From October 14–18, GITEX Global 2024 brought together technology leaders from around the world in Dubai. Now in its 44th year, driven by the efforts of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), GITEX Global has grown into one of the world’s largest technology and innovation gatherings, revealing the vast potential of tech to an international audience.
GITEX’s reach now stretches beyond Dubai. Under its brand, events have expanded across Europe, Africa, and Asia. According to Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president at DWTC and CEO of Kaoun International, the world is changing fast, and the only way forward is through collaboration and shared growth. GITEX therefore strives to connect different regions, bridging digital divides across the globe. Today, GITEX is among the world’s largest tech networks, serving as a trusted gateway for companies exploring new markets.
This year, 36Kr Global joined GITEX as its key partner in Asia, bringing media representatives from China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia to Dubai. These delegates met with LohMirmand for a discussion on GITEX’s core values and its evolving role in the Asian market.
The following excerpts, transcribed by 36Kr Chuhai during the media exchange with LohMirmand, have been edited and consolidated for brevity and clarity.
Q: Some exhibitors noted that GITEX attracts a uniquely engaged and knowledgeable audience, which is rare at other B2B expos. How does GITEX accomplish this?
Trixie LohMirmand (TL): If I gave away our secret, I might be out of a job! But in truth, it all centers on our commitment to customer focus. It may sound like a clichge, but it’s genuinely what drives us. We’re not just organizing a trade show—we’re creating a platform that fuels interaction in the tech industry. This sector moves fast, so identifying key players and connecting them with potential clients and partners is vital. Our team dedicates significant thought, research, and resources to ensure we attract a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from government officials and tech researchers to startups and major corporations. This commitment to diversity enriches the visitor experience, extending exhibitor value far beyond simple transactions.
At GITEX, exhibitors can connect with various stakeholders in the digital economy, including those focused on future trends. This diversity makes for a more vibrant experience for visitors and allows exhibitors to tap into value across multiple dimensions.
Q: More Chinese companies are coming to Dubai to showcase their products and technologies. How does Dubai support businesses from different countries in expanding into international markets?
TL: Dubai, and the UAE as a whole, has become a global gateway, and it’s why so many international companies establish offices here. Setting up in Dubai allows companies to reach not only the Middle Eastern market but also the broader global market. With its world-class infrastructure, streamlined regulations, and increasingly business-friendly environment, Dubai attracts companies from all over.
Many Chinese companies attending GITEX Global are considering establishing regional offices here. At GITEX, they are learning how to fine-tune their products for local market needs.
GITEX offers an open platform with companies from over 130 countries and more than 200,000 tech professionals from 180 nations. Numerous memorandum of understandings and partnerships are signed here, underscoring GITEX Global’s truly international perspective. It provides an unparalleled entry point for Chinese firms looking to go global.
Q: When it comes to global tech exhibitions, CES and IFA often come to mind. How would you suggest Asian companies navigate the choice between these shows?
TL: For most companies, it’s no longer an either-or decision. Tech is evolving at such a pace, with tools like ChatGPT putting the power of artificial intelligence within reach, that today’s companies must make decisions based on their unique strategic goals.
CES and IFA are phenomenal events, particularly for consumer electronics like wearables and mobile devices. GITEX, however, is focused on business technology and attracts government agencies interested in digital transformation. This creates unique B2B and B2G opportunities across manufacturing, public services, digital governance, retail, healthcare, and fintech.
In the past, tech expos were broader, but they are now increasingly specialized. Today, you can find events dedicated to deep tech, fintech, or AI. GITEX, on the other hand, brings together innovation across multiple fields, giving attendees a comprehensive industry view. Companies can leverage this diversity. A company might showcase its top products at CES or IFA, but at GITEX, it often presents comprehensive digital solutions aligned with business and government needs.
GITEX extends beyond consumer electronics—it encompasses a broader ecosystem. In addition to public service organizations and government agencies, we invite academia and research institutions, expanding collaboration opportunities. Delegations from over 25 countries, including ministers, policymakers, and business leaders, come here to discuss how to integrate 5G, digitize national records, and prepare for an AI-driven economy. This level of public-private interaction is uncommon at other events.
At GITEX, you see not only products but the entire tech ecosystem and the diverse digital economy, offering a full perspective from consumer applications to government solutions.
Q: In April 2024, GITEX Asia will debut in Singapore. What unique networking opportunities will GITEX Asia bring to Southeast Asia?
TL: In simple terms, GITEX Asia will establish a one-of-a-kind tech community in Singapore. We’re leveraging our global network to bring together investors, universities, industry leaders, and government representatives from across the region. Given Singapore’s market characteristics, we may also invite experts in areas like food security and agritech. Our goal is to foster new dialogues and collaborations that create unique partnerships.
We chose Singapore and Southeast Asia as the host region because of its strategic location. Just as Dubai serves as a global hub, Singapore’s geography makes it convenient for businesses from China, Japan, South Korea, and India. While Southeast Asia is our focus, we’re committed to fostering regional and global connections, making GITEX Asia a pan-Asian platform.
Q: Can we expect GITEX Asia to have the same depth and breadth as GITEX Global?
TL: This is GITEX’s mission and our promise in all our events. We have built the world’s largest network of tech startups, investors, and corporations, making GITEX a trusted platform for clients exploring new markets. As we expand into new regions, we stay dedicated to helping our community build unprecedented connections in these markets—a unique offering that other expos don’t provide.
We look forward to everyone’s support in our Asia expansion. We are committed to delivering a remarkable event and look forward to welcoming all attendees.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by 36Kr Chuhai.