The EXPAND North Star and GITEX 2024 events held in Dubai in October 2024 were monumental tech gatherings that showcased cutting-edge innovations, fostered global collaboration, and underscored the UAE’s leadership in the technology sector. These events brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders from around the world, offering an unparalleled platform for networking, deal-making, and discussing the future of technology.
GITEX Global 2024, the 44th edition of the world’s largest technology event, ran from October 14 to October 18 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). It spanned five days and featured 6,700 exhibitors from over 180 countries, across 41 exhibition halls. This record-breaking event highlighted innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and more, with an emphasis on AI's transformative impact on industries.
Running alongside GITEX Global was EXPAND North Star 2024, which extended from October 15 to October 18. Known as the world’s largest startup and investment event, it attracted 1,800 startups and 1,200 investors from around the globe. Participants came to explore new markets, form partnerships, and pitch ideas to venture capitalists and global unicorns.
Key Numbers and Footfall
The combined events attracted a staggering 180,000 visitors throughout the duration, solidifying their position as major global tech showcases. Over 1,200 investors with a combined $1.2 trillion in assets under management attended to engage with the latest innovations and discuss funding opportunities for startups and scale-ups. Countries from every corner of the globe were represented, underscoring the events' far-reaching international appeal.
Benefits and Impact
Global Collaboration and Investment Opportunities
EXPAND North Star and GITEX Global 2024 provided unparalleled opportunities for global collaboration. With 30% of participating investors and venture capitalists from Europe alone, the event became a crucial hub for connecting regional startups with international investors, particularly from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Startups benefited from exposure to potential investors, customers, and partners from diverse markets.
Showcase of Breakthrough Technologies
GITEX featured 3,500 enterprises presenting innovations across key tech domains such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT), data, and cloud technology. The event emphasized AI's burgeoning role, aligning with projections of the global AI economy reaching $2.7 trillion by 2032. With 120-plus hours of tech-focused content, the event was a vital platform for thought leadership on topics ranging from digital finance to healthtech and cybersecurity.
Pitch Competitions and Unicorn Platform
One of the highlights of the events was the Supernova Challenge, where startups competed for a share of the $200,000 prize pool. This competition allowed emerging entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative solutions, while also providing a platform for 65 global unicorns—leading billion-dollar companies—to connect with investors and explore new opportunities.
Boost to Dubai’s Global Tech Positioning
Dubai’s reputation as a global technology hub was further cemented by the scale and success of these events. The UAE’s pro-innovation frameworks and infrastructure were highlighted by major tech companies like Huawei, Oracle, IBM, and Microsoft, which showcased their latest technologies at GITEX. The UAE Cyber Security Council hosted Gitex Cyber Valley, drawing attention to cybersecurity challenges and the rising costs of global cybercrime, projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025..
Key Takeaways
AI and Deep Tech Dominate
Both events highlighted the growing importance of AI in global economies. With AI-centered exhibits and discussions dominating the agenda, it became clear that future industries would be driven by AI innovations. Companies and nations looking to capitalize on this trend were given a preview of AI applications in fields like healthcare, finance, and education.
Strengthening of the UAE as a Startup Hub
Dubai’s unique position as a facilitator for startups was on full display. EXPAND North Star particularly underscored the UAE’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial ecosystems. Many international startups and scale-ups found Dubai to be a launching pad for accessing markets across Asia and Africa. This strategic geographical advantage, coupled with extensive government support for innovation, makes the UAE an attractive destination for tech entrepreneurs.
Cybersecurity as a Priority
With the rising threat of cybercrime, cybersecurity took center stage at GITEX 2024. The Gitex Cyber Valley initiative brought together global cybersecurity experts and innovators to address challenges and showcase the latest advancements in the field. This focus is critical as businesses and governments globally prioritize protecting data and infrastructure from increasing digital threats..
Expansion into Emerging Markets
Both events provided a significant platform for emerging markets to showcase their potential. Countries from Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America were well-represented, with a growing number of startups and enterprises from these regions looking to forge connections and expand globally. This was particularly evident in the participation of over 180 nations, making it a truly global event.
Investors Keen on Sustainability and Innovation
The presence of 1,200 investors at EXPAND North Star reflected growing interest in startups focused on sustainability, fintech, and innovative technologies. As the world grapples with climate change, companies like Climeworks, a Swiss unicorn involved in carbon removal, stood out for their commitment to sustainability. This trend towards investment in environmentally-conscious technologies was a key takeaway from both events
GITEX Global 2024 and EXPAND North Star cemented Dubai's role as a global leader in the tech space. From AI innovations to startup ecosystems, the events reflected the fast-paced advancements shaping our digital future. The substantial international participation and investor engagement highlighted Dubai as a critical hub for technology, investment, and entrepreneurship, fostering collaboration across regions and industries.
These events set the stage for future developments in AI, cybersecurity, and sustainable tech, driving the UAE's ambitious vision to be a global leader in these fields. For participants, the takeaway was clear: Dubai is where the future of tech, investment, and innovation converge.
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