GITEX GLOBAL 2024: Historic opening day marked by record international participation and capacity crowds at key events

• Entire international tech ecosystem descended on Dubai to mark the start of GITEX GLOBAL 2024 – the world’s largest and best-rated tech event
• Innovative showcases and GITEX Editions & European Innovation Council pavilion launches also star on “Tech Investor Day”
• “AI Super Tuesday” next up at GITEX GLOBAL 2024

Dubai, UAE – 14 October 2024:

International audiences enjoyed a memorable first day at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 on Monday as the world’s largest and best-rated tech event kicked off in sensational fashion, setting the stage for an unforgettable week of breakthrough tech showcases. Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 14-18 October, GITEX GLOBAL presents a record-breaking edition in its 44th year. It welcomes over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors, alongside governments from more than 180 countries – the highest-ever international participation at GITEX GLOBAL, comprising enterprises, experts, investors, startups, academia, researchers, and the entire global tech ecosystem.

Eagerly Awaited Exhibitions and Events

Across a capacity-crowd venue, international audiences became acquainted with a wide variety of incredible innovations on Day 1 of GITEX GLOBAL 2024. UAE technology group G42 presented its Intelligence Grid immersive experience, enabling visitors to discover how AI can power every aspect of future life as a ‘super utility’. Lenovo showcased its new range of hardware and cloud solutions equipped with transformative AI capabilities, while e& displayed some of the world’s most mind-blowing prototypes in tech. One of the highlights was the XPeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car, allowing audiences to explore how such innovations represent a historic opportunity to revolutionize aviation and personal transportation.

With five incredible themes across five unmissable days this year, “Tech Investment Day” was first up, with the World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit among the many shows that drew huge crowds and received widespread audience acclaim. In a special briefing, His Excellency (H.E.) Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member & UAE Minister of Economy, addressed attendees during ‘Rise of the New Economy: AI & Emerging Industries’. This session delved into the UAE’s strategic initiatives fostering innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning the country as a global leader in the new economy.

With the UAE’s non-oil sector accounting for 74% of national gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, H.E. Al Marri reaffirmed the Ministry of Economy’s ambitious plans for the years ahead, insisting: “We are in the business of breaking records. We’ve already achieved a non-oil sector that accounts for 74% of GDP – this record has never happened before in our country’s history. The UAE’s environment and ecosystem attracts people from around the globe – and the target now is to reach 80% by 2030 and become an R&D hub for the world.”

Leadership Insights on AI

Several leadership sessions were held throughout the Monday schedule, with H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President & Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), sharing key insights during ‘AI Leadership: Steering Societal Transformation’. AI socio-economic implications were discussed alongside global AI leadership, models, governance, and regulation.

Elsewhere on a historic opening day celebrating GITEX GLOBAL’s record-extending 44th edition, new industry-defining programs were also launched – including GITEX Editions, an exclusive platform for late-stage advanced tech companies and a premier hub for unicorns, soonicorns, and rhinos.

GITEX Editions connects 59 top global unicorns and was attended by H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications, who also addressed attendees during another applauded leadership session – ‘The UAE As The Sandbox For Pragmatic AI Regulation And Policy Development’.

Focus on AI and Cybersecurity

The year’s most impactful discussions surrounding AI’s future in society and industry attracted high visitor numbers. The discussions highlighted the need to balance AI’s potential with creativity and human intuition, examined during sessions like ‘Regulating Tech: The Intersection of Tech, Crime and Law’.

Didier Jacobs, Head of ICT & Chief AI Officer at Europol, emphasized the need for heightened collaboration and cooperation to overcome challenges and solve international crime, stating: “Cybercrime knows no borders. There are many technologies that can be misused for hacking, extortion, sabotage, illegal transactions, and so on. What’s needed are solutions – a blend of increased human collaboration and technology deployment is essential.”

European Participation at GITEX GLOBAL

As this week marks the largest-ever European participation at GITEX GLOBAL, with 38 European countries exhibiting alongside over 1,000 SMEs and more than 450 startups, the European Innovation Council pavilion was officially launched to commemorate the milestone. With debuting exhibitors from countries including Austria, Portugal, Latvia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Switzerland, Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, the organizer of GITEX GLOBAL, opened the brand-new site. This casts a unique spotlight on Europe’s AI, tech, and innovation advancements, alongside the cross-continental collaboration efforts currently underway.

What’s Next at GITEX GLOBAL 2024?

GITEX GLOBAL 2024 continues Tuesday with “Super AI Tuesday,” showcasing how AI is transforming business strategies, revolutionizing industries, and creating new growth opportunities across the globe. Up until Friday (October 18), attendees can explore the latest tech sector services and solutions being rolled out across Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

GITEX GLOBAL is seamlessly connecting with the world’s largest network of tech events, including GITEX EUROPE in Berlin, GITEX ASIA in Singapore, GITEX AFRICA in Morocco, and GITEX NIGERIA. These events are fostering collaboration and driving innovation to shape the tech landscape of tomorrow.

Additionally, DXB News Network is proud to be the official media partner for GITEX GLOBAL 2024, bringing the latest updates and insights from this monumental event.