UAE’s Thriving IT Services Sector Shines at GITEX EUROPE
The UAE’s burgeoning IT services sector, projected to soar to $3.76 billion by 2025, recently commanded attention at GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, the inaugural tech event held at Messe Berlin. This premier three-day show spotlighted a remarkable attendance of over 1,400 exhibitors, 600 top global investors, and more than 500 speakers from over 100 countries, reinforcing its status as Europe’s most significant tech mobilization.
A Global Showcase of National Participation
National pavilions at GITEX EUROPE illustrated the rich tapestry of international involvement, with participants spanning from India to Italy, Morocco to South Korea, and 35 European countries. Notably, the UAE made its mark as a key player in the global tech arena, showcasing its advances in various sectors, particularly in governance and public services.
UAE IT and Tech Firms: A Diverse Delegation
A strong representation from the UAE, with 65 organizations, contributed to the event’s vibrancy, marking the largest entrepreneurial and digital investment delegation the nation has ever sent to a European tech gathering. The Ministry of Economy led a remarkable exhibit showcasing home-grown tech ventures aimed at addressing global challenges.
Among the innovative companies featured were:
- Zeroe: Pioneers of carbon management aimed at accelerating net-zero goals.
- Hikmah Labs: Innovators merging AI with cutting-edge research to transform industries.
- IngenioData: Specialists in augmented reality and indoor navigation for asset tracking and analytics.
- Responsive Drip Irrigation: Creators of the world’s first plant-responsive irrigation system, revolutionizing water delivery.
A Message of Economic Collaboration
Valuable insights emerged from notable dignitaries inaugurating this pivotal event. Alia Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, emphasized Germany’s position as the UAE’s second-largest trading partner within the EU and reinforced Berlin’s significance as a global capital of innovation. She stated, “Germany’s dynamic, diverse, and globally connected ecosystem mirrors our trajectory. Together, we are shaping a new economic corridor, one powered by innovation.”
Notable figures, including Hazza Al Mansoori and Nora Al Matrooshi, the UAE’s first astronauts, were also part of the UAE delegation. Al Mansoori highlighted advancements in space technology, expressing excitement about the integration of artificial intelligence into space missions.
The Digital Dubai Pavilion: A Vision for AI Advancement
Organized by Digital Dubai, the Dubai Pavilion exhibited the city’s AI-powered evolution through the involvement of 12 key government and private entities. Major participants included:
- Digital Dubai
- Dubai Police
- General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDIFA)
- Dubai Civil Defence
- DIFC Courts
- Dubai Electronic Security Centre
- Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
- Dubai Customs
- Dubai Future Foundation
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC)
- e&
- Emaratech
Significant innovations showcased included the Dubai Dashboard, a comprehensive platform offering a panoramic view of city data across various sectors, and Salama, an AI-driven residency service platform simplifying visa processes.
Innovations in Autonomous Policing and AI Integration
Hosted in the Dubai Pavilion, Dubai Police introduced its autonomous policing ecosystem, including Ghaith, a smart patrol car. By employing AI, the police force aims for enhanced efficiency and public safety.
Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, articulated the strategic integration of artificial intelligence, asserting that AI should be seen as a comprehensive solution rather than just a tool. He stressed the importance of "balancing innovation with accountability" and harnessing Dubai’s strengths in rapid execution and collaboration to transform AI potential into tangible public value.
The Broader Spectrum of UAE’s Digital Innovation
The momentum of UAE’s digital innovation extended beyond the pavilion, with participation from leading tech hubs and enterprises emphasizing the vibrant tech ecosystem in Dubai. Tecom Investments showcased success stories within the innovation district, while the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) highlighted Dubai’s future vision for urban mobility and sustainable infrastructure.
Startups such as CAFU, a pioneer in on-demand mobile fueling, and 6Bees, which focuses on productivity and performance enhancement through AI strategies, further illustrated the diverse advancements stemming from the UAE’s innovative landscape.
This event not only showcased the UAE’s technological prowess but also underscored the potential for collaborative progress within the global tech community. As nations converge to share insights and innovations, the UAE stands at the forefront, driving forward the narrative of technology and growth.
