UAE’s $3.7 Billion Tech Economy Takes Centre Stage at Inaugural GITEX EUROPE in Berlin

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: Europe’s largest inaugural technology, startup, and digital investment event, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, concluded in Berlin this week, with the United Arab Emirates taking centre stage as a global leader in innovation and digital transformation.

Held at Messe Berlin over three days, the event brought together an unprecedented assembly of over 1,400 exhibitors, 600 top-tier global investors, and more than 500 expert speakers from 100+ countries, making it one of the most significant cross-border tech gatherings ever seen on the continent.

National pavilions spanned the globe—from India to Italy, Morocco to South Korea, and 35 European nations—underscoring the international nature of the event. Notably, the UAE led the largest-ever delegation of its kind to a European tech event, with 65 organizations showcasing the nation’s prowess in advanced technologies across sectors such as governance, public services, mobility, and space.

According to the latest data from Statista, the UAE’s IT services market is projected to reach $3.76 billion by 2025, reflecting rapid momentum and strategic growth.

The Ministry of Economy pavilion spotlighted a dynamic lineup of UAE-based startups addressing global challenges through innovation. These included:

• Zeroe, offering end-to-end carbon management solutions;
• Hikmah Labs, leveraging AI for transformative research;
• IngenioData, focused on AR and BLE-based indoor navigation and analytics; and
• Responsive Drip Irrigation, creators of the world’s first plant-responsive irrigation system.

H.E. Alia Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, officially inaugurated the event, remarking in her keynote:
“Germany is now the UAE’s second largest trading partner within the EU. Berlin, as a global capital of innovation, reflects the dynamism and shared vision between our nations. Together, we are shaping a new economic corridor powered by innovation and grounded in a common purpose.”

Joining the high-level delegation were Hazza Al Mansoori, the UAE’s first astronaut, and Nora Al Matrooshi, the first female Emirati astronaut. In a media briefing, Al Mansoori discussed emerging aerospace technologies, stating, “Artificial intelligence in space is a major frontier. We are experimenting with autonomous systems like Simon and technologies for the Lunar Gateway to enable sustainable, long-term space missions.”

The Dubai Pavilion, organized by Digital Dubai, highlighted AI-driven public sector transformation through 12 key government and private entities. Featured innovations included:

• Dubai Dashboard, a unified platform offering city-wide data insights;
• Dubai Monitor, DubaiNow, and Smart Employee applications;
• UAE PASS, the national digital identity using facial recognition for secure services;
• Salama, an AI-powered residency services platform;
• and Ghaith, an autonomous smart patrol vehicle by Dubai Police.

Younus Al Nasser, CEO of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, emphasized responsible AI integration, stating:
“AI must be viewed not merely as a tool but as a solution to be strategically, ethically, and sustainably embedded. Dubai’s strength lies in its agility, execution speed, and its ecosystem-wide approach that turns potential into public value.”

Other prominent participants included Tecom Investments, RTA, CAFU, and 6Bees, representing Dubai’s innovation ecosystem in areas such as urban mobility, mobile fuel delivery, and AI-enhanced productivity.

UAE executives featured across the conference agenda addressed critical themes including national AI strategies, tech infrastructure development, and startup scalability. Speakers included:

• Abdalla Almehrzi, UAE Cybersecurity Council;
• Alia Al Mur, Dubai Future Foundation;
• Ammar Al Malik, TECOM Group;
• Hamad Al Mansoori, Digital Dubai;
• Marwan Al Zarouni, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism;
• Salem AlShamsi, Dubai Chambers;
• and Younus Al Nasser, Digital Dubai.

A series of bilateral meetings between the UAE delegation and European leaders further cemented collaborative ambitions. Minister Al Mazrouei met with Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin; Jan Kavalírek, Czech Deputy Minister for Industry and Trade; and Zhaslan Madiyev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry.

Looking ahead, it was announced that an exclusive European edition of Investopia will be hosted at GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything 2026 in Berlin. Established in 2021 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, Investopia is a global platform accelerating economic growth and capital flows through partnerships and strategic dialogues.

GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything is part of the expanding GITEX Global network, with editions held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Germany, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

For more details, visit: www.gitex-europe.com.