GITEX Global 2025: Uniting Leaders in Cybersecurity and AI

World leaders, ministers, and key players in the technology sector have gathered for the GITEX Global 2025 event at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This significant forum aims to present a collective vision for a future enhanced by cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI)—the driving forces behind digital resilience and sustainable growth.

A Vision for AI in the UAE

During the opening ceremony on October 13, Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, emphasized the importance of AI, branding it a matter of national sovereignty. He drew a parallel between investments in defense and those in AI, stating, “Just as nations invest in defense, we must also invest in AI.”

The contributions from non-oil sectors to the Emirati GDP have risen to 77.3%, an increase from 69% just five years ago, with a target of reaching 80% by 2030. Mr. Al Marri affirmed, “Digital infrastructure and AI are the backbone of productivity,” highlighting the UAE’s ongoing commitment to integrating AI into governance. Notably, the introduction of an AI-driven trademark registration system has drastically cut approval times from days to mere milliseconds.

In discussing talent, Mr. Al Marri underscored the notion that “talent is the oil of the new economy.” He pointed out initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI and the provision of long-term visas for digital professionals. “We are not great at building walls; we are great at building bridges,” he proclaimed, inviting global collaboration and investment in the UAE as a central hub for connectivity.

The Growing AI Market

The UN Conference on Trade and Development predicts that the global AI market could swell to $4.8 trillion by 2033. Attendees at GITEX are called to champion the adoption of AI in sectors critical to the future, including biotechnology, quantum computing, semiconductors, and green data centers.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, the president and CEO of Dubai Chambers, spoke about digitalization’s transformative impact on trade, making it “faster, smarter, and more efficient.” He noted significant support for digital startups, with the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy assisting over 1,200 startups in 2024, a 120% increase year-on-year. “Dubai’s digital infrastructure and pro-business policies have fostered a thriving innovation ecosystem,” he added, highlighting the collaboration necessary to empower entrepreneurs and catalyze sustainable global growth.

Cybersecurity as a Foundation

In conjunction with GITEX, the parallel forum Expand North Star 2025 launched on October 12 at Dubai Harbour. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, the UAE’s head of cybersecurity, asserted that “future resilience will belong to nations that make cybersecurity their DNA.” His message of “Invest, Inspire, Innovate” echoes the UAE’s comprehensive digital transformation agenda, which prioritizes investments in cybersecurity and AI while igniting young talent to become digital leaders.

Highlighting cybersecurity’s role, Mr. Al Kuwaiti stated, “Cybersecurity is not just a shield; it is an enabler of innovation and sustainable development.” Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, expanded on this perspective by noting that technology and AI should aim to enhance quality of life, rather than serve as mere points of competition.

A Major Tech Showcase

Running from October 13-17, GITEX Global 2025 features technology giants like Microsoft, Google, IBM, and AWS, alongside emerging innovators such as Cerebras, Qualcomm, and Tata Electronics. With 6,800 tech enterprises, 2,000 startups, and representatives from 180 countries, this forum stands as the world’s largest showcase for technology and AI.

Expand North Star is also celebrating its 10th edition, drawing 2,000 startups and over 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding $1.1 trillion. The Department of International Trade Promotion has brought Thai startups to both forums aiming to achieve trade negotiations worth at least 180 million baht.

Participating companies range from Ample Work LLP, focused on biodegradable packaging, to Digital Era Group, which specializes in crop monitoring technologies. This diverse representation illustrates the global nature of the event and its commitment to fostering innovation across various sectors.