Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today inaugurated the 45th edition of GITEX Global, the world's largest technology and artificial intelligence showcase, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is scheduled to continue until 17th October.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was accompanied by prominent figures including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the UAE's commitment to advancing its development journey by embracing modern technologies and artificial intelligence to create a digital economy bolstered by strategic investments in infrastructure and future industries.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed stated the UAE's goal of becoming a global model for an integrated digital economy driven by innovation and artificial intelligence. He highlighted Dubai's vision to increase the annual contribution of digital transformation to the emirate's economy to AED100 billion by 2033, expressing confidence in achieving this target.
He also spoke about the global significance of GITEX Global, which welcomes over 6,800 tech companies and 2,000 startups from 180 countries. The event serves as a pivotal meeting point for technology pioneers, facilitating new partnerships that drive digital transformation and lay the groundwork for sustainable prosperity for future generations.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed remarked that GITEX has evolved from a technology leader gathering to a global movement demonstrating the UAE's determination to lead change and forge strategic partnerships to reinforce its position as a central hub of the global digital economy.
During his visit, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed and his delegation toured various pavilions showcasing innovations in AI, cloud computing, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies by leading companies like Amazon Web Services, Huawei, IBM, and Microsoft. The exhibits underscored the companies' roles in advancing digital transformation across technology-driven sectors.
In the company of H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed explored international and national pavilions at GITEX Global 2025. He visited the European Innovation Council pavilion, engaging with 15 innovation-driven companies exploring partnerships at the event. Tours included Cisco Systems, Huawei, and Siemens' pavilions, showcasing AI, digital transformation, and sustainability solutions.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also visited the e and pavilion to view future-focused technologies like flying cars and AI-powered autonomous vehicles. He explored the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs and the Community Development Authority pavilions to review AI-driven solutions enhancing Dubai's service quality and smart city status.
GITEX Global, in its 45th edition, emphasizes AI infrastructure development, global innovation acceleration, and international dialogue on policies supporting responsible AI economy growth. The event's agenda includes conferences, expert discussions, and interactive showcases, providing a platform for cross-sector collaboration that empowers decision-makers, drives innovation, and fosters sustainable digital growth.
The event acts as a catalyst for innovation and investment, uniting government entities, innovation hubs, and startups to showcase AI-powered solutions and services enhancing economic diversification and UAE's global competitiveness. GITEX Global continues to drive digital transformation regionally and globally, supporting strategies like the Dubai Economic Agenda, Dubai Blockchain Strategy, and UAE Vision 2031.