GITEX GLOBAL And Expand North Star Aim To Boost AI Economy, Projected To Reach $2.7 Trillion By 2032

Next week, the UAE will be at the forefront of the technology world as it hosts the 44th edition of GITEX GLOBAL, the world's premier tech and startup event. This year's showcase, under the banner "Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy," is set to significantly influence the digital economy and AI ecosystem globally.

The event will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from October 14-18, showcasing an array of innovations across 38 halls with participation from over 6,500 companies, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from more than 180 countries.

In parallel, Expand North Star, the world's leading startup and investment show, will unfold at Dubai Harbour from October 13-16. This event, organized by DWTC and hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, connects innovative global founders with new markets and a significant pool of investors and venture capitalists. With a collective Assets Under Management (AUM) exceeding $1.2 trillion, participants include notable names like SOSV, Bessemer Ventures, and the European Innovation Council.

Unprecedented International Participation

This year, GITEX GLOBAL 2024 is set to witness its most significant international presence to date, with over 400 government and digital development agencies worldwide participating. The event will see the largest European representation ever, with more than 35 countries exhibiting, alongside more than 1,000 SMEs and 450 startups from countries making their debut, including Austria and Portugal. This extensive international involvement underscores the event's global appeal and the burgeoning interest in AI and digital technologies from emerging digital nations in Latin America, Central, and Southeast Asia.

The global AI market, as reported by Fortune Business Insights, is on an exponential growth trajectory, projected to hit $621 billion by 2024 and skyrocket to $2.7 trillion by 2032. GITEX GLOBAL 2024 positions itself at the heart of this booming industry, featuring over 3,500 enterprises that will unveil the latest in AI, IoT, data, and cloud technologies. Significant contributions will come from industry giants like Adobe, Alibaba Cloud, AWS, and Google, cementing the event's status as a pivotal platform for tech innovation.

Springboard for Innovation and Collaboration

TECOM Group PJSC, marking its 25th year at GITEX GLOBAL, epitomizes the event's role as a catalyst for technological advancement and innovation. Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group PJSC, emphasizes Dubai's commitment to pro-innovation frameworks, highlighting GITEX GLOBAL as an essential launchpad for connecting innovators across various sectors. Similarly, Abu Dhabi's leading entities like the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and G42 Group will showcase the emirate's burgeoning status as a global AI hub.

The comprehensive agenda of GITEX GLOBAL not only caters to the present but also sets the stage for future advancements in AI. With over 120 hours of AI and deep tech-focused content, the event facilitates critical discussions on AI's role in sectors like health, finance, and education. The introduction of the region's largest Data Centre Symposium and the anticipation-building for AI Everything Global 2025 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai further highlight the event's strategic vision for a technologically advanced future.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, encapsulates the essence of GITEX GLOBAL, stating, "At GITEX GLOBAL in Dubai, we shall close the year with significant manoeuvres from our tech community by doubling down on global collaborations and intensive engagements amongst all involved. Through these efforts, we shall forge competitive advantages in the race towards regional and international digital supremacy." With international participation surging by almost 40%, GITEX GLOBAL echoes the unstoppable ambition of emerging digital nations to carve their paths in the global AI economy.

As GITEX GLOBAL unfolds, it promises to be a microcosm of the global tech landscape, featuring exclusive platforms like GITEX Editions for advanced tech companies and a summit that brings together digital leaders to address the future of technology. The event's cybersecurity showcase, GITEX Cyber Valley, hosted by the UAE Cyber Security Council, adds another layer of relevance, addressing the critical issue of global cybercrime risks.

Leo Chen, Corporate Senior Vice President & President of Enterprise Sales at Huawei, expressed enthusiasm for the event's collaborative potential, stating, "GITEX GLOBAL offers a unique platform for us to engage in meaningful dialogues with industry peers about the trends and perspectives on industrial intelligence. We look forward to sharing our insights and learning from others to explore the endless possibilities of industrial digital and intelligent transformation."