What To Know
- Dubai is gearing up to host GITEX TechCation 2026, which will become the world’s largest technology and artificial intelligence event, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
- To bring this vision to life, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have signed a strategic partnership to co-develop and promote the event.
- Scheduled to take place from December 7 to 11, 2026, at Expo City Dubai, the event will serve as a year-end global destination for innovation, investment, and lifestyle, bringing together technology leaders, startups, investors, and creators for an immersive citywide celebration of progress and creativity.
Dubai is gearing up to host GITEX TechCation 2026, which will become the world’s largest technology and artificial intelligence event, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The global showcase will be organised under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
Scheduled to take place from December 7 to 11, 2026, at Expo City Dubai, the event will serve as a year-end global destination for innovation, investment, and lifestyle, bringing together technology leaders, startups, investors, and creators for an immersive citywide celebration of progress and creativity.
A Bold Expansion of Dubai’s Global Tech Ecosystem
GITEX TechCation 2026 represents a major evolution of Dubai’s global technology landscape. It aims to anchor the world’s largest tech and startup ecosystem in the heart of Dubai’s thriving tourism, culture, and lifestyle sectors.
To bring this vision to life, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have signed a strategic partnership to co-develop and promote the event.
The agreement was signed by Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (part of DET), and Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, the global organiser of GITEX.
This collaboration will enable GITEX to leverage Dubai’s hospitality, cultural, and tourism networks to create immersive programs and experiences, transforming the city into a connected hub of technology and creativity.
Vision and Leadership
Issam Kazim said the initiative reflects Dubai’s leadership vision to integrate technology and lifestyle seamlessly.
“GITEX has long been more than just a tech show, and this new era, guided by our city’s visionary leadership, is poised to further elevate its global importance and relevance. Seamlessly blending innovation with Dubai’s unmatched lifestyle, GITEX TechCation will underline the city’s status as a premier destination for both business and leisure, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33,” he said.
He added that the partnership will enrich the visitor experience and foster collaboration across the global tech community.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, added:
“GITEX TechCation represents a fundamental reconfiguration of global tech events — a bold new playbook rewriting how the world’s tech community connects, celebrates, and innovates in one of the world’s most future-ready cities. Moving beyond conventional halls to harness Dubai’s culture, lifestyle, and spirit, GITEX advocates an ethos of ‘Tech Hard, Live Hard’ through the most immersive citywide activation.”
Dubai’s Global Appeal and Economic Vision
Dubai’s growing reputation as a top global destination for tourism, innovation, and investment further strengthens the appeal of GITEX TechCation.
The city ranked No. 1 globally in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for three consecutive years (2022–2024). Its dynamic culinary scene continues to thrive, with the 2025 MICHELIN Guide featuring 119 restaurants, 19 of which hold MICHELIN Stars, and two ranked among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025.
Aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position Dubai among the top three global cities by 2033, GITEX TechCation integrates innovation into the city’s cultural and tourism ecosystems.
Dubai also continues to lead the world in Greenfield FDI projects, ranking first globally for eight consecutive half-year periods (H1 2025), and holds the top position in Savills’ Executive Nomad Index, confirming its appeal to entrepreneurs, investors, and global tech talent.
A Global Festival of Innovation
GITEX TechCation 2026 will redefine the boundaries of traditional technology exhibitions. By merging AI, innovation, creativity, and lifestyle, Dubai aims to create a global celebration of technology that highlights the emirate’s leadership in shaping the future of the digital world.
