Innovation in Dubai is reaching new heights as tech leaders, investors, and policymakers from around the world gather for this year’s edition of GITEX GLOBAL.

Now in its 45th year, the world’s largest technology and AI event opened yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, attracting more than 6,800 exhibitors, 2,000 startups, 1,200 investors, and delegations from over 180 countries. The event brings together the most influential voices in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and emerging technologies to shape discussions about the future of tech-driven economies.

Running from 13 to 17 October, GITEX 2025 highlights Dubai’s growing role as a global hub for innovation, where technology, economic strategy, and geopolitical ambition intersect. As governments and industry leaders collaborate to build intelligence-driven societies, the event reinforces Dubai’s position at the heart of the global digital economy.

Here are some of the event’s biggest announcements and highlights so far.

TRANSFORMING CONNECTIVITY AND SMART TECHNOLOGIES

Telecom giant e& attracted major crowds with more than 90 showcases spanning mobility, robotics, digital healthcare, and consumer technology. Highlights included next-generation eVTOL prototypes powered by six independent batteries, futuristic air taxis, autonomous transport systems, and record-breaking electric vehicles capable of traveling thousands of kilometers on a single charge.

In a major announcement, e& and Ericsson revealed a multi-year partnership to upgrade e& UAE’s 5G Core Network, strengthening national connectivity and advancing digital transformation goals. The project leverages Ericsson’s cloud-native technologies, including dual-mode 5G Core, SES, IMS, UDM, and UDC, on a hybrid infrastructure that integrates e&’s cloud with Ericsson’s Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution. The upgrade is designed to deliver enhanced automation, stability, and scalability.

HCL Software introduced new generative AI-powered tools for real-time website and application customization, alongside enhanced cybersecurity solutions and its endpoint management platform, BigFix. With a focus on AI education and practical deployment, HCL showcased how businesses can adopt intelligent technologies while maintaining security and high performance.

Meanwhile, Huawei made a strong impression with a 1,200-square-meter booth featuring five core themes: Accelerate Industrial Intelligence, Partner Park, Huawei Cloud, Intelligent Data Center, and Intelligent Campus. Visitors could explore over 80 solutions and 40 interactive demos, including the Xinghe AI Network, next-generation optical solutions, AI Data Lake storage, and AI-native cloud platforms, all designed to support scalable AI infrastructure across key sectors such as government, finance, utilities, and energy.

Oracle also presented its enterprise AI portfolio, highlighting agentic AI tools for financial planning, smart supply chain management, and real-time data analytics. Demonstrations with Oracle Red Bull Racing illustrated how Oracle Cloud enhances performance optimization both on and off the track.

NEXT-GEN GOVERNMENT TECH

Government initiatives also took center stage at the exhibition, showcasing the UAE’s push toward smarter, more connected governance.

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) launched the first phase of its Digital Sale service via the Dubai Now app, marking a milestone in the emirate’s digital transformation journey. The service allows real estate registration and sales to be completed entirely online, with documents signed electronically through UAE Pass.

In another significant development, Dubai Municipality introduced Dubai Live, a next-generation platform that manages city operations and urban systems in real time. Powered by AI, Digital Twin technology, and predictive analytics, the platform integrates data across infrastructure, construction, and planning through the Urban Planning Observatory. It delivers advanced insights on population, infrastructure, and economic density to support data-driven urban development.

Meanwhile, EDGE and the UAE Cybersecurity Council (CSC) signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance national cyber resilience. The agreement, signed by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, and Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE, outlines joint initiatives in research, information sharing, incident response, and capacity building.

The Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) also announced a partnership with Keeta, the international arm of China’s Meituan, to improve last-mile delivery and smart logistics in Dubai. The collaboration will begin with 150 motorbike deliveries and scale up to 500 by the end of the year, with an estimated first-year revenue of $2.7 million.

Dubai is also transforming law enforcement with AI-powered smart patrol cars capable of detecting visa and residency violations in real time, without officers leaving their vehicles. Developed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), the fully electric cars use AI systems to scan, analyze, and report irregularities instantly, making enforcement faster, safer, and more efficient. Equipped with six high-resolution cameras, the vehicles cross-check license plates and IDs with government databases, sending immediate alerts to nearby officers when discrepancies arise. With a 680-kilometer range and zero emissions, these smart patrols reflect Dubai’s drive toward sustainable, high-tech policing.

Day two of the event continued with major unveilings and thought-provoking discussions, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s first-ever GITEX GLOBAL address. In a virtual conversation with Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, they explored the structural foundations of AI-native societies and the transformative potential of intelligent technologies in shaping the future.