GITEX GLOBAL 2024: A Catalyst for the AI Economy

GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and startup event, takes center stage in the UAE for its 44th edition, poised to redefine the global digital economy and AI ecosystem. Set to occur at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from October 14-18, this year’s event promises to be more influential than ever, transforming the UAE into an AI universe epicenter.

 A Global Agenda for Tomorrow’s AI Economy

According to Fortune Business Insights, the global AI market is projected to reach $621 billion in 2024 and soar to $2.7 trillion by 2032. With such significant impact, AI takes center stage at GITEX GLOBAL 2024, featuring over 3,500 enterprises showcasing breakthrough innovations in AI, IoT, data, and the cloud.

Among the exhibitors is TECOM Group PJSC, celebrating its 25th year at GITEX GLOBAL. Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group, emphasized, “Dubai’s pro-innovation frameworks are the bedrock of tech advancements that serve a greater purpose. GITEX GLOBAL is a springboard to unlock this potential, connecting innovators from over 3,500 companies across fields like AI, Web3, and digital transformation.”

The event will also highlight Abu Dhabi’s most influential companies, including the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and G42 Group. Notable tech giants like Adobe, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, Dell, Google, and Microsoft are among the participants.

GITEX GLOBAL will deliver over 120 hours of AI and deep tech-focused content, addressing critical topics in Future Health, Digital Finance, and EdTech. In response to the rapid pace of AI adoption and soaring data storage demand, the event is introducing the region’s largest Data Centre Symposium, featuring industry leaders like Datalec, NTT Data, and Schneider Electric.

Looking ahead, GITEX GLOBAL will build anticipation for the upcoming AI Everything Global 2025, scheduled for February 4-6 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, aimed at creating an innovative and responsible AI industry.

 Fast-Tracking the Next Generation of Startups

Expand North Star, the world’s largest startup and investment event, will coincide with GITEX GLOBAL, connecting innovative founders with new markets and influential investors managing over $1.2 trillion in Assets Under Management (AUM). This event seeks to redefine the future of money, blockchain, and creativity through co-located events such as GITEX Impact, Fintech Surge, and Future Blockchain Summit. The Supernova Challenge 2.0, the largest startup pitch competition, will also take place, offering a $200,000 prize pool for winners.

 Historic International Involvement

GITEX GLOBAL 2024 is set to welcome the highest international attendance in its history, with over 400 government and digital development agencies participating. Notably, this year features the largest European representation, with over 35 countries exhibiting alongside more than 1,000 SMEs and 450 startups from debuting nations such as Austria, Ireland, and Lithuania.

Rising digital nations from Latin America and Southeast Asia will also contribute to the record international presence, alongside longstanding participants like China, Japan, and India. The event welcomes the European Innovation Council, Europe’s largest deep-tech investor, promoting entrepreneurship and international business development.

 An Action-Packed Agenda

Over its six-day duration, GITEX GLOBAL will showcase industry-defining programs, including GITEX Editions, an exclusive platform for late-stage advanced tech companies. The World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit will feature global innovators discussing critical technology priorities, while GITEX Cyber Valley will spotlight cybersecurity challenges, with experts forecasting damage costs reaching $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.

Leo Chen, Corporate Senior Vice President at Huawei, stated, “GITEX GLOBAL offers a unique platform for us to engage in meaningful dialogues about trends and perspectives on industrial intelligence.”

Under the theme “Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy,” GITEX GLOBAL 2024 welcomes the world’s largest tech enterprises, governments, investors, startups, and researchers.

Expand North Star runs concurrently at Dubai Harbour from October 13-16, hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. With over 6,500 exhibiting companies, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from over 180 countries, these blockbuster events aim to strategically propel the next generation of AI-driven technologies in the UAE.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, remarked, “At GITEX GLOBAL, we shall close the year with significant manoeuvres from our tech community, doubling down on global collaborations. With international participation rocketing by almost 40 percent, it’s a barometer of the unstoppable ambitions of rising digital nations forging their paths into the global AI economy.”