The 44th edition of GITEX Global ran from October 14–18 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), concurrent with Expand North Star, organized by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy at the Dubai Harbour.
Amid the booming global artificial intelligence market, both events presented a rich array of artificial intelligence-focused activities and presentations, drawing significant international attention. Participation from overseas surged by 40%, with over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors representing more than 180 countries.
This year’s GITEX Global saw the highest European participation to date, with over 35 European countries in attendance. Additionally, countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Austria, and Ireland made their debut, showcasing over 1,450 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups.
AI at the forefront
AI was the central theme of GITEX Global 2024, with more than 3,500 companies exhibiting their latest innovations across AI, IoT, data, and cloud technologies. This aligns with global trends, with the AI market projected to grow from USD 621 billion in 2024 to USD 2.7 trillion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights.
Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE minister of economy, delivered a keynote at the World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit, where he outlined the UAE’s strategic efforts to drive innovation and enhance competitiveness, positioning the country as a global leader in the new economy. The UAE’s AI market reached USD 3.47 billion last year, and the non-oil sector’s contribution to GDP rose to 74% in 2024. The country aims to increase this figure to 80% by 2030, further solidifying its role as a global hub for research and development.
China’s growing presence at GITEX Global
Chinese companies made a notable impact at GITEX Global, with over 260 firms—from tech giants to startups—seizing the opportunity to showcase their latest breakthroughs and explore opportunities in the Middle East.
A highlight was Xpeng Aeroht’s debut of its land-air integrated flying car, which attracted VIP guests including Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO of Emirates Group. In an interview with 36Kr Global, Qiu Mingquan, vice president of Xpeng Aeroht, revealed plans to launch pre-sales of the flying car by the end of the year, with the first public flight in the Middle East scheduled for 2025. Qiu emphasized the region’s high demand for innovative technologies and its strong purchasing power, positioning it as a priority market for Xpeng’s global expansion.
Many other Chinese companies also came to GITEX to showcase their latest technologies and products, including portable power brand EcoFlow, social app Soul, VR headset brand Viture, and data collection equipment manufacturer Seuic. For these companies, this was their first time exhibiting at GITEX Global, using the opportunity to conduct market research and explore future expansion into the Middle East.
For seasoned Chinese exhibitors, GITEX Global has become a valuable platform for building partnerships and finding new distribution channels. Sunmi Technology, which provides internet-of-things solutions for businesses, has been active in the Middle East for eight years, participating in GITEX Global annually. Its bestselling product in the region is a tablet supporting QR code and card payments, widely used across the hospitality and delivery sectors.
Other companies, such as Tozed Kangwei, a leading Wi-Fi router manufacturer, have also leveraged GITEX Global to expand their Middle Eastern presence. The company’s global shipments of 4G and 5G CPE devices rank just behind Huawei and ZTE. Despite its relatively low profile in China, Tozed Kangwei has been participating in GITEX Global for nearly a decade, and the event has been instrumental in their international success.
Pudu Robotics, another Chinese exhibitor, showcased its cleaning robots, attracting interest from local buyers. Its wall-climbing cleaning robot, in particular, garnered attention due to the labor shortages and extreme heat in the region, making automation a necessity.
Setting up the Middle East as a hub for global innovation
GITEX Global, as one of the world’s most well-known tech exhibitions, has once again demonstrated the Middle East’s growing role in the global tech landscape. The event serves as a critical platform for companies looking to enter the region or use it as a springboard to international markets. The UAE’s ambition to become a leader in AI, coupled with its openness to global partnerships, creates fertile ground for innovation-driven companies from around the world.
Next year, GITEX Global will expand further with the launch of GITEX Asia in Singapore, scheduled for April 23–25, 2025.