UAE’s $3.7 billion market shines at Europe’s biggest tech show
65 organisations showcased breakthrough technologies at GITEX Europe x Ai Everything in Berlin
DUBAI/BERLIN: The UAE’s burgeoning Dh13.6 billion ($3.7 billion) tech economy took centre stage at the inaugural edition of GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, held this week at Messe Berlin.
Drawing more than 1,400 exhibitors, 600 top global investors and 500 speakers from over 100 countries, the three-day event marked one of the largest cross-border technology showcases Europe has hosted to date.
A trailblazing delegation from the UAE – comprising over 65 digital government entities, tech enterprises, and startups – dominated the show floor, cementing the country’s position as a leading global hub for technological innovation. The event offered a dynamic snapshot of the UAE’s advancements across key sectors, including public services, AI, climate technology, urban mobility, and space exploration.
Global tech mobilisation
The UAE’s IT services market is forecast to reach $3.76 billion by 2025, according to Statista. That growth trajectory was unmistakable in Berlin, where the nation mounted its largest entrepreneurship and digital investment delegation to a European technology event to date.
The Ministry of Economy Pavilion spotlighted UAE-led ventures driving climate solutions, smart cities, and advanced healthcare innovation. Featured startups included Zeroe, a carbon management platform; Hikmah Labs, integrating AI with scientific research; IngenioData, specialising in indoor navigation and tracking; and Responsive Drip Irrigation, the world’s first plant-responsive irrigation system.
Delivering the welcome address, Alia Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, noted: “Germany is now the UAE’s second largest trading partner within the EU. And Berlin as a global capital of innovation plays a central role in that story. It mirrors the trajectory; dynamic, diverse, and globally connected. Together, we are shaping a new economic corridor, one powered by innovation and grounded in common purpose.”
Space and strategy
Joining the UAE delegation were prominent national icons: Hazza Al Mansoori, the first Emirati astronaut in space, and Nora Al Matrooshi, the UAE’s first female astronaut. Speaking on aerospace innovation, Al Mansoori commented: “Artificial intelligence in space is something that we are experimenting with. For example, Simon, a floating robot, and making the lunar gateway, the space station more autonomous, because it’s not going to be inhabited all the time.”
Dubai’s digital display
The Dubai Pavilion, curated by Digital Dubai, stood out with contributions from 12 public and private sector entities. These included Dubai Police, Dubai Future Foundation, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), Dubai Customs, and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, as well as tech partners e& and Emaratech.
Showcased innovations included:
- Dubai Dashboard: A centralised platform offering a 360-degree view of city-wide metrics
- DubaiNow: A comprehensive app for public services access
- UAE PASS: A secure digital identity with facial recognition verification
- Smart Employee and Dubai Monitor: Tools to optimise civic service efficiency
- Salama: An AI-powered system that automates visa services and residency renewals
- Ghaith: Dubai Police’s autonomous patrol vehicle
Younus Al Nasser, CEO of Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, emphasised: “AI must be treated not as a tool to deploy but as a solution to integrate—strategically, ethically and sustainably. These are Dubai’s greatest strengths: rapid execution and ecosystem-wide collaboration that turn AI potential into real-world public value.”
Nationwide presence
Beyond government pavilions, prominent UAE-based organisations took the stage. Innovation hub Tecom Investments showcased Dubai’s innovation clusters, while Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) underscored urban mobility goals.
Also exhibiting were:
- CAFU: The region’s pioneer in on-demand mobile fuelling
- 6Bees: A performance management firm using AI for workforce optimisation
These entities collectively reflected the UAE’s ecosystem of scalable, exportable innovation solutions.
UAE thought leadership
Throughout the conference, UAE leaders presented on building AI-first nations, startup expansion and infrastructure readiness. Notable 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
- Younus Al Nasser, Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment
Their discussions examined policy frameworks, ethical AI integration, and public-private investment models.
Deepening ties
Several closed-door bilateral meetings were held between UAE officials and European ministers. Among them were discussions between Al Mazrouei and:
- Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin
- Jan Kavalírek, Deputy Minister, Czech Republic’s Ministry of Industry and Trade
- Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan
The meetings reinforced collaboration on technology, innovation policy, and startup acceleration.
Looking ahead, a European Edition of Investopia was announced to debut in Berlin in 2026. The UAE’s flagship platform, launched in 2021 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, is dedicated to fostering global economic dialogue and high-impact investment opportunities.
GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything forms part of the broader GITEX global network, with editions across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Kenya, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.