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”
QatarEnergy secures offshore exploration license in Libya
RIYADH: QatarEnergy has secured a marine exploration license in Libya following the conclusion of the “Libya Bid Round,” marking its entry into the country’s energy sector.
In a statement, QatarEnergy said Libya’s National Oil Corp. announced the results of the competitive bidding process, the first licensing round held in the country since 2007.
Exploration and production rights for Block O1 were awarded to a consortium comprising QatarEnergy, which holds a 40 percent participating interest, and Italy’s Eni, the operator, with a 60 percent stake.
Commenting on the development, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, said: “We are pleased to have been awarded exploration rights in this area and are encouraged by the potential of Libya’s offshore sector and the opportunities to expand our footprint in North Africa.”
He added: “I would like to thank and congratulate the Libyan authorities on the success of this licensing round. We look forward to working closely with the Libyan authorities and Eni to ensure the successful execution of the exploration program.”
Block O1 is located in the offshore Sirte Basin and spans approximately 29,000 sq. km, with water depths reaching up to 2,000 meters.
Beyond Libya, QatarEnergy continues to expand its global presence, particularly in Asia. The company recently signed a 20-year sales and purchase agreement with Malaysia’s Petronas to supply 2 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas starting in 2028.
The agreement, signed during the LNG2026 conference in Doha, represents the first long-term LNG deal between the two state-owned energy companies. QatarEnergy said the partnership reflects “continued confidence and trust between the two organizations” and underscores their shared vision for a sustainable energy future.
Al-Kaabi noted that the agreement “highlights our continued commitment to supporting Malaysia’s growing energy needs, as well as those of our customers worldwide.”
On the sidelines of the same conference, QatarEnergy also signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and JERA to supply additional LNG volumes during emergencies, such as natural disasters.
