Technology industry heavyweights have praised the role that GITEX Global x Ai Everything 2021 has played in delivering an unrivalled platform for the digital economy, and for creating the world’s largest in-person technology marketplace by achieving pre-pandemic levels of attendance.
The 41st edition of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) technology showcase delivered an internatonally unsurpassed tech spectacle, serving as a global super-connector and driver of unique business opportunities through mass networking.
With over 3,500 participating exhibitors – including 600 startups and over 120 government entities –from 140 countries, GITEX GLOBAL provided a unique international opportunity for tech companies of all sizes the chance to reconnect in person.
As startups across the world redefine their approach to sustainability, during the week, DWTC also announced that GITEX Future Stars, the Middle East and North Africa’s leading startup event, is being rebranded to North Star Dubai in a bid to put sustainability and delivering technology for good at the core of their strategy.
A wide range of announcements covering tech partnerships, ventures and accomplishments were made at GITEX GLOBAL, including Dubai Digital Authority’s announcement that the Dubai Paperless Strategy has accomplished 98.86% of its objectives, which entail 43 government entities going entirely paperless. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority unveiled technology that uses AI to ensure safer cycling tracks, while the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority announced partnerships with Huawei and Amazon Web Services (AWS) to drive its digital ambitions.
Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s global tech ecosystem Hub71 has also signed a partnership with AWS to provide tech startups with support to build scalable and secure cloud-based services that accelerate their growth. Azimut, in partnership with GELLIFY Middle East, launched a MENA-focused VC Fund aiming at raising $50 million in capital for Smart City, healthcare, digital commerce, fintech, Industry 4.0 and tourism startups.
The first edition of GITEX GLOBAL Leaders Vision saw policymakers, innovation and investment agency heads from the Middle East and Africa outline their national plans and initiatives for a future driven by tech.
The conference heard from UAE ministers including H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member and Minister of Economy; H.E. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications and H.E. Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology. African ministers speaking at the conference included H.E. Dr. Amr S. Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Egypt; H.E. Dr. Nizar Ben Neji, Minister of Communication Technologies, Tunisia and H.E. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ghana.
“GITEX GLOBAL 2021 has been an unprecedented success, cementing its status – and that of Dubai – as a global super-connector. The success of GITEX GLOBAL is a testament to the importance of fueling business through large-scale events and the way they drive countless new opportunities and continue to empower the world’s biggest tech companies, innovative startups and government entities to collaborate,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Events Management, DWTC. “GITEX GLOBAL has reunited the tech industry, driving international value creation and innovation.”
