GITEX GLOBAL 2025 to spotlight AI’s expanding role in future-critical sectors

The world’s largest technology and AI event returns to Dubai this month for its 45th edition, bringing together more than 6,800 companies and 2,000 startups from 180 countries to showcase breakthroughs in biotech, quantum computing, semiconductors and data infrastructure. As an official media partner, The European will report from Dubai with exclusive coverage and analysis from the leaders shaping the next wave of AI and technology

GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest technology and artificial intelligence event, returns to Dubai this month with a focus on how AI is transforming the biotech, quantum computing, semiconductors and data infrastructure sectors.

The 45th edition of the exhibition will take place from 13 to 17 October at Dubai World Trade Centre, hosting more than 6,800 technology companies from 180 countries, including a major startup showcase of 2,000 firms.

Running in parallel from 12 to 15 October at Dubai Harbour, Expand North Star marks its 10th edition as the dedicated startup event, bringing together those 2,000 ventures alongside more than 1,200 investors with a combined US$1.1 trillion in assets.

Global participants include Alibaba Cloud, AMD, AWS, Dell, e&, G42, Google, HPE, Huawei, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Salesforce, Siemens and Snowflake, joined by new exhibitors such as Cerebras, Datadog, Mitsubishi, Qualcomm, Rittal, ServiceNow, Tata Electronics, Telecom Italia and Tenstorrent.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, said the event would focus on “future-critical sectors including data centres, biotech, quantum, and robotics, where AI ingenuity is converging with humanity’s most pressing challenges.” She added: “GITEX GLOBAL 2025 gives new impetus to these transformative technologies, while continuing to being the harbinger of innovation-led progress across industries and global economies.”

According to organisers, this year’s show will feature record participation from emerging tech economies, with Brazil joining as Country Partner and sending its largest delegation to date.

Serbia, Pakistan, and new pavilions from Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Spain and Türkiye will also expand the event’s international footprint.

Tatiana Riera, Chief Operating Officer at ApexBrasil, told us: “ApexBrasil is excited to be at GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star with over 50 startups and innovation hubs.

“It’s a great opportunity to show how Brazil is driving innovation and creating tech solutions for global challenges.”

Marko Čadež, President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Serbian startups would showcase “practical examples of AI applications across diverse fields, from well-being and energy to sentiment diagnostics on social media”.

The growth of the global data-centre sector will also take centre stage. With global investment expected to exceed $500 billion this year, O’Leary Ventures will outline plans for the world’s largest AI data-centre industrial park in Canada. “The UAE has become the crossroads and a world leader in the development of technology and AI,” Paul Palandjian, the firm’s Chief Executive, said. “No other place has the leadership vision, resources and commitment to attract a world-class cohort across every industry.”

Hassan Alnaqbi, Chief Executive of Khazna, MENA’s largest hyperscale data-centre operator and part of G42, meanwhile, will discuss the pace at which infrastructure, energy and policy must evolve to meet the demands of “giga” AI factories.

Other key segments will include GITEX Digi Health & Biotech, spotlighting AI in medicine. Trevor Martin, Chief Executive of Mammoth Biosciences, will present on the company’s CRISPR gene-editing platform and its potential to cure genetic diseases. Matt Angle, Chief Executive of Paradromics, will share progress on AI-assisted neurotechnology, while South Korean startup HurayPositive will unveil an AI-powered SaaS solution for precision medicine.

Physical AI and robotics will also feature prominently, with Tensor debuting a personal robocar and K2 introducing new humanoid and industrial robotic concepts. With the robotics AI market projected to reach $94 billion by 2031, organisers say these exhibits underline the growing commercial potential of “physical AI”.

At the GITEX Quantum Expo, IBM will unveil its Quantum System Two, advancing fault-tolerant quantum computing. “GITEX GLOBAL is a global stage, but more importantly, it is a platform for action,” Shukri Eid, Vice-President and General Manager, IBM Gulf, Levant and Pakistan, added. “It brings together the ecosystems that matter: policymakers, business leaders and innovators driving AI forward.”

Professor Mark Thompson, Co-founder of PsiQuantum, will discuss pathways to quantum sovereignty, while IonQ, the world’s first publicly listed pure-play quantum computing company, will also exhibit.

The AI Semicon track will focus on the semiconductor industry’s growing role in national technology strategies. AMD will present its latest Instinct GPUs and EPYC CPUs, while Tenstorrent Chief Executive Jim Keller will speak on “Taking Control of Your Sovereign AI Future”, addressing the geopolitical importance of chip development.

Across Expand North Star, more than 40 unicorns will be represented, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a hub for scale-ups. Cerebras will showcase what it calls the world’s largest AI supercomputer, built with G42; Fluidstack will present a 1GW decarbonised AI supercomputer; and Xpanceo will debut five prototypes of AI-powered smart contact lenses that merge augmented reality, healthcare and consumer technology.

As an official media partner of GITEX GLOBAL 2025, The European will be providing exclusive coverage of the event across its print and digital platforms. Reporting from Dubai, our editorial team will bring insight and analysis from the leaders, innovators and investors shaping the next wave of AI and technology transformation.

READ MORE: ‘Nigeria’s startup scene takes global stage as Lagos hosts inaugural GITEX NIGERIA‘. West Africa’s biggest technology and startup showcase brought more than 650 companies to Lagos, where ministers and business leaders described Nigerian entrepreneurs as “architects of the digital future”.

Do you have news to share or expertise to contribute? The European welcomes insights from business leaders and sector specialists. Get in touch with our editorial team to find out more.

_{Main image: Visitors at last year’s GITEX GLOBAL in Dubai. The 2025 edition will bring together more than 6,800 companies and 2,000 startups from 180 countries.}