Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

The 42nd edition of Gitex Global 2022 will open its doors to the pubic in Dubai on Monday. The event is being held from Oct.10 to 14 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Abu Dhabi Government on Sunday officially kicked off its participation at Gitex Global 2022.

In its eleventh year of participation, and under the theme of ‘Leading the Digital Future’, the Abu Dhabi Government is showcasing more than 100 innovative digital initiatives and projects in the field of digital transformation, all of which aim to create a unique experience for visitors by providing a unified platform that includes all government entities in Abu Dhabi.

More than 30 government and academic entities are present at the Abu Dhabi Government Pavilion, showcasing their latest digital innovative projects, initiatives and applications that aim to enhance the quality of life for the community in Abu Dhabi and support the digital transformation journey of the Emirate.

Ali Rashid Al Ketbi, Chairman of the Department of Government Support - Abu Dhabi, said: “The importance of Gitex Global 2022 lies in it being a global platform to enhance strategic partnerships between public and private sectors, explore new opportunities for meaningful cooperation with academia and major global technology companies to support Abu Dhabi’s digital agenda. Gitex is a great opportunity to exchange experiences and share knowledge about emerging technologies and global initiatives, thus contributing to accelerating digital transformation in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

As the 42nd edition of Gitex Global 2022 launched this morning, the Dubai Government Pavilion opened its doors to visitors of the annual global event.

Organised by Digital Dubai, the joint pavilion brings together 40 government and private entities to showcase the latest innovative solutions and services as well as initiatives and plans for Dubai’s future digital development.

Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, said: “Digital Dubai, together with all government entities in the emirate, places great emphasis on participating in Gitex Global. The 2022 edition is a significant milestone in this prolonged partnership as we share with the world and the local community our latest strategies, plans, and initiatives for building the digital future that our wise leadership has envisioned for us – a future built on well-being, sustainability, and leadership through integrated, comprehensive digitalization.

“Gitex Global brings the world’s decision-makers and technology and digital experts to share ideas and best practices to improve people’s lives in a digital future. We remain incredibly open to different visions, technologies, and concepts of the future.”

Meanwhile, International collaboration is critical for start-up success, and the North Star technology event at Gitex is set to immensely contribute to the global ecosystem by offering a unique platform to innovative minds for connectivity and exchange of ideas, experts say.

Hatem El Safty, CEO-Business Link, said the start-up growth in UAE makes Gitex North Star a perfect gateway for govt officials, entrepreneurs, investors, experts, and students to learn and highlight their skill sets.

“We are thrilled to be part of North Star as their community partners to contribute to the evolving start-up ecosystem with our experience, expertise, and services,” El Safty said, adding that this is a unique occasion that Gitex will bring amazing business and start-ups on one platform.

One of the world’s largest trade shows for business start-ups, the five-day Gitex is set to commence on October 10, which will feature over 100,000 visitors and exhibitors 4,500 businesses, and one hundred plus expert speakers and panellists from a diverse array of fields from over 170 nations.

As venture capitalists seek to future-proof their investments in the face of global economic concerns, the possibilities for entrepreneurs to raise funding have never been better. Following a record-breaking year of $2.6 billion in VC financing in MENA, the UAE is leading the way in the sector, yet again.

“With incentives from the Dubai government, the city has become a testbed for emerging, bright-minded entrepreneurs to set up their businesses. Currently, Dubai is home to more than 10,000 small to medium-sized companies. Gitex not only supports but gives a platform for start-ups to engage with potential partners, investors, and clients,” El Safty said.

Faisal Qureshi, Chief Marketing Officer at Business Link, said the boom in the e-commerce industry has been parallel to the rise in start-ups in the UAE, as increasingly young entrepreneurs realise the value of going online and starting a business.

“At Gitex, we aim to educate ourselves with the emerging technology and resources we can use to help our clients in the best possible way,” he said.