With over 6,500 exhibitors and 1,800 speakers from around the world, GITEX 2024 wrapped up last Friday – and wow, it was bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever! It really showed off the UAE’s determination not just to watch the tech revolution unfold, but to help shape it.
Here are my top 5 takeaways from clocking over 50,000+ steps around DWTC last week:
Ethical AI and inclusive tech
A big focus was the ‘Intelligence Grid’, all about making sure AI and tech are accessible to everyone. As AI becomes a bigger part of our lives, there’s a real risk of widening global gaps, but initiatives like this aim to make sure the benefits are shared fairly. The UAE is once again leading the way, prioritising responsible AI development that works for everyone, regardless of background.
AI powered holograms
AI was everywhere, with countless panels on how GenAI is changing everything, from content creation to marketing strategies and decision-making. Yet, what caught my eye was e&’s human-digital advisors – holograms powered by AI. After walking around for miles, I stumbled across a live demo of one, and seeing a digital advisor chat with a journalist felt like a glimpse into the future. This tech isn’t just futuristic – it’s already here!
Smart cities are getting smarter
If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic in Dubai on the way to or back from DWTC, you know the struggle. But that could change soon. Dubai’s push to become a top smart city was clear at GITEX, with cool initiatives including Presight’s AI-powered traffic management system. It analyses real-time data to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. And these aren’t just ideas – they’re set to make a real difference into our everyday lives!
Sustainable tech is leading the agenda
AI and robotics may have stolen the spotlight this year, but climate tech was also front and center. From more efficient datacentres to smart water management and carbon capture, there were some game-changing solutions aimed at helping industries reach their sustainability goals. With climate change continuing to dominate global conversations, it was great to see tech companies stepping up with solutions that could make a real impact.
The quiet revolution: quantum computing
The Technology Innovation Institute, for example, announced a partnership with the UAE Space Agency to build cutting-edge quantum communication infrastructure. Quantum isn’t just some futuristic concept anymore – it’s becoming a reality with the power to shake up entire industries. From cryptography to space communication, quantum is advancing faster than we may realise and could disrupt tech in ways we’re only starting to grasp.
But GITEX isn’t just about showing the latest gadgets. With a 40% increase in international exhibitors, it’s clear the UAE isn’t just watching the digital revolution – it’s shaping the future of innovation and AI. From smarter, greener cities to quantum breakthroughs, GITEX made it clear that the future of tech isn’t just about innovation – it’s about responsibility. And as we step into this new era. The UAE is ready to lead the charge.