Gitex 2025 Marks Day 1
The energy is electric at Dubai World Trade Centre as Gitex 2025 opens its doors to tech giants, innovators, and thousands of visitors from around the globe today. From artificial intelligence and blockchain to biotech and space tech, more than 2,000 startups from over 180 countries are converging under one roof for what promises to be the most dynamic edition yet.
With our journalists reporting live from the ground, Khaleej Times is bringing you real-time updates, product launches, keynote moments — including insights from industry titans like Sam Altman — and everything in between.
As the event bids farewell to its longtime home at the WTC before moving to Expo City Dubai in 2026, there’s an extra layer of nostalgia in the air. Stay with us as we bring you the pulse of Gitex 2025 – from cutting-edge tech to traffic alerts and can’t-miss moments.
Traffic Update
Traffic is building up around the Dubai World Trade Centre ahead of the opening of Gitex Global 2025 on Monday. Every day, thousands of exhibitors and visitors are set to attend the five-day event.
Commuting to work? During the October 13 to 17 period, plan ahead to avoid getting caught up in the Gitex rush – this could mean leaving early or using public transport, depending on your options.
Dubai Police issued a public safety alert for the roads leading to Dubai World Trade Centre, and called on the public to use alternate routes if the Trade Centre area is not the destination.
Visitors Arriving
Visitors have started arriving at Gitex, and the excitement is palpable. Attendees from all walks of life, multiple age groups, and nationalities are entering the exhibition to experience the spirit of entrepreneurship and a future driven by AI.
Thousands of attendees converged on the Dubai Metro for the annual tech pilgrimage. With a record number of participants expected at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the morning commute served as a powerful sign of the sheer scale and energy surrounding the world’s largest tech and startup show.
Air Taxis at Gitex?
Stuck on the road to Gitex and wish you could catch one of those flying taxis to zoom past the long lines of cars? The day that this becomes a reality is not as long away as you think.
In Dubai, the future is now. The emirate has already begun trial operations of its much-anticipated aerial taxi, the Joby S4 aircraft, ahead of its commercial rollout, expected in the first half of 2026.
Up to Dh100 Parking for 1 Hour
In order to ease traffic and encourage people to use public transport, parking at DWTC has been increased for Gitex Global 2025. The tariff in the multi-storey Exhibition Street Parking starts with Dh100 for the first hour and Dh50 for every succeeding hour.
Gitex will run for seven hours from 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday, which means motorists will pay Dh400 for each day for the seven-hour parking.
Welcomed with Chants, Rhythmic Clapping
Support staff stood at various points across DWTC, chanting directions in unison, a fun way to put a smile on attendees’ faces, and ensure that visitors do not get lost.
Parking Full at Centrepoint Station
Dubai’s RTA announced that the parking slots at the emirate’s Centrepoint metro station are fully occupied. RTA alerted those who wish to use the metro to Gitex and are relying on parking their car at a station.
Are Robots Our New Friends?
No tech exhibition is truly complete without the friendly robot greeting visitors. At Gitex, robots of various sizes could be seen dancing and waving at attendees, with their ‘face’ displaying emojis to indicate their mood.
Shaheen Firefighting Drones
When any fire occurs in Dubai, the civil defence is able to respond immediately and control the blaze in a short span of time with advanced drones.
‘World’s First Personal Robocar’
The “world’s first personal robocar” is here at Gitex, and it can operate in self-driving mode in most circumstances. Too lazy to drive? That’s ok. Tensor will do it for you; it promises Level 4 autonomy, driving without any supervision in approved zones.
Rush at Ticket Counters
Less than one hour after the exhibition commenced, there is heavy rush at the ticket counter. Gitex offers both free and paid experiences, with simulations, futuristic tech, and the latest innovations that have the power to both surprise and amuse visitors.
Robot Shakes a Leg
Think you’ve got moves? Think again. The inspiration of the robot dance; the robot itself, is here to move its body to the tunes.
Smart Car to Catch Residency Violators
UAE employs smart tech to catch residency violators, as the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security displays a car with six cameras. Equipped with AI, it is environmentally friendly (electric), and has unified linking systems.
AI System to Monitor Delivery Riders
Dubai’s RTA is currently testing a project that will monitor the behavior of delivery riders. The AI for safe cities project will install cameras, face recognition and telematics systems to ensure that riders are qualified, driving safe, and are staying within the location limits prescribed for them.
UAE Minister Says Investment Videos are Deepfakes
UAE’s Minister of Economy Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri asked residents and investors not to believe in videos doing rounds on social media about him advising people to invest in certain shares.
Dubai Ruler Spotted with Sons
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been spotted at Gitex 2025. The royals can be seen touring the exhibition, which features state-of-the-art innovations.
Mini Dubai in Dubai?
The UAE’s Cyber Security Council pavilion at Gitex boasts a model of Dubai, with the miniature models of major landmarks Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future, and others.
Smart Inspection System
26 cameras, 4,000 photos: This new platform will reduce the time taken to inspect cars in Dubai from 17 minutes to 7.
F1 Simulation
Unable to get tickets to F1 2026 in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island? Fear not, you can experience a simulation at Gitex.
Future of Mobility
Cyber trucks and electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles stood side by side as visitors thronged the e& pavilion to witness the future of mobility in one room.
Fujairah Airport Uses Drones for Inspection
Across UAE, drones have been deployed for several reasons: cleaning tram and metro stations, delivering parcels, fighting fires.
Smart Vehicle Network
Dubai’s RTA pulled out all stops as it showcased up to 11 innovations at the world’s largest tech exhibition. Among them was the Smart Vehicle Network, which involves data exchange between vehicles and the road infrastructure.
Dh40 to Test Jewellery Purity in 40 Seconds
UAE residents and citizens will be able to test the purity of their jewelry in just 40 seconds, thanks to a new system unveiled by Dubai Municipality on the first day of Gitex 2025.
Traffic Update
Some visitors have begun leaving the area as Gitex nears its final hour for the day. Parking spaces are still nearly full, while traffic is reportedly moderate in the area.
‘Proud of UAE for Bringing World Together’: Dubai Ruler
Sheikh Mohammed toured Gitex on its first day, accompanied by his sons Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Maktoum.
Dubai Taxi, Keeta to Create 500 Jobs for Bike Delivery Roles
Dubai Taxi Company signed an agreement with the food delivery app Keeta to increase the number of delivery bikes to 500 by the end of 2025.
That’s a Wrap for Day 1!
Traffic jams, high parking rates – nothing seemed to deter Gitex visitors as thousands descended on the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre to be among the first to witness stunning new tech.
With prestigious visitors like the Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed, accompanied by his sons Sheikh Hamdan and Sheikh Maktoum, the exhibition brought together attendees from all walks of life, with one goal – to contribute to the future of humanity.
