His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated the 45th edition of GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest and most influential event dedicated to artificial intelligence, technology, and innovation. The landmark exhibition, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, runs until 17 October, uniting the global digital ecosystem under one roof.
Accompanying His Highness during the inauguration were His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE; and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
UAE’s Vision for a Global Digital Economy
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid affirmed that the UAE continues to advance its development journey through the strategic adoption of modern technologies—particularly artificial intelligence—to build a robust digital economy. He emphasized the nation’s commitment to strategic investments in infrastructure, innovation, and future industries as key enablers of sustainable progress.
His Highness said: “We want the UAE to be a global model in building an integrated digital economy driven by innovation, knowledge and artificial intelligence, and to serve as an international platform accelerating technological and economic transformation. In Dubai, we have an ambitious vision to raise the annual contribution of digital transformation to the emirate’s economy to AED100 billion by 2033, and we are moving confidently towards achieving this goal.”
A Global Gathering of Technology Leaders
Highlighting the scale and global impact of GITEX GLOBAL, His Highness added: “We welcome more than 6,800 tech companies and 2,000 startups from 180 countries to an event that has become the world’s leading meeting point for technology pioneers and a hub for building new bridges of communication that open unprecedented horizons for growth and progress. It offers an ideal opportunity to forge new partnerships that accelerate digital transformation and establish the foundations for sustainable prosperity for future generations.”
His Highness underlined that GITEX has evolved beyond a traditional technology gathering, becoming a global movement that reflects the UAE’s determination to lead change, transform challenges into opportunities, and strengthen its position as a central hub of the global digital economy.
Exploring the Future of AI and Emerging Technologies
During his tour, His Highness and his accompanying delegation visited several national and international pavilions showcasing the latest innovations in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cloud, and digital infrastructure. Among the major exhibitors were Amazon Web Services (AWS), e&, G42, Huawei, IBM, Microsoft, and Oracle, each presenting cutting-edge technologies advancing the frontiers of digital transformation.
The delegation also visited the European Innovation Council pavilion, where His Highness was briefed on the participation of 15 leading innovation-driven companies exploring partnerships and commercialization opportunities. Visits to the Cisco Systems, Huawei, and Siemens pavilions highlighted solutions in AI, digitalization, and sustainability that are redefining industrial ecosystems.
At the e& pavilion, His Highness viewed future-focused innovations including flying cars, electric air taxis (eVTOLs), AI-powered autonomous vehicles, and advanced robotics. He also toured the stands of the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Community Development Authority, where smart AI-driven systems were on display to enhance service quality and citizen engagement—further cementing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s smartest and most inclusive cities.
With participation from over 6,800 companies and 400 government entities representing 180 countries, GITEX GLOBAL 2025 marks its largest edition to date. The event unites the world’s technology ecosystem to explore the future of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, digital infrastructure, and sustainability.
Artificial intelligence remains at the heart of this year’s edition, with global tech leaders unveiling new generative AI models, autonomous systems, and enterprise-grade applications transforming industries such as healthcare, energy, finance, and logistics.
A major highlight this year is the debut of the GITEX Quantum Expo, a specialized platform dedicated to the future of quantum computing, cryptography, and hybrid systems. Experts emphasized that advancements in quantum technology will soon redefine sectors ranging from cybersecurity and logistics to national defense and financial services.
Showcasing Dubai’s Leadership in Smart Innovation
The opening day also saw major announcements reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in smart mobility and urban innovation. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) unveiled its AI-powered “Trackless Tram”, an autonomous rail-less transport system designed to revolutionize sustainable mobility across the city. Meanwhile, the Dubai Police introduced next-generation AI-enabled patrol units and Smart Police Stations, showcasing the city’s commitment to intelligent public safety systems and real-time data integration.
Across the exhibition halls, companies presented innovations in cloud computing, semiconductors, data centres, and 5G connectivity—the backbone of the global AI expansion. A strong focus on sustainability and green infrastructure underscored the UAE’s national objectives for carbon-neutral growth and digital resilience.
Thought Leadership and Collaboration
Beyond the exhibition, GITEX GLOBAL 2025 serves as a high-level platform for policy dialogue, strategic collaboration, and future-shaping discussions. Government officials, regulators, and industry executives convened to address topics such as AI governance, digital sovereignty, and cybersecurity frameworks driving the global digital economy.
Keynote speakers on the opening day included Andrew Feldman, CEO of Cerebras Systems, and Ana Paula Assis, Senior Vice President of IBM Growth Markets, who shared insights on scaling AI infrastructure and promoting equitable digital transformation. Their sessions set the tone for a week of dialogue on emerging technologies and the evolving role of AI in business and governance.
The Expand North Star Ecosystem
Co-located with GITEX GLOBAL, Expand North Star once again emerged as the beating heart of the global startup ecosystem. Thousands of entrepreneurs, investors, and accelerators gathered for live pitches, mentorship programmes, and networking sessions. Early-stage ventures in AI automation, health tech, green mobility, and fintech drew significant investor attention, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a launchpad for innovation-driven economies and a magnet for venture capital investment.
A Global Convergence of Technology and Vision
The opening day of GITEX GLOBAL 2025 radiated innovation, ambition, and collaboration. As the doors of the Dubai World Trade Centre opened to thousands of visitors, it became clear that this year’s edition is not just an exhibition—it is a defining moment in the global technology dialogue. GITEX GLOBAL 2025 has positioned itself as a living ecosystem where governments, enterprises, and startups unite to accelerate digital transformation and shape the future of interconnected economies.
In the days ahead, participants will engage in thought leadership sessions, live demonstrations, and interactive showcases across flagship platforms including AI Everything, Fintech Surge, Future Blockchain Summit, Expand North Star, and the GITEX Quantum Expo. Each segment delves into the core forces reshaping our digital world—from AI ethics and data governance to cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and sustainable innovation—offering a panoramic view of how technology continues to redefine industries, societies, and economies worldwide.
