45th GITEX Global Kicks Off in Dubai with Over 6,800 Exhibitors and 2,000 Startups

45th GITEX Global Kicks Off in Dubai with Over 6,800 Exhibitors and 2,000 Startups

Introduction

The 45th edition of GITEX Global, one of the world’s most influential technology and innovation showcases, commenced in Dubai today, reaffirming the UAE’s position as a global leader in digital transformation and emerging technologies. Held across Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Harbour, the event features over 6,800 exhibitors and 2,000 startups from more than 180 countries, making it the largest edition in GITEX’s history. The five-day event, which runs until October 17, 2025, focuses on artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, biotechnology, cloud technologies, and sustainability-driven innovation.

I. Key Highlights of the 45th GITEX Global

1. Massive International Participation:
   • Over 6,800 exhibitors and 2,000 startups representing 180+ nations are participating.
   • Approximately 70% of attendees are C-level executives, policymakers, and innovators, reflecting the forum’s high-level global relevance.
2. India’s Strong Presence:
   • India marks one of its largest-ever representations, with 237 exhibitors across diverse tech domains.
   • The Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) is leading a 100-company delegation.
   • Kerala IT Parks contribute 30 participants, while TEPC brings 16 exhibitors and NASSCOM represents 15 leading firms in software and services.
   • An additional 76 Indian startups are participating independently, underscoring India’s growing global reputation in AI, cloud computing, and deep-tech innovation.
3. Focus on Artificial Intelligence:
   • AI forms the central theme of GITEX 2025, with sessions and exhibitions exploring its societal, industrial, and ethical implications.
   • OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is set to deliver a virtual address on October 14, discussing AI-native societies and human-AI collaboration.
   • Peng Xiao, CEO of UAE-based G42, alongside Microsoft executives, will discuss strategies for developing sovereign AI ecosystems.
   • Other notable speakers include Andrew Feldman (Cerebras Systems CEO) and executives from e&, who will unveil new prototypes in AI-driven robotics and communications infrastructure.
4. Quantum Computing and Deep Tech:
   • QuantumBasel, in collaboration with Girls in Quantum and Vernex Quantum Valley, is hosting sessions on Europe’s deep-tech ambitions and cross-border quantum research.
   • Discussions highlight the role of quantum technologies in advancing secure computing and scientific innovation.
5. Biotechnology and HealthTech Innovation:
   • Biotechnology occupies a major segment this year, with panels on AI-driven diagnostics, genomics, and digital therapeutics.
   • Emphasis is placed on sustainable healthcare innovation and biotech entrepreneurship.
6. Governance and Ethics:
   • Key conference tracks explore AI governance, ethical deployment, data sovereignty, and workforce adaptation in the face of rapid automation.
   • Experts project the global AI market to reach $4.8 trillion by 2033, underlining the urgency of building robust governance mechanisms and regulatory frameworks.

II. Strategic Significance

1. UAE as a Global Innovation Hub:
   • The UAE continues to consolidate its status as a global digital epicenter, leveraging GITEX as a platform for technology diplomacy and investment partnerships.
   • The event aligns with the UAE’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, which seeks to position the nation among the world’s top AI-powered economies.
2. India–UAE Technological Partnership:
   • India’s robust participation reflects deepening strategic and economic ties with the UAE, particularly in digital infrastructure, AI governance, and startup collaboration.
   • It also supports India’s Digital India and Startup India missions through enhanced international exposure and investment linkages.
3. Platform for Policy and Innovation:
   • GITEX functions as a convergence point for global technology leaders, policymakers, and investors, fostering collaboration across frontier technologies to address global challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, and sustainable urban mobility.

III. Broader Implications

1. Technological Diplomacy and Cooperation:
   • Events like GITEX demonstrate how technology has become central to international diplomacy, economic policy, and national security discourse.
   • Collaborative frameworks established here have the potential to shape global technology governance standards.
2. Emerging Markets and the Digital Divide:
   • The growing representation from developing economies, including India, highlights a shift toward equitable digital participation, though challenges remain in ensuring technology access and capacity building.
3. Future of Work and Human Capital:
   • With AI and automation reshaping labour markets, discussions at GITEX underscore the need for reskilling, AI ethics education, and human-AI symbiosis.

IV. Analytical Perspective

The 45th GITEX Global serves as both a technological exposition and a diplomatic convergence of digital economies. It represents the intersection of innovation, regulation, and global cooperation, where nations seek to balance technological advancement with ethical and socio-economic considerations.For India, GITEX 2025 is a testament to its rising status as a global innovation hub. The strong participation of Indian startups and IT enterprises demonstrates confidence in India’s tech-driven growth trajectory and its ambition to shape global discourse on AI and digital ethics.At a broader level, GITEX 2025 embodies the transition toward a multi-polar digital order, where emerging economies are no longer peripheral participants but active contributors to the future of technology, governance, and global prosperity.

Conclusion

The 45th GITEX Global in Dubai reaffirms the UAE’s leadership in hosting one of the most dynamic global technology ecosystems. Bringing together innovators, investors, and policymakers, the event transcends mere exhibition—it becomes a platform for envisioning the digital future of humanity. India’s expanding presence marks a pivotal step in its evolution from a technology service provider to a global thought leader in digital transformation and AI governance.

Updated -October 13, 2025 9:10 PM | News On Air