GITEX Global 2023 may not get much publicity in Europe (yet). But the
self-styled "world's largest and most inclusive tech event" celebrated
its 43rd "edition" this year across two cavernous venues: the Dubai
World Trade Centre and Dubai Harbour. It isn't just another impressive
reminder of the burgeoning potential in the Middle East market. This
year's show also provided CONTEXT with an invaluable opportunity to
strengthen existing and build new partnerships with local distributors
in the region. A growing force in global IT, the Middle East is an
increasingly important region for IT consumption. Despite the region
as a whole suffering falling GDP growth this year due to high
inflation and subdued oil prices, the technology industry is on a
strong growth trajectory. Estimates predict IT spending will surge by
4% annually in 2024 to exceed $183bn, fuelled by ambitious government
initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
These long-term projects aim to diversify the local economies of the
Middle East away from a historic over-reliance on oil. Digital
transformation lies at the heart of these initiatives, driven by
government and foreign investment. They are moving fast, thanks partly
to the fact that there's a relative dearth of legacy IT infrastructure
in the region.
GITEX (Gulf Information Technology Exhibition) Global has been a
showcase and a rallying call for this ambition for several decades.
The strength and confidence of the current regional IT market is
evidenced by its expansion to an estimated two million sq. ft of
exhibition space. In fact, there are seven co-located tech events held
under the GITEX banner: Global DevSlam, X-VERSE, Ai Everything,
Fintech Surge, Marketing Mania, Future Blockchain Summit, and North
Star Dubai.
AI everywhere
The theme for this year's event was: "The Year to Imagine AI in
Everything." It couldn't have been a better fit, given that the past
12 months has seen generative AI (GenAI) in particular break through
into mainstream and boardroom consciousness, thanks to ChatGPT and
other large language model (LLM) technologies. At the show, there was
plenty of discussion among keynote speakers, attendees and exhibitors
about how the technology is already being embedded into a range of
practical applications.
Compelling speakers included Dr. Luc Julia, Chief Scientific Officer
of Renault Group and co-creator of Apple's AI-powered digital
assistant Siri. He brought the subject to life by dispensing with the
theoretical and helping the audience understand how AI is impacting
the world around us today. And the value it can generate for businesses.
A networking nexus
GITEX Global 2023 wasn't just about AI. The exhibition floor offered
a panoramic view of the latest technology innovations-from augmented
reality to blockchain and sustainable tech. That offered CONTEXT a
chance to dive deeper into global technology trends, whilst at the
same time taking the pulse of the local IT market.
As in previous years GITEX transcended the conventional boundaries of
a trade show, serving as a nexus for networking and collaboration with
industry professionals, decision-makers, and enthusiasts. However this
year's exhibition held special significance for our company, playing a
pivotal role in our growth trajectory through the strengthened
relationships we cultivated with key businesses in the Middle East channel.
Gaining insight into local markets
CONTEXT has for over three decades delivered critical market insight,
analysis and intelligence to help channel leaders make better business
decisions. And although we're established in close to 40 countries
now, there's always opportunity for further growth. That's why we are
investing in the expansion our capabilities in regions such as Asia
Pacific, Latin America, and of course the Middle East and
Africa.Relationship and in-person interaction has always been the key
to developing a successful business in the Middle East, and in that
respect, GITEX Global 2023 has been a crucial stepping stone for
CONTEXT, seeing old friends, affirming existing relationships and
paving the way for a revolution of the Channel in the region. Stay
tuned for more.