach USD $1,339.1 billion by 2030, according to Markets and Markets.
With over 40% new nations participating—including South Africa, Puerto Rico, and Vietnam—alongside Europe’s largest-ever presence, GITEX GLOBAL has forged new cross-regional partnerships among leading and emerging tech nations, further accelerating the growth of the AI ecosystem.
Each day of the mega event focused on key themes such as investment, cybersecurity, data centres, futuristic tech, and AI, reflecting the central pillars of the digital economy. As the UAE embraces the global tech ecosystem, GITEX GLOBAL enhances its position at the forefront of redefining the world’s digital landscape, with many organizations praising the event’s impact and focus on key trends.
Key Industry Impact and Strategic Outcomes at GITEX GLOBAL 2024
This week, major players like Oracle, Dell Technologies, and Microsoft showcased their latest innovations in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and edge computing. GITEX GLOBAL served as a catalyst for these industry giants to forge new partnerships, drive technological advancements, and contribute to the future of the global digital economy.
Nick Redshaw, Senior Vice President of Tech Cloud for the Middle East and Africa at Oracle, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s AI vision. He stated, “At GITEX, we celebrated 35 years of supporting the UAE’s growth ambitions with state-of-the-art local cloud infrastructure and the latest cloud technologies. Our focus on AI and multi-cloud innovation is geared toward solving complex business challenges and accelerating the UAE and wider Middle East’s AI economy.”
Oracle announced significant collaborations with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment and Mashreq Bank, highlighting GITEX GLOBAL as a premier platform for unveiling strategic innovations and driving digital transformation across the region.
Dell Technologies also emphasized the event’s importance, with Mohammed Amin, Senior Vice President, CEEMETA, stating, “Over the last four decades, GITEX GLOBAL has been a catalyst for advancing technological innovation across the Middle East. Our discussions with regional customers revealed a strong commitment to AI, with a clear vision and solid strategy for implementing innovative AI solutions to drive business forward.”
Meanwhile, Microsoft highlighted its initiatives to enhance the global digital economy. Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, shared, “We are proud to have launched the AI National Skilling Initiative at the show, in partnership with key government departments. This initiative empowers individuals and organizations with the skills needed to thrive in the new AI era.”
Catalyzing Change Through Strategic Dialogues on Global Digital Transformation
This edition of GITEX GLOBAL addressed pressing challenges and opportunities in AI, focusing on its applications across critical sectors shaping the global digital future. The event featured the first-ever World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit and debuted GITEX Editions, spotlighting innovation and fostering dialogue on AI regulation and economic strategies.
Cybersecurity emerged as a key theme, emphasizing the need to secure digital infrastructure amid evolving threats. The event showcased innovations like autonomous vehicles and AI advancements in the auto-tech industry, alongside discussions on the development of hyperscale, modular, and edge data centers.
GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 gathered industry leaders to explore AI’s impact on patient care and the future of healthcare. Discussions also revolved around 5G, EdTech, digital cities, and energy transitions, showcasing critical dialogues shaping the future of digital transformation.
Notable speakers included industry visionaries such as Jong-Soo Choi, CTO of Samsung Medical Centre, Stéphane Ouaki from the European Innovation Council, and Dr. Mark Sagar, Co-Founder of Soul Machines.
What’s Next?
GITEX GLOBAL is seamlessly connecting the world’s largest network of tech events, with upcoming GITEX AFRICA Morocco from 14-16 April and GITEX ASIA Singapore on 23-25 April. GITEX EUROPE Berlin will follow on 21-23 May 2025, leading to the debut of GITEX NIGERIA in September 2025. Each event will foster collaboration and drive innovation, shaping the tech landscape of tomorrow.
Looking ahead, GITEX GLOBAL 2025 is set to take place from 13-17 October, promising another year of heightened innovation and cross-collaboration within the tech industry. In 2026, GITEX GLOBAL will relocate to Expo City Dubai, further expanding its reach and impact.
