GITEX Global Technology Week 2026

GITEX Global is the world’s largest technology trade show, held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The 2026 edition runs 12–16 October, attracting over 6,000 exhibitors and typically more than 180,000 visitors across five days. Countries, corporations, startups, and government technology agencies all participate, making it a genuinely broad cross-section of the global tech industry.

GITEX has been held since 1981, originally as a consumer electronics show. It has evolved significantly and now spans artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, smart cities, fintech, and a dedicated startup ecosystem. The Dubai government’s investment in the event has made it the world’s largest technology trade show by exhibitor count, surpassing CES in Las Vegas in overall exhibitor numbers in recent years.

Structure of the event

The DWTC spans multiple interconnected halls; GITEX occupies the bulk of them. Major themes for recent editions have included AI, 5G, and government technology transformation. Country pavilions from the EU, USA, UK, India, and dozens of others occupy dedicated zones. A startup-focused area called GITEX Startups (formerly GITEX Future Stars) runs simultaneously in an adjacent hall, focusing on early-stage companies seeking investment and partnership.

North Star Dubai, a co-located innovation summit, typically runs at the Harbourfront Centre near the DWTC and adds a conference and keynote programme focused on emerging technology and investment.

Attending as a visitor or delegate

GITEX is a professional trade show, not a consumer event. Entry requires registration as a visitor or delegate; tickets are not sold on a walk-in basis. General visitor registration is available online at gitex.com and typically costs USD 50–150 for a multi-day pass, with higher rates for conference sessions and premium tracks. Startup and investor passes are priced separately.

The sheer scale of the venue means a single day is not enough to cover the full exhibition. Most trade visitors target specific halls and schedule meetings in advance. Arrive early to secure meeting slots with high-demand exhibitors.

Getting there

The Dubai World Trade Centre is centrally located and directly served by the World Trade Centre Metro station on the Red Line. From Downtown Dubai or the airport, the journey takes around 10–15 minutes by Metro. Taxis from any central Dubai location are straightforward. Our Dubai city guide has transport and accommodation details for planning a stay around the event.

Practical notes

October in Dubai sits at the start of the tourist season, with temperatures around 30–35°C. The DWTC is fully air-conditioned; the outdoor walkways between halls can be warm. Smart business casual is the standard dress for most attendees. Accommodation in central Dubai fills up quickly during GITEX week; book several months in advance for the best rates.