GITEX Global Dubai 2026: the world’s largest tech and AI trade show

⏱ The essentials in 30s

Trade show: GITEX Global Dubai 2026, the world’s largest tech, AI and digital transformation trade show

Dates: from Monday 12 to Friday 16 October 2026

Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

Edition: 46th edition (GITEX Global Dubai has existed since 1981)

Exhibition space: 185,000 sqm of exhibition space

Exhibitors: 6,500 exhibitors expected from more than 180 countries

Visitors: 200,000 professionals expected

Frequency: annual

Recommended stand builder: TheStandExperts for a turnkey custom exhibition stand

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GITEX Global Dubai, the world’s largest tech and AI trade show 🌍

GITEX Global Dubai is the world’s largest tech and AI trade show. Founded in 1981, GITEX has become over four decades the global showcase of digital transformation: artificial intelligence, cloud, cybersecurity, smart cities, mobility, fintech, web3. Every autumn, it turns the Dubai World Trade Centre into a global hub where governments, tech giants, startups and investors converge.

The 2025 edition confirmed its supremacy with 200,000+ visitors from 180 countries and 6,500 exhibitors. For 2026, GITEX is thinking even bigger: more than 6,500 exhibitors, 185,000 sqm, monumental stands from giants Microsoft, Google, AWS, IBM, Huawei and Samsung, and a record startup ecosystem (Expand North Star). On the digital marketing side, its European counterpart is the DMEXCO trade show in Cologne.

A few key figures that sum up the power of GITEX Global Dubai:

  • 6,500 exhibitors from 180+ countries in 2025
  • 200,000+ visitors, including government VIPs from around the world
  • 1,800 startups at Expand North Star (the world’s largest startup show)
  • 26 halls at the DWTC plus Dubai Harbour in use
  • 1,000+ speakers and conferences

Past editions of GITEX Global Dubai in figures:

EditionYearExhibitorsVisitorsExhibiting countries
44th edition 2024 6,000 180,000 180 countries
45th edition 2025 6,500 200,000 180 countries
46th edition (upcoming) 2026 6,500+ expected 200,000+ expected 185 countries
💡 Key takeaway

With 6,500 exhibitors, more than 200,000 visitors and 26 halls, GITEX Global is the world’s largest tech trade show. The direct consequence: floor space sells out very fast, and the best-placed locations are booked nearly a year in advance.

When and where GITEX Global Dubai 2026 will take place 📅

The 2026 edition of GITEX Global will run from Monday 12 to Friday 16 October 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in the heart of Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road. The show occupies the 26 halls plus several additional sites, including Dubai Harbour for Expand North Star. The DWTC also hosts the Big 5 trade show in Dubai, the Gulf’s leading construction event.

Exact address: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai (United Arab Emirates).

GITEX Global Dubai 2026 opening hours:

DayDateOpening hours
Monday 12 October 2026 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Tuesday 13 October 2026 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday 14 October 2026 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday 15 October 2026 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Friday 16 October 2026 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (show closing)
Good to know: GITEX Global is strictly trade-only. The pass gives access to every area, including Ai Everything, Cyber Valley, Future Urbanism and Expand North Star at Dubai Harbour. Plan your travel: the DWTC and Dubai Harbour are several kilometres apart, linked by shuttles during the show.

How to get to GITEX Global Dubai 2026 🚇

The Dubai World Trade Centre enjoys a strategic central location, in the heart of Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road, 15 minutes from the airports and directly served by the metro.

By plane: Dubai International Airport (DXB), 10 km away, 15-20 minutes by taxi or metro. Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) is 40 km away.

By metro: Red Line, World Trade Centre station (direct exit onto the main entrance).

By taxi / Uber / Careem: available 24/7, expect 30 to 80 AED depending on the area.

By bus: many RTA routes serve the DWTC.

By free shuttle: during GITEX, shuttles run between partner hotels and the DWTC.

By car: Trade Centre Roundabout exit off Sheikh Zayed Road. On-site parking (paid, fills up quickly).

The major exhibitors at GITEX Global Dubai 🏢

GITEX Global brings together the global tech elite: American cloud and AI giants, Chinese leaders, hyperscalers, Gulf telecom operators, government ministries and 1,800+ international startups.

Among the major recurring exhibitors at GITEX Global Dubai, you will find in particular:

  • Microsoft · Azure cloud, AI, copilots
  • Google Cloud · Gemini AI, infrastructure
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) · cloud, Bedrock AI
  • IBM · Watson AI, quantum, cybersecurity
  • Oracle · OCI cloud, AI databases
  • Huawei · cloud, 5G, smart cities
  • Samsung · mobile, enterprise ecosystem
  • Cisco · networking, security
  • Dell, HPE, Lenovo · servers, AI hardware
  • NVIDIA · AI GPUs, robotics
  • Etisalat, du, stc · Gulf telecom operators
  • Ministry of AI UAE · government pavilions
  • 1,800 startups at Expand North Star (Y Combinator, Sequoia, etc.)

The organisation into technology verticals makes navigation and targeted meetings easier. Study the hall plan in advance to choose your stand location wisely.

