Dubai, UAE – The UAE is solidifying its position as a leader in the digital city revolution, presenting groundbreaking technologies such as a scannable robot and a sea drone boat at GITEX GLOBAL 2024, the world’s largest tech and startup event organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
The event featured over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, and 1,200 investors, attracting participants from more than 180 countries and marking the highest-ever international participation. With 200,000 visitors in attendance, the event reinforced Dubai’s reputation as a premier global hub for technology and innovation.
A key conference at GITEX GLOBAL facilitated discussions among policymakers, visionaries, and industry leaders about leveraging advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and robotics to enhance interconnectivity and drive economic growth. The digital city sector is now generating over USD $1.83 trillion in revenue, reflecting a remarkable 21% increase from the previous year.
UAE’s Strategic Leadership in Future Cities
The UAE’s investments in digital transformation are positioning it among the leaders in developing digital cities. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been recognized in the Smart City Index 2024’s top 12 global cities, according to a report by Switzerland’s International Institute for Management Development (IMD).
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) is at the forefront of this evolution, overseeing digital transformation at the federal level. Their initiatives include the innovative digital twin platform project, showcased at the Digital Government Platform, offering real-time simulations of infrastructural and operational systems.
His Excellency Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, TDRA Director General, expressed pride in the UAE’s leadership in digital transformation, emphasizing their commitment to delivering seamless digital services and integrating advanced technologies in line with UAE Vision 2031, which focuses on sustainability and innovation.
Driving Dubai’s Transformation
Digital Dubai is a key player in accelerating the emirate’s digital evolution. It has been instrumental in enhancing the city’s digital economy and building national talent capabilities. Notable initiatives include the “Paperless Strategy,” making Dubai the first paperless government globally, and the unified digital platform DubaiNow, offering over 280 digital services.
His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to leverage technologies for shaping the future, asserting that GITEX serves as a vital meeting point for showcasing achievements and outlining future plans.
Advancements in Urban Mobility
Complementing these efforts, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is advancing its Digital Strategy with 82 city projects aimed at revolutionizing urban mobility and infrastructure. These initiatives align with the broader goal of creating a connected, efficient city.
Masdar City, in Abu Dhabi, exemplifies sustainable development, redefining urban living through innovative practices and contributing to the UAE’s net-zero goals.
Opportunities and Challenges in Digital Cities
At GITEX GLOBAL, experts emphasized technology’s role in overcoming urban challenges, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. They discussed how cities could evolve from early adoption to optimized digital environments through shared visions and partnerships.
Tan Boon Khai, CEO of JTC Corporation, emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in leveraging technology to address urban challenges. Meanwhile, Dimitri van Zantvliet, Cybersecurity Director at Dutch Railways, highlighted cybersecurity’s crucial role in building trust as cities become smarter.
Innovations Driving Digital Growth
Attendees experienced groundbreaking innovations, such as the Dubai Municipality’s Robot Scanner for infrastructure planning and the Uni-Mini, a compact unmanned surface vehicle designed for survey operations. Abu Dhabi showcased its smart traffic system, which enhances urban mobility through advanced technology.
Connecting the Global Tech Landscape
GITEX GLOBAL continues to strengthen its role as a connector for the global technology ecosystem, integrating the world’s largest network of tech events. Upcoming events include GITEX AFRICA in April, GITEX ASIA in Singapore, and GITEX EUROPE in Berlin, leading to the inaugural GITEX NIGERIA in September 2025.
Looking ahead, GITEX GLOBAL is set to return from October 13-17, 2025, promising another year of innovation and collaboration in the tech industry. In 2026, GITEX GLOBAL will relocate to Expo City Dubai, further expanding its reach and impact.
