Artificial Intelligence AI dominated the agenda at the 45th edition of GITEX Global, held from October 13-17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Organisers say this year's gathering drew record participation, including more than 6,800 exhibitors, 2,000 startups, and 1,200 investors from 180 countries.
Among the most anticipated sessions was a joint appearance by OpenAI co-founder and CEO, Sam Altman pictured, who joined virtually, and Peng Xiao, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi-based G42, who took to the main stage in front of capacity crowds. The organisations that the two tech leaders head are both at the forefront of the global AI revolution. They are also partners in the UAE's most ambitious AI infrastructure initiative yet: Stargate UAE. This is a planned 5-gigawatt AI supercomputing campus in Abu Dhabi that will be among the world's largest when complete.
G42 announced during GITEX that the first 200 megawatts of capacity for Stargate UAE are expected to come online in 2026. The project's first phase is being developed in partnership with OpenAI, Nvidia, Cisco, Oracle, and Japan's SoftBank. It is part of the UAE's bid to diversify its oil-based economy and attract investments in tech and AI, leveraging its close US ties to access advanced American technologies.