GITEX Tech Shows: Guide
Every year, GITEX Global and GITEX Africa show an impressive number of tech solutions from many countries. By 2025, GITEX Europe and Asia will join their ranks. Their whole brand is one of innovation across sectors that will define the future.
Want to learn how these events could help your business? Read this guide.
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What is the GITEX Tech Show?
The Gulf Information Technology Exchange (or GITEX Global) is the MENA region’s largest tech expo. It brings together experts from various sectors, with the “Global” in its name reflecting how far its influence reaches. In fact, it regularly attracts visitors from over 170 countries.
GITEX Global runs several of its own themed events and conference presentations. This allows it to engage with certain fields on a deeper level. It also co-hosts Expand North Star Dubai, a massive tech startup showcase. Here are the main events surrounding these two expos:
- AI Everything: The ethical use of AI is still quite a hot button topic. This event looks at a number of practical yet moral applications for this technology.
- Fintech Surge: An event to discuss fintech and paytech, including its rapid growth in the Middle East. Brings together banks, investors, and regulators.
- Marketing Mania: Looks at disruptive marketing tech. This includes how companies can integrate emerging technologies into their marketing goals.
- Future Blockchain Summit: Also about fintech, but with a much bigger focus on crypto. Arguably the biggest blockchain conference worldwide.
- Global DevSlam: A massive coding event full of challenges and hackathons. These will encompass quite a wide range of programming languages.
- GITEX Impact: This event looks at climate tech. For example, how venture capital firms can invest in a brighter future and build sustainable firms.
The History of GITEX
GITEX started as GITE (though with the same full name) in 1981. Its first show was at the Dubai World Trade Center, where it has remained ever since. This was shortly after IBM launched their first personal computer. Nobody at the expo could predict just how big GITEX (and the sector in general) would become.
The first show had 46 exhibitors. Its second had 70. By 1995, there were 350 experts showing a range of incredible tech solutions. GITEX also hosted Windows 95’s regional launch that year. In 2010, GITEX stood as the third-largest technology showcase worldwide. Today, it’s perhaps the biggest display of AI, cyber-security, blockchain, and other similar fields.
Over the years, GITEX has played host to incredible innovations. In 2022, it showed a VTOL car from XPeng Motors. At the 2019 show, Dubai Police unveiled a floating smart station that needs no human officers. In 2017, Dexon Systems even showcased its video walls and 4K tech.
GITEX became GITEX Global in 2022. This move was to reflect just how many countries attend this event each year. In recent years, they have also planned a number of further expos around the world.
How Many GITEX Tech Shows Are There Worldwide?
There are currently two active GITEX shows, with another two set to debut in 2025. GITEX aims to bring its prestige to other growing or already-giant tech economies. Each one has North Star and AI Everywhere events of their own. Here are the GITEX shows you need to know about:
1. GITEX Global
The original event will go ahead in 2024 at Dubai’s World Trade Center. North Star’s “pre-show” will be between the 13th and 16th of October. GITEX Global itself begins on the 14th, continuing until the 18th.
Exhibitors so far include Adobe, Fortinet, HP, Norton/Avast, and more from across the globe. It’s set to focus on blockchain gaming, the future of money, green batteries, and AI digital twins.
2. GITEX Europe
GITEX’s first European event will run from 21-23 May 2025. Details on the exhibitors are scarce, but we know they plan to host it in Berlin. Specifically, the Messe Berlin venue, which plays host to massive tech fairs every year.
Germany is Europe’s largest economy, making it a natural choice for the event. In many ways, it acts as a central hub for the continent’s innovations.
3. GITEX Africa
GITEX launched its North African show in 2023. Its 2025 show will take place at the Mövenpick Hotel in Marrakech between the 14th and 16th of April. Through this event, GITEX aims to bring Africa’s digital economy into a new golden age.
Events will focus on how Africa can implement AI to create jobs and scale its broadband across the continent.
4. GITEX Asia
GITEX Asia debuts at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands resort between the 23rd and 25th of April. This makes it the first non-MENA version of the event. They mainly chose Singapore because of its status as an “unrivalled hub for innovation”.
Once again, there are few details on its upcoming exhibitors. But events will discuss smart cities and the Asian Fast 100 Index, as well as Manufacturing 4.0.
How Can You Apply for GITEX Shows?
The application process is mostly the same between each GITEX show. If you want to attend as a visitor, you can buy passes close to the event’s start date. Since early bird tickets are cheaper, it pays to be prompt.
Exhibitors, however, have to fill in a form that outlines their business. This includes which sector it best fits into. With this information, the GITEX team can figure out where your booth will be. If you’re showing AV systems, for example, you’ll likely be with telecommunications firms.
After you fill in the form, a GITEX advisor will get in touch to discuss the details. This will include the booth’s price. GITEX also offers visa assistance for anyone who needs help getting into the country.
Final Thoughts
The GITEX exposition is a great fit for tech companies of all kinds. It might be worth applying as an exhibitor to more than one of these events. This lets you stand shoulder-to-shoulder with an impressive range of startups, investors, and thought leaders.
If you work in tech and are looking towards the future, GITEX could help your business thrive.
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