In a resounding message of innovation and ambition, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, declared the UAE’s steadfast commitment to leading the global digital transformation as he inaugurated GITEX Global 2025 on Monday.
The world-renowned technology and artificial intelligence showcase — hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre — brings together more than 6,800 exhibitors from over 170 countries, reaffirming Dubai’s status as a global meeting point for digital pioneers, entrepreneurs, and investors.
A Defining Moment for the AI Era
This year’s GITEX places a sharp spotlight on the accelerating rise of artificial intelligence, exploring how AI continues to reshape the world’s economic and technological landscape. Global tech powerhouses including Alibaba Cloud, G42, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, and Siemens headline the event, unveiling cutting-edge solutions that bridge innovation with impact.
As Sheikh Mohammed toured the exhibition floors, the message was clear — AI is not the future; it is the foundation of the UAE’s digital economy.
A Vision to Build an Integrated Digital Economy
Speaking through the Dubai Media Office, Sheikh Mohammed 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.”
He underscored Dubai’s ambitious plan to increase the annual contribution of digital transformation to its economy to AED 100 billion (USD 27.23 billion) by 2033, a bold target that aligns with the nation’s broader vision to diversify beyond traditional sectors and embrace a future powered by technology.
A Global Movement of Innovation
Accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, Sheikh Mohammed toured several national and international pavilions showcasing advancements in AI, cloud computing, quantum computing, and other emerging technologies.
Reflecting on GITEX’s journey since its launch in 1981, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted how the event has evolved from a regional exhibition into a global movement that unites innovation leaders from East and West.
“GITEX has grown beyond being a gathering of technology leaders — it has become a global platform that reflects the UAE’s determination to lead change, turn challenges into opportunities, and create strategic partnerships that strengthen our position as a central hub of the global digital economy,” he said.
The Gulf’s Digital Ambition
For the Gulf region, Dubai’s leadership at GITEX Global underscores a wider narrative — the Middle East is no longer a consumer of innovation but a creator of it. The UAE’s strategy aligns with regional efforts to harness digital infrastructure, AI, and smart governance to drive sustainable economic growth.
With projects spanning smart cities, cloud transformation, and digital government services, Dubai continues to inspire other Gulf nations in their own technological evolution.
From Vision to Action
GITEX Global 2025 stands as more than a technology showcase — it is a statement of intent. Under Sheikh Mohammed’s vision, the UAE is building an agile, knowledge-driven economy that embraces innovation as a way of life.
As The Gulf Talk observes, this year’s GITEX is not just about unveiling the next big idea — it’s about defining how the Gulf, led by the UAE, will shape the world’s digital future.