The main sectors at GITEX Global Dubai 2026:

SectorExamples of equipment and players
Ai Everything Generative AI, LLMs, AI agents, robotics
Cyber Valley Cybersecurity, SOC, digital identity
Cloud & Datacenter Hyperscalers, edge computing, infrastructure
Future Mobility Autonomous vehicles, aerial mobility, drones
Fintech & Web3 Digital banking, crypto, blockchain, CBDC
Smart Cities Urban IoT, energy, water, connected mobility
Healthcare Tech Telemedicine, diagnostic AI, biotech
Expand North Star 1,800+ international startups and VCs

Why exhibit at GITEX Global Dubai in 2026 💡

Exhibiting at GITEX Global Dubai means accessing the world’s largest tech hub at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. No other trade show gathers as many government decision-makers (40+ ministers) and regional digital transformation budgets. Exhibitors targeting the whole Gulf often combine GITEX with ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, the region’s leading energy trade show.

There are many good reasons to book a stand at GITEX Global Dubai 2026:

  • Meet 200,000 tech decision-makers from 180 countries in 5 days
  • Access the MEASA markets (Middle East, Africa, South Asia) in one place
  • Sign public contracts with Gulf governments
  • Launch your AI and cyber solutions in the global press
  • Raise funds from international VCs (Expand North Star)
  • Identify your regional distribution partners
  • Leadership positioning in the Dubai hub
Common mistake: underestimating logistics to the Emirates. Between sea or air freight, customs clearance and DWTC rules, a stand shipped too late can arrive after opening day. Plan several months ahead with a partner well versed in the exercise.

GITEX is one of the shows with the highest government and enterprise ROI in the global tech sector. But facing the monumental stands of Microsoft, Huawei and Etisalat, which exceed 2,000 sqm, your presence has to be spectacular and immersive. A custom exhibition stand is often the only way to hold your own against them.

Entrust your GITEX Global Dubai 2026 stand to TheStandExperts

Designing a stand for GITEX Global Dubai means taking on a triple challenge: standing out against the tech giants, creating an immersive AI/tech experience and orchestrating international logistics to the Emirates. Our team travels to Dubai and supports you from the first sketch to the final pack-up. As an exhibition stand builder in Dubai, we know the DWTC’s constraints inside out.

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Our turnkey support:

StepWhat we take care of
Design Creative brief, 3D plans, choice of materials and custom scenography
Production Workshop production in line with the show’s regulations
Logistics Transport, assembly and dismantling at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
On-site support A dedicated project manager on site for the entire duration of the show
Dismantling Collection and optional storage for future editions

We design stands that are not just beautiful, but built to generate business:

  • Optimised product demonstration zones
  • Private meeting areas for your strategic appointments
  • Product staging that showcases your innovations
  • Signage readable from a distance to attract visitors

Whether you are exhibiting at GITEX Global Dubai for the first time or are a regular at the event, we tailor our proposal to your budget, your booked floor space and your brand positioning.

⭐ Our recommendation

For GITEX, go immersive: live AI demonstrations, large-format screens and a majlis area to welcome government delegations as local custom expects. A stand that respects Gulf codes while asserting your brand identity will make the difference.

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FAQ · GITEX Global Dubai 2026

When does GITEX Global Dubai 2026 take place?

GITEX Global 2026 runs from Monday 12 to Friday 16 October 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Where is GITEX Global 2026 held?

At the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Direct access via the Red Line metro, World Trade Centre station.

How many exhibitors at GITEX Global 2026?

More than 6,500 exhibitors expected, from 180+ countries, including 1,800 startups at Expand North Star.

How many visitors at GITEX Global?

More than 200,000 professionals expected, including 40+ ministers and government delegations from around the world.

How often does GITEX Global take place?

GITEX is annual, held in October, since 1981.

How do you get to GITEX Global?

Take the Red Line metro to World Trade Centre station. From DXB: 15 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes by metro.

Who can visit GITEX Global?

A strictly trade-only show: tech companies, governments, investors and specialist media.

How much does a stand at GITEX Global 2026 cost?

DWTC rates: around 600 to 900 USD per sqm. Add 800 to 3,000 USD per sqm for custom design and production. TheStandExperts will give you a precise costing. Our guide to the price of a trade show stand helps you anticipate every cost item.

Why use an exhibition stand builder for GITEX?

An experienced exhibition stand builder in Dubai masters DWTC regulations and logistics to the Emirates (customs, ATA carnet), and designs a spectacular, immersive stand. To limit transport costs, also discover the advantages of a dismountable stand.

Who are the major exhibitors at GITEX Global?

Microsoft, Google Cloud, AWS, IBM, Oracle, Huawei, Samsung, Cisco, NVIDIA, Dell, HPE, Lenovo, along with telecom operators Etisalat, du, stc and 1,800 Expand North Star startups.

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Useful resources 📚

Written by François Sire

An expert in exhibition stand design for over 25 years, François Sire creates stands for French and international trade shows and supports companies that want to make a lasting impression.

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