16 October 2024, Wed |
4:26 AM
GITEX GLOBAL 2024 kicked off on Monday, marking the first day of the world’s largest and best-rated tech event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from October 14-18. This year’s event is record-breaking, featuring over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors, with participation from governments across more than 180 countries. This represents the highest-ever international participation at GITEX GLOBAL, which is in its 44th year.
Innovative Exhibits Take Center Stage
On the event’s opening day, attendees were treated to a variety of groundbreaking innovations. UAE technology group G42 showcased its immersive Intelligence Grid experience, demonstrating how AI could transform everyday life into a ‘super utility.’ Lenovo unveiled its latest hardware and cloud solutions featuring transformative AI capabilities, while e& presented some of the most remarkable prototypes in tech, including the XPeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car, which offers a glimpse into the future of aviation and personal transportation.
Key Themes and Insights
This year, GITEX GLOBAL features five engaging themes across five days, with “Tech Investment Day” kicking off the schedule. The World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit attracted large crowds, earning rave reviews. His Excellency Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, addressed attendees during the session titled ‘Rise of the New Economy: AI & Emerging Industries.’ He discussed the UAE’s strategic initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing competitiveness, positioning the country as a leader in the new economy.
Highlighting the UAE’s non-oil sector, which is projected to account for 74% of the national GDP in 2024, H.E. Al Marri stated, “We are in the business of breaking records. Our goal is to reach 80% by 2030 and become a global R&D hub.”
Leadership sessions throughout the day included insights from H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), who addressed the socio-economic implications of AI and its governance.
Launch of New Industry Programmes
In a historic move, GITEX GLOBAL launched new industry-defining programmes, including GITEX Editions, which connects 59 leading global unicorns. H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI, emphasized the importance of pragmatic AI regulation and policy development during a well-received leadership session.
The discussions surrounding AI’s future were well-attended, exploring transformative case studies across government, enterprise, and startups. Didier Jacobs, Chief AI Officer at Europol, emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration to tackle cybercrime, stating, “Cybercrime knows no borders. A blend of human collaboration and technology is essential.”
Celebrating European Participation
This year marks the largest European participation at GITEX GLOBAL, with 38 countries showcasing their innovations alongside over 1,000 SMEs and 450 startups. The European Innovation Council pavilion was inaugurated to highlight Europe’s advancements in AI and technology, featuring debuting exhibitors from Austria, Portugal, Latvia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Switzerland. Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, officially opened this new space, underscoring the continent’s collaborative efforts in technology.
What’s Next at GITEX GLOBAL 2024?
The event continues on Tuesday with “Super AI Tuesday,” focusing on how AI is transforming business strategies and creating new growth opportunities. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge tech services and solutions from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East through October 18.
GITEX GLOBAL seamlessly connects with a global network of tech events, including GITEX EUROPE in Berlin, GITEX ASIA in Singapore, GITEX AFRICA in Morocco, and GITEX NIGERIA, fostering collaboration and innovation to shape the future of technology.
