Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, along with the oversight of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defense, preparations are underway for “GITEX Global,” the largest technology event worldwide focusing on technology and artificial intelligence. The upcoming edition, scheduled for December 7-11, 2026, will be held at its new venue in the Dubai Exhibition Center at Expo City Dubai, promising a transformative experience that merges innovation, exploration, and global engagement.
In a related initiative, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has announced the launch of the world’s first and largest “Tech-Cation” experience, aimed at setting a new standard that blends technology with lifestyle. Starting in 2026, “GITEX Tech-Cation” will not only take place in exhibition halls but will also encompass the entire city of Dubai, transforming it into a vibrant platform that seamlessly combines business, technology, and modern living.
After 45 years of solidifying Dubai’s and the UAE’s position on the global technology map, the strategic shift of GITEX to December each year represents a significant repositioning within Dubai’s most vibrant tourism season. This change will allow global tech leaders and participating investors to immerse themselves in the unique lifestyle and rich cultural landscape of the city, fostering longer stays and more diverse experiences, and reinforcing Dubai’s identity as an innovation capital and premier global event destination, having been recognized as the top global destination in the TripAdvisor Awards – Best of the Best 2024.
Strategic Alignment with the D33 Agenda
GITEX is closely collaborating with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and other leading institutions across sectors such as sports, health, hospitality, eco-tourism, and lifestyle, to create exceptional lodging and experiential programs that enhance Dubai’s reputation as a comprehensive global destination.
This collaboration aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to establish Dubai among the world’s top three economic cities by 2033. “GITEX Tech-Cation” reinforces this vision by integrating technological innovation with modern lifestyle, further establishing Dubai as a global center for technology and innovation.
Ideal Destination
The Dubai Economic Agenda D33 highlights the city’s appeal to technology leaders, investors, and digital professionals by offering an inspiring environment, supported by advanced infrastructure and global standards in business, culture, and lifestyle, making it one of the safest and most future-ready cities globally.
With its world-class infrastructure, Dubai exemplifies a modern lifestyle and continues to reinforce its status as a leader in enhancing global competitiveness, building a sophisticated knowledge-based economy, and cultivating an attractive environment for international investments and talent.
This leadership is reflected in the city’s impressive economic performance. In September 2025, Dubai ranked first worldwide in new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Greenfield projects, with inflows reaching approximately $11 billion in the first half of 2025, according to the Monitor FDI Dubai report. Additionally, Dubai emerged as a preferred destination for global digital talent, ranking first in the VisaGuide Digital Nomad Visa Index and second in the Savills Executive Nomad Index.
Through attracting global mobile talent, “GITEX Tech-Cation” reinforces Dubai’s positioning as a city that inspires creativity and fosters innovative ideas, becoming a platform for growth and innovation in the future of the global digital economy.
GITEX 5.0 in 2026 – Expanding Entrepreneurial Horizons for the Next Decade
The 2026 edition marks a historic milestone in GITEX’s journey to launch new technological movements worldwide under the theme “GITEX 5.0.” With the event moving to the Dubai Exhibition Center at Expo City, which is undergoing a significant expansion worth over $2.7 billion to become the region’s largest indoor event facility.
This expansion signifies a new beginning, redefining GITEX’s role as a leading future-oriented platform that aligns with the upcoming phase of global technological growth and reflects the increasing ambitions of AI economies worldwide.
The exhibition will commence on December 7, 2026, with the new “GITEX Scale” summit, which will convene global leaders for a day dedicated to high-level strategic discussions on critical trends, promising opportunities, and regulatory frameworks shaping global AI economies.
From December 8 to 11, 2026, the exhibition will showcase the latest advanced innovations in AI 5.0, ranging from artificial intelligence and quantum technologies to life sciences and advanced manufacturing, aiming to foster collaboration across vital future sectors.
GITEX Global and Expand North Star
The event next year at Expo City Dubai will see the return of both GITEX Global and Expand North Star together in one location, creating a unified and integrated platform that enhances the entire scope of the global innovation ecosystem, from tech giants and policymakers to startups, investors, and visionary entrepreneurs.
This merger elevates Dubai’s position as a significant global hub and the most important meeting point for ideas, capital, and expansion opportunities. “GITEX 5.0” and “Tech-Cation” will be groundbreaking, offering a global platform with an innovative vision where future technologies converge in a city designed to inspire, connect, and accelerate the next steps toward the future.
This year, “GITEX Global” celebrates its 45th edition at the Dubai World Trade Center, scheduled for October 13-17, 2025, featuring over 6,800 exhibitors, including 2,000 startups from 180 countries, 1,200 investors managing assets exceeding $1.1 trillion, and more than 40 unicorn companies. As the brand representing the largest technology event globally, GITEX now extends to 14 cities worldwide, supporting dialogues that shape the future of essential sectors around the globe.