Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Dubai is unlocking a new era of global AI dominance this week, as the UAE hosts the world’s largest tech and start-up show GITEX GLOBAL for the first time from Oct. 16 to 20.

Taking place at World Trade Center, the best tech show in the world will take place in two mega venues as its 43rd edition prepares to welcome 6,000 exhibitors and 180,000 tech executives from 180 countries.

More than 1,800 start-ups across the event will explore rising opportunities in one of the world’s most agile, diversified, and technology-enabled digital economies.

GITEX Global and Expand North Star will feature 21 conference tracks with more than 1,500 expert speakers from 80-plus countries delivering 900 hours of immersive mind-stretching content, as they unpack and demystify 2023’s pressing tech challenges and controversies.

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will be part of the event at Hall 9 with the participation of 18 Japanese companies that are specializing in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, education, telecommunications, utilities, gaming, VR/AR, Web3 and more.

JETRO has been organizing the JAPAN PAVILION at GITEX North Star since 2016.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, spoke at the official GITEX GLOBAL and Expand North Star 2023 press conference.

“We are working with AI policymakers to ensure that the world is better for everyone everywhere,” he said. “GITEX GLOBAL is where the best and brightest minds come together to shape the future of technology. Dubai is a global market and through GITEX GLOBAL. We are pushing the envelope by showcasing new technologies including the transformational power of AI to inspire everyone and shape a better future.”

“We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of participants at GITEX GLOBAL and this growth really is a testament to the UAE’s status as a global leader in technology,” he added.

GITEX GLOBAL 2023 will see the highest involvement of public private partnerships as more than 250 government entities intensify their futuristic digital city visions and strategic collaborations amplified by bold commitments toward digital excellence.

The annual event will deep dive into the biggest reflections of AI with the return of ‘AI Everything’, the year’s largest showcase of AI solutions and concepts, and the Global DevSlam coder and developer meet-up.

I inaugurated the 'Expand North Star 2023' exhibition at Dubai Harbour, the world's largest startup exhibition and conference with the participation of 1800 startups & 250 speakers. This event is the first choice for industry experts who seek opportunities for deal-making,… pic.twitter.com/jQdUd4FtEJ

— Maktoum Bin Mohammed (@MaktoumMohammed) October 15, 2023

“We have not seen this hyper level of fervor and anticipation of GITEX GLOBAL in recent years,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Events Management at Dubai World Trade Centre. “GITEX is synonymous with AI this year, especially when excitement over the emergence of generative AI is shadowed by a sense of trepidation and cautiousness.

“We are aggregating the year’s largest ‘AI in Everything’ showcase and the most powerful AI architects across businesses. GITEX GLOBAL has not merely expanded in scale. It has totally upsized the big AI ethical conversation and commercial exploration to new dimensions.”

UAE entities have entered the epic AI innovation race, accelerating government economic diversification strategies centered around bold digital transformation agendas. 

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied-research arm of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), released Falcon 180B last month, the world’s most powerful open source AI model impressing technologists across the globe. 

Less than a week left until the grand kickoff of GITEX Global 2023, the world's most anticipated tech event! Find us at the Digital Government Hall, B10, Hall-17 – for an unforgettable experience!. We're excited to connect with you there! 🌐🚀#TII #ATRC #GITEX #Innovation pic.twitter.com/sNXpyo6DOA

— Technology Innovation Institute (@TIIuae) October 10, 2023

ASPIRE is also stepping into the future mobility landscape, as it prepares to unveil, for the first time at GITEX GLOBAL 2023, its autonomous racing car that clocks speeds in excess of 300km/h.

The Dallara Super Formula car is a flagship racing car of, ASPIRE’s Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL), launching in April 2024 as a series of high-profile autonomous races including racing cars, drones and dune buggies.

The A2RL, according to Dr. Tom McCarthy, Executive Director at ASPIRE, will bring together the exciting impact of AI on humanity and its incredible potential for autonomy.

🚀 Ready, Set, GO! 🚀🏎​
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Abu Dhabi is revving up to unveil a sneak peek into the fascinating world of AI and Autonomy! As the world's largest autonomous league, A2RL promises an electrifying ride as it cruises into town for its inaugural race early next year! 🌍🌪 pic.twitter.com/2zAoy4rSac

— Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (@A2RLeague) September 25, 2023

“A2RL, the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, is a ground-breaking initiative that has captured the interest of industry experts and university researchers,” said Dr. McCarthy. “We’re thrilled to unveil the autonomous racing car model at GITEX GLOBAL, which is built on the renowned Italian manufacturer Dallara’s Super Formula car.

“It has been adapted with an autonomy stack, allowing the vehicle to perceive its environment and race autonomously at the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit,” he added. 

The introduction of A2RL marks a significant milestone for the UAE, setting the stage for disruptive innovations in mobility through the medium of extreme sports.”

Moreover, G42, a champion of AI and cloud technologies, is returning to GITEX to contribute to the dynamic dialogue on AI under the theme ‘Imagination in Action.’

“’Imagination in Action’ isn’t just a slogan but a reflection of the active steps we’ve taken to transforming theoretical AI concepts into tangible solutions,” said Hasan Al Hosani, Managing Director of Bayanat, a G42 company.

Come and join us at @GITEX_GLOBAL Technology Week from October 16th to October 20th to see how we are turning imagination into tangible, impactful solutions that are shaping our present and future! pic.twitter.com/0DlEcnpC5I

— G42 (@G42ai) October 13, 2023

“Visitors will have the opportunity to explore our companies’ cutting-edge innovations across multiple domains, from data centers, supercomputing and government services, to healthcare, BFSI and smart mobility,” he added. “I’m personally very excited to welcome visitors and introduce them to Bayanat’s latest advancements in the Geospatial AI domain.”