From Dubai to Berlin – GITEX EUROPE, one of the world’s most important events for tech and startups, is coming to the Berlin Exhibition Centre.
Around 6,000 exhibitors from over 100 countries, 1,800 startups, more than 1,400 speakers – GITEX GLOBAL and the associated startup event Expand North Star in Dubai are the largest tech and startup event in the world. GITEX is now coming to Europe with its own event: from 2025, GITEX EUROPE will take place at the Berlin Exhibition Centre. This was announced today by organiser KAOUN International and Messe Berlin at a press conference at GITEX GLOBAL in Dubai. The press conference was also attended by Berlin’s Senator for Economics Franziska Giffey and Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in the United Arab Emirates.
KAOUN International and Messe Berlin are establishing a joint venture based in Berlin to organise GITEX EUROPE. Both companies have a 50 per cent share in the venture.
Mayor and Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises, Franziska Giffey, sees the decision as confirmation of Berlin as a centre for trade fairs and innovation: “We have succeeded in bringing one of the most important startup and technology trade fairs in the world to Berlin. GITEX is coming to Europe and has decided in favour of Berlin. This is a great success for our trade fair location and a confirmation: Berlin is the beating heart of the startup community, it has its finger on the pulse of future technologies. That’s why Berlin and GITEX are an excellent match. In the centre of Europe, our city has developed into a magnet for international talent and investment. With the new GITEX anchor event, we can further expand our position and receive an additional boost on our way to becoming Europe’s number one centre of innovation.”
Maryam Almehairi, AVP Government Liaison at Kaoun International; Omar Bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in the United Arab Emirates; Trixie LohMirmand, CEO KAOUN International; Dr Mario Tobias, CEO Messe Berlin; Franziska Giffey, Mayor and Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises
GITEX EUROPE: 21 – 23 May 2025 at the Berlin exhibition grounds
Dr Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin: “With GITEX EUROPE, one of the most important international tech and startup events is coming to Berlin. Whether coders and developers, tech CEOs, investors, industry up-and-comers or representatives from politics, science and research – together with our partner, KAOUN International, we are bringing the global tech community together in Berlin. We are delighted to be laying the foundation for this today.”
“GITEX EUROPE is an ideal addition to our portfolio,” says Dirk Hoffmann, COO of Messe Berlin. “With our new Fintech Festival FIBE, the digital health trade fair DMEA and the Smart Country Convention, which will take place in a few weeks, we are focussing on individual sectors and key topics. GITEX EUROPE, on the other hand, offers a platform for all digitalisation topics – from AI, metaverse, blockchain, cybersecurity and telecommunications to climate tech and future mobility.”
Berlin as a tech and start-up hub
Berlin is a pioneer in Germany, especially when it comes to young tech companies: 5,600 start-ups, 25 unicorns founded in Berlin and a high level of attractiveness for investors – last year, every second euro invested in start-ups went to Berlin. With the support of Berlin Partner for Business and Technology, around 20 start-ups are currently showcasing just how innovative Berlin companies can be at GITEX GLOBAL. “Berlin has a lot to offer – in terms of digitalisation and start-ups as well as an attractive trade fair location,” says Dirk Hoffmann. “With the support of Senator for Economics Franziska Giffey and Berlin Partner, we have set the course today to bring one of the most important tech and startup events to the capital.”
