What’s On/Region
GITEX is now in December. Here is how Dubai's calendar changes
GITEX Global 2026 takes place from 7 to 11 December at Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City, two months later than usual and at a new venue. Together with National Day and two major Abu Dhabi events, it makes December the busiest month of the year.
For anyone in technology, October in Dubai used to mean GITEX at the World Trade Centre. This year the 46th edition moves to Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai and runs from 7 to 11 December: the GITEX Summit on 7 December and the exhibition from 8 to 11 December.
The organisers announced the change on 14 October 2025. According to Khaleej Times, the move to December is permanent, placing the show in peak tourist season, while the exhibition centre itself is being expanded at a cost of 2.7 billion dollars.
The show itself
This year's theme is the Intelligent Economy, with areas dedicated to robotics, data centres, mobility, quantum technology, energy and living, plus a TechCation concept blending business and hospitality. There is no dedicated strand for marketing or creators on the official site.
Official visitor and exhibitor targets for 2026 have not been published. Last year's edition, the last at the World Trade Centre, hosted more than 6,500 technology companies and 2,000 start-ups from more than 180 countries. Expand North Star, the start-up and investor event, runs alongside from 8 to 10 December at the same venue; last year it brought together 2,050 start-ups and more than 1,300 investors.
A crowded fortnight
- 2 and 3 December: the National Day holiday.
- 4 to 6 December: the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina.
- 7 to 10 December: Abu Dhabi Finance Week at ADGM.
- 7 to 11 December: GITEX Global at Expo City Dubai.
- 8 to 10 December: Expand North Star.
- The Dubai Shopping Festival usually begins in December too; this year's dates were not announced by early October.
How to plan around it
- If you sell technology, move your launch and PR calendar to match the new dates, and expect it to overlap with National Day content.
- Book suppliers early. Stand builders, photographers, videographers and event staff will be stretched across several major events.
- Plan for travel time. Expo City is a long way from central Dubai, which affects staffing, hospitality and same-day content.
- Reserve venues and hotels for side events now.
- If your launch is not about technology, avoid GITEX week if you want the press to notice.
Bringing something new to GITEX, or competing for attention in December? ALXO can plan the launch, the content and the digital experience around it. Reach out.
