GITEX Europe: UAE tech economy draws global spotlight at Berlin summit

Dubai: The UAE’s fast-growing tech economy took centre stage this week at the inaugural GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything in Berlin, with more than 65 government bodies, startups, and private firms forming the country’s largest-ever delegation to a European tech event.

The UAE’s digital sector is forecast to hit $3.76 billion in 2025, according to Statista, and the country used the Berlin platform to highlight its role as a global player in AI, public sector innovation, and startup-driven solutions.

Held over three days at Messe Berlin, the event hosted 1,400+ exhibitors, 600 investors, and 500 speakers from more than 100 countries. Leading the UAE delegation was Minister of State for Entrepreneurship Alia Al Mazrouei, who noted that Germany is now the UAE’s second-largest EU trading partner, describing Berlin as a “global capital of innovation.”

The Dubai Pavilion, organised by Digital Dubai, highlighted some of the city’s most advanced public service applications, from the Dubai Dashboard for real-time city data to AI-powered visa processing via the “Salama” platform. Entities including Dubai Police, DIFC Courts, Dubai Customs, and Dubai Future Foundation participated, alongside private sector names like e& and Emaratech.

Younus Al Nasser, CEO, Dubai Data & Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai, said the city’s AI strategy is not just about adopting new tools but integrating them ethically and sustainably. “The key lies in speed, agility, and our ability to remain globally connected,” he said.

The Ministry of Economy pavilion showcased a range of UAE-born solutions tackling climate, healthcare, and smart city challenges—such as Zeroe for carbon tracking, IngenioData for indoor navigation, and Responsive Drip Irrigation, which uses sensors to let plants self-regulate watering.

Other participating UAE-based organisations included TECOM Investments, CAFU, and 6Bees, each sharing strategies that combine local innovation with global application.

Space also featured on the agenda, with UAE astronauts Hazza Al Mansoori and Nora Al Matrooshi joining the delegation. Al Mansoori discussed the role of AI in space, citing examples like autonomous systems being tested for lunar missions.

The event also saw high-level closed-door meetings between UAE officials and European government and industry leaders. Alia Al Mazrouei met with Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin; Jan Kavalírek, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Czech Republic; and Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, among other official government engagements, stand visits, and on-stage participations.

A major outcome was the announcement of Investopia Europe—an expanded edition of the UAE’s flagship global investment platform, set to debut at GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything in Berlin in 2026.

The Berlin edition adds to GITEX’s growing global presence, with other events held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Kenya, and beyond—marking the UAE’s ongoing push to position itself as a global hub for tech and digital growth.