His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has directed the development of GITEX TechCation 2026 into the world’s largest event focused on technology and artificial intelligence.

The event, set to take place from December 7 to 11, 2026, at Expo City Dubai, will be held under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council. It will integrate technology, business, tourism, and culture into a citywide experience aimed at global participants.

As the first event of its kind, GITEX TechCation is designed to position Dubai as a year-end destination for innovation and investment, hosting leading technology firms, startups, and investors in an immersive, citywide format that extends beyond traditional exhibition halls.

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organiser of GITEX, has signed a strategic partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to support and amplify the new format. The agreement enables GITEX to tap into Dubai’s hospitality and cultural networks to offer extended itineraries for international attendees and promote the emirate as a global destination for business and leisure.

DET’s CEO, Issam Kazim, said the new event aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aimed at positioning Dubai among the world’s top three cities by 2033. Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President at DWTC, described GITEX TechCation as a redefinition of global tech events, leveraging Dubai’s urban infrastructure and appeal.

The initiative follows sustained growth in Dubai’s international profile. The city ranked No.1 in Tripadvisor’s global Travelers’ Choice Awards for three consecutive years (2022–2024) and continues to lead in foreign direct investment, topping global rankings in Greenfield FDI projects for the first half of 2025.

The MICHELIN Guide 2025 features 119 Dubai restaurants, with 19 awarded stars, and two named among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, highlighting the city’s growing influence in lifestyle and culture - key pillars of GITEX TechCation’s design.

Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office

Oksana Bozhko

Oksana Bozhko is a Contributor to Dubai Voice.