Gitex 2025 Kicks Off Day 1
The Dubai World Trade Centre is buzzing with excitement as Gitex 2025 welcomes tech giants, innovators, and thousands of international visitors today. Featuring innovations from AI and blockchain to biotech and space technologies, over 2,000 startups from 180+ nations are gathered for what promises to be the most dynamic Gitex yet.
Stay updated with Khaleej Times as our journalists report live, covering real-time updates, product launches, and keynote speeches from industry leaders like Sam Altman.
As Gitex bids farewell to the WTC before relocating to Expo City Dubai in 2026, a sense of nostalgia fills the air. Follow us for the latest on Gitex 2025, from cutting-edge tech to traffic alerts and must-see moments.
Traffic Update
Traffic is congested around the Dubai World Trade Centre as Gitex Global 2025 opens on Monday. Thousands of exhibitors and visitors are expected over the five-day event.
Commuting? Plan ahead during October 13-17 to avoid Gitex traffic—consider leaving early or using public transport.
Dubai Police advises using alternative routes if the Trade Centre is not your destination.
Visitors Arriving
Visitors are arriving at Gitex, with excitement in the air. Attendees from diverse backgrounds are entering the exhibition to experience the entrepreneurial spirit and AI-driven future.
Watch a time-lapse by KT videographer Muhammad Sajjad here:
Tech Enthusiasts Flock to Metro
Thousands of attendees are making their way to Gitex via Dubai Metro. This morning’s commute reflects the vast scale and energy of the world’s largest tech and startup event.
Air Taxis at Gitex?
Stuck in traffic on the way to Gitex and dreaming of flying taxis? That day is closer than you think. Dubai is already testing its Joby S4 air taxi, with commercial rollout expected in early 2026.
The air taxi is among 11 tech initiatives Dubai’s RTA will showcase at Gitex 2025. Stay tuned for more exciting innovations!
Dh100 Parking for 1 Hour
Parking fees at DWTC have increased for Gitex Global 2025 to encourage public transport use. Exhibition Street Parking starts at Dh100 for the first hour and Dh50 for each additional hour.
Gitex runs from 10am to 5pm, meaning drivers will pay Dh400 for a full day. Al Mustaqbal Parking starts at Dh50 for the first hour and Dh30 for each subsequent hour, totaling Dh230 for seven hours.
A lost ticket incurs a non-refundable Dh600 fee. Rates include a 5% VAT.
KT Photo: Waheed Abbas
Warm Welcome with Chants and Claps
Support staff at DWTC chant directions and clap rhythmically, creating a fun atmosphere and ensuring attendees don’t get lost.
With warm welcomes reflecting Dubai’s vibrant business and cultural scene, visitors feel right at home.
Centrepoint Station Parking Full
Dubai’s RTA reports full parking at Centrepoint metro station. Commuters are advised to use parking at National Paints and e& stations.
Are Robots Our New Friends?
No tech event is complete without friendly robots. At Gitex, robots of various sizes dance and wave, displaying emojis to express their moods.
Watch a video by KT journalist Ruqayya Al Qaydi:
Shaheen Firefighting Drones
Dubai Civil Defence is showcasing “Shaheen,” advanced drones for fighting fires in high-rise buildings at Gitex.
‘World’s First Personal Robocar’
Unveiled at Gitex, the “world’s first personal robocar” offers self-driving mode in most scenarios. Too lazy to drive? Let Tensor take the wheel with Level 4 autonomy.
Outside approved zones, switch to assisted driving as needed.
KT Photos: Shihab
Rush at Ticket Counters
Less than an hour into the event, ticket counters are bustling. Gitex offers both free and paid experiences, featuring simulations, futuristic tech, and innovative surprises.
Robot Shakes a Leg
Think you can dance? Think again. A robot dances to the music, spreading joy with its “intelligent” moves.
Watch a video by KT videographer Muhammad Sajjad:
Best-Dressed Robot
This robot might just upstage humans with its stylish outfit, complete with fur and graffiti-inspired designs.
Smart Car to Catch Residency Violators
The UAE is using smart technology to catch residency violators, with a car equipped with AI and six cameras showcased by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.
KT Photo: Shihab
AI System to Monitor Delivery Riders
Dubai’s RTA is testing a project to monitor delivery riders using AI, cameras, and telematics systems to ensure safety and compliance.
“Testing is underway on almost 12,000 bikes,” said Saeed AlRamsi from the RTA. “By Q2 2026, we hope to implement it on all bikes in the country, aiming to reduce delivery accidents by 50%.”
KT Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
UAE Minister Says Investment Videos are Deepfakes
UAE’s Economy Minister Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri warns against fake videos suggesting he endorses specific shares. He clarified at Gitex Global 2025 that these are deepfakes.
Dubai Ruler Spotted with Sons
Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his sons were seen touring Gitex 2025, exploring cutting-edge innovations.
KT Photos: Shihab
Mini Dubai in Dubai?
The UAE’s Cyber Security Council pavilion features a Dubai model, highlighting major landmarks. A screen educates visitors on tech-related risks.
Watch a video by KT videographer Shihab here:
Smart Inspection System
Dubai’s RTA is showcasing the Autocheck 360, a new platform that reduces car inspection times from 17 to 7 minutes, using 26 cameras and 4,000 photos.
KT Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
F1 Simulation
Can’t make it to F1 2026? Experience the thrill with an F1 simulation at Gitex. Control the steering wheel and accelerate on a track, all within Dubai’s World Trade Centre.
Watch a video by KT videographer Shihab here:
Future of Mobility
Cyber trucks and eVTOL vehicles share the spotlight at the e& pavilion, showcasing the future of mobility. See stunning photos by KT photographer Shihab:
KT Photo: Shihab
Fujairah Airport Uses Drones for Inspection
UAE uses drones for various tasks, from cleaning to firefighting. Gitex 2025 showcases drones used by Fujairah Airport for inspections and real-time weather tracking.
Smart Vehicle Network
Dubai’s RTA presents the Smart Vehicle Network at the world’s largest tech exhibition, enhancing data exchange between vehicles and road infrastructure. Result? 25% fewer delays and up to 30% lower operating costs.
KT Photo: Muhammad Sajjad
KT Photo: Muhammad Sajja
KT Photo: Muhammad Sajja
Dh40 to Test Jewellery Purity in 40 Seconds
UAE residents can test jewellery purity in 40 seconds with the Smart Gold and Jewellery Testing Lab, using IoT and AI for fast, accurate testing. Available soon across Dubai.
KT Photo: Nasreen Abdulla
Traffic Update
As Gitex’s first day ends, some visitors have left, though parking remains nearly full and traffic is moderate.
‘Proud of UAE for Bringing World Together’: Dubai Ruler
Sheikh Mohammed visited Gitex on its opening day with his sons, expressing pride in the UAE’s role in uniting the world and shaping humanity’s future.
Dubai Taxi, Keeta to Create 500 Jobs for Bike Delivery Roles
Dubai Taxi has signed an agreement with Keeta to expand delivery bikes to 500 by 2025, creating 500 bike delivery jobs.
That’s a Wrap for Day 1!
Despite traffic and high parking fees, thousands flocked to the Dubai World Trade Centre to witness groundbreaking tech. Robots mingled with humans, smart cars were unveiled, and AI initiatives aimed to reduce delivery accidents by 2026.
Prestigious attendees like Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed and his sons joined the crowds, united in shaping the future of humanity.
