GITEX Global, one of the world’s most anticipated tech exhibitions, showcased the latest advancements in AI, IoT, blockchain, and more, demonstrating how these technologies are reshaping our lives and industries. Set against the backdrop of Dubai, the event highlighted the city’s pivotal role in the tech landscape and paved the way for innovations that promise to redefine our future.

The 44th edition of GITEX GLOBAL kicked off at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attracting over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors from more than 180 countries. Among the innovations showcased are G42’s immersive Intelligence Grid, Lenovo’s AI hardware, and the XPeng AeroHT eVTOL flying car, all representing emerging trends in personal transportation.

The theme “Tech Investment Day” highlighted the World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit, where H.E. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Minister of Economy, shared insights on the UAE’s ambition for the non-oil sector to make up 80% of GDP by 2030.

“We are in the business of breaking records. We’ve already achieved a non-oil sector that accounts for 74% of GDP – a record that has never happened before in our country’s history. The UAE’s environment and ecosystem attract people from around the globe – and the target now is to reach 80% by 2030,” H.E. Al Marri said in a press statement.

Leadership sessions covered a range of topics, including the socio-economic implications of AI, with H.E. Faisal Al Bannai emphasizing the importance of governance in this context. Additionally, the event introduced GITEX Editions to link advanced tech companies with unicorns. The inauguration of the European Innovation Council pavilion showcased advancements in AI and technology, reflecting significant European participation.

The event will run until October 18, featuring “Super AI Tuesday,” which will delve into AI’s impact on business strategy and promote collaboration across a network of global tech events.

Major tech companies are setting their sights on the next wave of innovation.

e& UAE has introduced a team of human-digital advisors utilizing hologram technology to deliver culturally aware customer service. Chris Lipman, Chief Customer Experience Officer at e& UAE, highlighted the incorporation of AI for multilingual support, aiming to strike a balance between human and digital interactions.

Simultaneously, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Courts unveiled a suite of solutions designed to keep pace with technological advancements. Among these is the Digital Assets Will, enabling individuals to manage their digital assets through a non-custodial DIFC Courts wallet. This service aims to empower users with greater control over their assets while supporting various digital currencies, with plans for NFT integration in the future.

Additionally, Core42, a subsidiary of G42 specializing in cloud and AI infrastructure, has announced a collaboration with AMD to explore advancements in AI and machine learning. This partnership, unveiled at GITEX Global 2024, will commence with a proof-of-concept for AMD Instinct accelerators within Core42’s environments, focusing on technology deployment and enhancing user interactions.

In a related development, Khazna Data Centers revealed plans for its largest facility in Ajman, which will be AI-optimized with a planned capacity of 100MW. This facility aims to meet rising power demands and is expected to be operational by Q3 2025. Designed to support anticipated growth, it underscores the region’s commitment to environmental sustainability and readiness for AI technologies.