GITEX TechCation 2026 in Dubai will be developed into the world’s largest technology and artificial intelligence event, under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The new global showcase will be organised under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
Running from December 7–11, 2026 at Expo City Dubai, the event will position Dubai as a year-end global destination for innovation, investment, and lifestyle, uniting leading technology companies, startups, investors, and creators in an immersive, citywide celebration of innovation and creativity.
GITEX TechCation 2026 in Dubai
GITEX TechCation 2026 marks a major expansion of Dubai’s global technology network, anchoring the world’s largest tech and startup ecosystem in the heart of the city’s tourism, culture, and lifestyle season.
As a first step, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have signed a strategic partnership to develop and promote the event.
The agreement was formalised between Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (part of DET), and Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, the global organiser of GITEX.
Through this collaboration, GITEX will leverage DET’s hospitality, cultural, and tourism networks to create programmes and immersive experiences that transform Dubai into a connected nexus of tech, culture, and tourism.
The initiative also supports DET’s goal to make Dubai the best city to visit, live, work, and invest, encouraging extended business itineraries and longer stays for international executives and investors.
Leadership vision
Issam Kazim said: “GITEX has long been more than just a tech show, and this new era, guided by our city’s visionary leadership, is poised to further elevate its global importance and relevance.
“Seamlessly blending innovation with Dubai’s unmatched lifestyle, GITEX TechCation will underline the city’s status as a premier destination for both business and leisure, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.”
He added that the partnership will enhance the visitor experience and “allow the tech community to come together to forge new opportunities.”
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, said: “GITEX TechCation represents a fundamental reconfiguration of global tech events; a bold new playbook rewriting how the world’s tech community connects, celebrates, and innovates, in one of the world’s most future-ready cities.
“Moving beyond conventional halls to harness the full energy of Dubai – culture, lifestyle, and spirit, GITEX advocates an ethos of ‘Tech Hard, Live Hard’ through the most immersive citywide activation.”
Dubai’s global appeal
Dubai’s reputation as the world’s most sought-after travel destination strengthens the vision behind GITEX TechCation.
The city was ranked number one globally in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards for three consecutive years (2022–2024).
Its culinary scene also continues to gain international acclaim, with the 2025 MICHELIN Guide featuring 119 restaurants, including 19 with MICHELIN Stars, and two listed among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2025.
Dubai Economic Agenda (D33)
GITEX TechCation aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position Dubai among the top three global cities by 2033.
By embedding the world’s largest tech and investor network into Dubai’s tourism and cultural ecosystem, the event reinforces the emirate’s standing as a global destination for talent, foreign direct investment, and innovation.
Dubai ranked first worldwide for Greenfield FDI projects for the eighth consecutive half-year period (H1 2025) and first in Savills’ Executive Nomad Index, underscoring its appeal to entrepreneurs, tech talent, and investors.
