DUBAI: The first day of the GITEX Technology week kicked off on Sunday in an exhibition that centered around the “rise of smart cities,” with innovation’s front runners from all around the world showcasing what they have to offer.
“We live in a world where all emerging tech is coming together, from blockchain, to drones to automation,” blockchain influencer, Kris Bennet (aka Blockchain Beard Guy) said during opening remarks at the forum, adding that “it’s all heading toward smart cities.”
Bennet also said: “We have seen more change happen in the past 10 years than we ever have.”
Sprawling across Dubai’s massive World Trade Center area, the GITEX stands range from young start-ups hoping to lure sponsors to well-established businesses staying ahead of their competitors with the latest innovations and solutions.
The 38th annual exhibition is split among several categories including, Gulf Comms & Mobility, Global Solution Providers, Smart Workplace & Smart Homes, Value Added Distributors, Printing & Automation, Consumer Tech, Enterprise Software, Network & Security, Future Tech and IOT Big Cloud Data.
One of the more crowded stands was that of digital creative development non-profit MUTEK AE. The stand was a large, white igloo structure standing at the edge of Za’abeel Hall 6 that, upon entering, turns into a journey of lights and sounds that transports visitors into another world.
“It’s bringing together technology and art in an immersive and interactive experience,” Micro MUTEK AE general and artistic director Mehdi Ansari said.
Many country’s pavilions were seen grouping several start-ups across the hall floors, with Lebanon, Bahrain, Japan and South Korea having a considerable presence — showcasing wide-ranging projects from Bluetooth headphones to diet food home deliveries.
GITEX Technology week runs from Oct. 14 — 18, with GITEX Future Stars taking place from the the 14th-17th.
Smart cities at the center of Dubai’s GITEX Technology week
Smart cities at the center of Dubai’s GITEX Technology week
- The first day of the GITEX Technology week kicked off on Sunday
- Exhibition centered around the “rise of smart cities”
Saudi Arabia’s national fleet grows 32% in 2025, 2nd-fastest among G20 nations
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s national fleet grew 32 percent in 2025, making the Kingdom second among G20 countries in fleet expansion.
The surge reflects the rapid development of the nation’s maritime sector, driven by strategic regulatory reforms, increased investment, modernized legislation, and improved fleet efficiency.
The growth marks a substantial rise from the 6.4 percent recorded in early 2024, highlighting the sector’s accelerating year-on-year progress.
In a statement, the country’s Transport General Authority, or TGA, said the achievement aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global logistics hub.
The strategy focuses on strengthening the maritime sector’s role in supply chains, supporting the national economy, and boosting the efficiency of international trade through Saudi ports.
The TGA added that the progress underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a sustainable maritime ecosystem in line with global best practices, reinforcing the Kingdom’s strategic standing among leading nations in the sector.
