GITEX 2025: Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed inaugurates world's largest tech and AI event

The 45th edition of GITEX Global opens with record-breaking participation, reinforcing the UAE’s rise as a global digital leader under the direction of its Presidency and the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum .

GITEX 2025 inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed

GITEX Global 2025 officially opened its doors on October 13 at the Dubai World Trade Centre , launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. Now in its 45th edition, the event has reached new heights in scale and ambition, solidifying its reputation as the world’s largest technology and artificial intelligence showcase.

Mohammed bin Rashid, accompanied by Hamdan, Maktoum, and Ahmed bin Mohammed, opens the 45th edition of GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest technology and artificial intelligence event. Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event runs until 17 October, highlighting the latest… pic.twitter.com/Hu1khn9bti

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 13, 2025

Sheikh Mohammed’s inauguration was marked by a high-level delegation of key UAE leaders, including:

• H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai
  
• H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
  
• H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council
  
• H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum – President of the UAE National Olympic Committee

Running from October 13 to 17, the five-day event reflects the UAE’s determination to be at the forefront of global digital progress, placing a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, computing power, digital governance, and data integration.

Sheikh Mohammed’s vision: Building a digital economy for the future
In a strong statement of intent during the opening, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum outlined the UAE’s ambitions in leveraging advanced technologies to shape a future-ready economy.

“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 said.

He further highlighted Dubai’s commitment to ensuring digital transformation becomes a key economic pillar:

“In Dubai, we have an ambitious vision to raise the annual contribution of digital transformation to the emirate’s economy to AED100 billion by 2033, and we are moving confidently towards achieving this goal.”

Addressing the unprecedented global turnout, Sheikh Mohammed said:

“We welcome more than 6,800 tech companies and 2,000 startups from 180 countries to an event that has become the world’s leading meeting point for technology pioneers and a hub for building new bridges of communication that open unprecedented horizons for growth and progress.”

He described GITEX Global as more than just a technology exhibition:

“GITEX has evolved beyond being a gathering of technology leaders from East and West—it has become a global movement 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.”
Unprecedented record breaking participation
This year’s GITEX Global has broken all previous records in terms of scale and diversity. The event features:

• 6,800+ technology companies
  
• 2,000 startups
  
• 1,200 investors
  
• 1,400+ international speakers
  
• Participation from over 180 countries
  
  

These numbers underscore the UAE’s growing stature as a magnet for innovation and as a trusted platform for cross-border collaboration, policymaking, and private-public partnerships.

Beyond numbers, the event acts as a central venue for governments, enterprises, innovation hubs, and entrepreneurs to demonstrate AI-powered solutions that support economic diversification and long-term sustainability.

GITEX Global 2025 also complements key UAE strategic objectives, aligning with initiatives such as the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, and the UAE Vision 2031. The event sets the tone for the next decade of digital transformation—both regionally and globally.
Groundbreaking innovations and global tech showcases
As part of the inauguration, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid toured an array of pavilions and exhibits, engaging directly with the innovations shaping future industries. His visits included some of the world’s top technology companies and emerging innovators.

Highlights of the tour included:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS), IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Huawei, G42 and e& – Showcasing the latest in AI, cloud computing, quantum computing, and digital transformation
  
• Cisco Systems and Siemens – Presenting AI solutions and digital sustainability technologies
  
• European Innovation Council Pavilion – Featuring 15 high-potential innovation-led companies seeking cross-border partnerships
  
  

At the e& pavilion, Sheikh Mohammed explored some of the most futuristic displays, including:

• Flying cars and electric air taxis (eVTOLs)
  
• AI-powered autonomous vehicles
  
• Robotics solutions for urban mobility and industrial use
  
  

The tour also included visits to government and civic booths, including the General Directorate for Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Community Development Authority, both showcasing smart and AI-driven solutions aimed at enhancing service delivery, accessibility, and inclusivity.

These showcases not only highlight Dubai’s role as a testbed for emerging technologies but also demonstrate its commitment to embedding innovation into everyday public services.