Attending Gitex 2024 in Dubai felt like a step back into the golden days of CeBIT, Germany’s once world-renowned tech tradeshow. CeBIT was, for many years, the epicenter of technology and innovation, where businesses from all over the world came together to showcase cutting-edge technologies and close deals. I often reminisce about those times when tech giants and ambitious startups alike converged to shape the future. Unfortunately, that era came to an end, and for a long time, there hasn’t been an event that captured that same energy—until now. Gitex, however, offers a similar platform, but on an even grander scale. And, of course, the weather is much better in Dubai.
This year’s Gitex was heavily focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which was not surprising given the global momentum behind AI technologies. However, I couldn’t help but notice that the conversation around AI at the event was often centered on Generative AI (GenAI). While GenAI is fascinating and certainly a hot topic in the tech world, it’s important to remember that it is only a small subset of the broader AI landscape. AI encompasses so much more—everything from machine learning models that optimize logistics, to predictive systems that power autonomous vehicles. I would have liked to see a broader discussion about these other critical aspects of AI at Gitex.
One of the highlights of Gitex was the North Star section, dedicated to startups. This part of the event felt particularly dynamic and future-focused. It reminded me of the excitement of walking through the halls of CeBIT in its prime, where innovation was on full display. At North Star, startups were not only showcasing their solutions but also pushing the envelope of what’s possible. The energy and forward-looking attitude in that space were inspiring. It was clear that the future of technology is being written by small teams with big ideas.
In many ways, Gitex 2024 rekindled that spirit of global innovation I had missed since the days of CeBIT. The sheer scale of Gitex, combined with its focus on AI, IoT, and other emerging technologies, demonstrates that this is the place where businesses come not only to show what they’ve built but also to shape the future. As the tech world continues to evolve, I believe Gitex will only grow in importance, playing a key role in connecting innovators, investors, and businesses from around the globe.
