His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, visited GITEX Global 2024, the world’s largest tech and startup event, which officially kicked off today at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Running from October 14 to 18, the 44th edition of GITEX Global has drawn over 6,500 exhibitors from more than 180 countries. This year’s event, themed ‘Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy,’ gathers the world’s top technology companies alongside governments, investors, researchers, experts, and startups. The expanded program cements the UAE’s position as a central player in the global artificial intelligence (AI) landscape.
During his tour of the exhibition, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum commented on the UAE’s forward-looking approach to economic growth, stating: “As the UAE embarks on a new phase of economic growth, driven by strategic investments in future industries, the nation is rapidly consolidating its position as a global hub for advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence. We have a clear vision to advance the UAE’s leadership in the global digital and technology landscape, making it the world’s most future-ready nation. The remarkable increase in international participation at GITEX Global is a testament to this vision. By fostering a culture of innovation and excellence, we are unlocking new opportunities for both established industry players and emerging entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. While we remain dedicated to nurturing homegrown talent and expertise, we are equally focused on forging strong partnerships with global technology leaders to accelerate progress and shape the future of this vital sector.”
He added, “GITEX Global 2024 also further accelerates the growth and innovation momentum created by our recent strategic initiatives like the ‘Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence.’ As the world’s top-ranked destination for foreign direct investment in AI, Dubai is creating an environment that nurtures innovation and empowers companies to explore the vast potential of emerging technologies.”
GITEX Global 2024 is set to play a significant role in advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double Dubai’s GDP and generate an annual contribution of AED100 billion through digital transformation by 2033.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s tour included visits to key pavilions showcasing cutting-edge AI solutions and technological innovations. Among them were industry giants such as Etisalat, Huawei, Oracle, G42, Microsoft, H3C, and IBM. His Highness engaged with industry leaders and experts, delving into the latest developments in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
Accompanying His Highness on the tour were Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; as well as various senior officials from government departments.
This year’s GITEX Global has seen the highest international participation in its history, with a nearly 40 percent surge in international attendees. More than 400 government and digital agencies have joined, alongside new participants from various nations debuting their groundbreaking technological innovations. The event will also feature over 120 hours of AI-focused content, and the launch of the region’s largest Data Centre Symposium, setting the stage for AI Everything Global 2025.
