His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has instructed that GITEX TechCation 2026, overseen by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, be expanded into the world’s largest global gathering dedicated to technology and artificial intelligence.
This remarkable initiative establishes Dubai as a leading end-of-year global hub for innovation, investment, and modern living, attracting major tech firms, startups, investors, and innovators for an immersive, citywide festival of technology and creativity.
Scheduled to run from 7 to 11 December 2026 at Expo City Dubai, GITEX TechCation will anchor the world’s most extensive technology and startup event network, turning Dubai into a focal point for lifestyle, cultural, and tourism activities during the peak season.
Integrating Dubai’s Tourism and Cultural Strengths
As part of the preparations for this groundbreaking event, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have entered into a Strategic Partnership to promote and support GITEX TechCation. The agreement was signed between Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (a division of DET), and Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, the global organiser of GITEX.
Through this partnership, GITEX will leverage DET’s extensive hospitality, cultural, and tourism networks to design TechCation experiences and promotional campaigns that transform Dubai into a live, interactive hub connecting technology, culture, and tourism.
In alignment with DET’s mission to make Dubai the best city to visit, live, work, and invest in, the programme aims to promote extended business itineraries and longer visitor stays, encouraging global executives and investors to experience Dubai’s diverse and dynamic attractions.
His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, stated: “GITEX has always gone beyond being a typical technology exhibition, and under our visionary leadership, this new chapter is set to elevate its international significance. By integrating innovation with Dubai’s exceptional lifestyle, GITEX TechCation will reaffirm the city’s role as a top destination for business and leisure. This aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, enhancing visitor experiences and fostering connections within the tech ecosystem. As we build momentum toward 2026, we look forward to collaborating closely with DWTC and our partners across sectors to showcase Dubai as the world’s most inspirational place to connect, create, and shape the future.”
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President at DWTC, commented: “GITEX TechCation signals a new direction for global technology gatherings — a dynamic reimagination of how the tech community convenes, celebrates, and innovates within one of the most forward-thinking cities in the world. Extending beyond traditional exhibition spaces to embrace Dubai’s energy, culture, and lifestyle, GITEX champions a ‘Tech Hard, Live Hard’ ethos through an unparalleled citywide experience.”
A Technology-Fueled Convergence in a World-Class Destination
Dubai’s global appeal forms the foundation of GITEX TechCation’s concept. The city has been ranked No.1 globally for three consecutive years (2022–2024) in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, highlighting its consistent appeal to international visitors.
The city’s thriving culinary landscape has also gained global recognition. The 2025 MICHELIN Guide lists 119 Dubai restaurants, including 19 with MICHELIN Stars, while two of the city’s establishments have secured places in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2025.
Driving the Ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33
GITEX TechCation supports Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, which seeks to position the city among the world’s top three global hubs by 2033. By merging the world’s most extensive network of technology and investment players with Dubai’s tourism and cultural framework, the event will reinforce the city’s position as an international destination for talent, investment, and business innovation.
Dubai also continues to lead globally, ranking first in the number of Greenfield FDI projects for the eighth consecutive half-year in H1 2025 and topping Savills’ Executive Nomad Index, solidifying its reputation as a magnet for innovators, entrepreneurs, and global investors.
