GITEX Global 2025 — Days of Discovery, Connection, and Innovation in Dubai

Walking into the Dubai World Trade Centre (and Dubai Harbour alongside it) for GITEX Global 2025 felt like stepping into the future—only this time it was real. From October 13–17, the show brought together more than 6,800 companies, 2,000 startups, and visitors from 180 countries.

Day 1: Arrival & the electric opening

The crowds were heavy, the atmosphere buzzing. Drones and robots greeted visitors, and one of the first live highlights: a smart-vehicle demonstration where an AI-powered “trackless tram” took centre stage.

On the same day, the Dubai Police unveiled its next-gen patrol car and smart station tech—giving the sense that tech isn’t just for gadgets—it’s reshaping society.

One of the most talked-about moments at GITEX Global 2025 was the session featuring Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42, who joined virtually for a powerful discussion titled “From Early Adoption to AI-Native Societies: Envisioning the Next Era of Intelligence.”

The session, part of the GITEX & G42 AI-Native Societies Programme, explored how nations can design equitable, data-driven, and sustainable futures through AI — and how the UAE is emerging as a global benchmark in this transformation.

Altman praised the UAE’s leadership, saying, “Every country will need an AI strategy – this has to be a top priority for national leaderships, and the UAE’s leadership on this has been incredible to see. I hope this serves as an example for the rest of the world – of what it looks like for a forward-thinking country to really embrace AI and say this is going to be an important part of our future.”

His remarks followed the launch of OpenAI for Countries, a new initiative helping governments build sovereign AI infrastructure — with the UAE as its first partner.

Innovation zones: Tech in every shape

Walking the hallways, you saw everything from AI-enabled contact lenses and quantum-computing demonstrations to smart-mobility labs and sustainable-tech showcases. The “Digital Cities” zone highlighted how governments are using real-time sensors, drones, and data to manage everything from air quality to traffic.

In one corner, a startup demoed biotech diagnostics using generative AI, in another hall the voice of policy and regulation echoed loud: sessions on how nations are building AI governance frameworks.

Networking, discovery & deal flow

The hallways weren’t just full of tech—they were full of people making connections. Investors talked to founders; governments scouted innovation partners; enterprise leaders built roadmaps on-the-spot.

One of my favorite spontaneous moments: while waiting for a demo, a startup founder pulled up their investor preview. Two minutes later, a handshake happened. That’s the kind of pace you feel at GITEX.

Sustainability & quantum: ideas that matter

Sustainability had its own spotlight. Renewable-energy solutions, circular-economy tools, and smart-city infrastructure were side-by-side with quantum-computing demos promising to transform encryption, logistics and more.

The message was clear: technology is no longer just about speed—it’s about purpose.

Quick highlights

• Inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reinforcing Dubai’s digital transformation vision.
• 40+ halls, 180+ countries, government and private sectors side-by-side.
• Smart-mobility, robotics, AI-driven medicine, and urban technology all served as tangible glimpses of what’s coming.

A small team, a big moment

On a personal note, walking through GITEX this year was emotional.

Few years ago, we were a small team with a big dream — to make event meaningful, measurable, and magical. In 2023, we became the official media partner for GITEX. Our journey at GITEX has come full circle this year. Seeing Premagic now, deeply embedded in one of the largest tech and startup shows in the world, felt like a full-circle moment.

It’s easy to get caught up in the tech — the features, the data, the scale. But at its core, Premagic has always been about people. The attendees who light up when they get their photos. The organizers who see their event stories come alive online. The exhibitors who finally have content worth sharing.

That’s the real win.

Check out how we converted the attendees at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 into content creators

The road ahead

As AI continues to shape the future of events, we’re excited to push boundaries even further — from smarter personalization to deeper insights for organizers and sponsors.

Because for us, AI isn’t about replacing human connection — it’s about amplifying it.

And GITEX Global 2025 reminded us of that truth once again: technology is at its best when it makes experiences more human.

Wrapping up

To everyone who used, shared, or talked about Premagic at GITEX — thank you. You turned our technology into something alive.

GITEX 2025 wasn’t just another event for us; it was a validation of how far event marketing has come — and how much further it can go.

Premagic will keep doing what it does best: helping organizers around the world bridge the gap between real-time engagement and long-term impact.

And as for next year? Let’s just say, we’re already planning something special.