An Analysis of Coverage and Its Strategic Importance
Key Takeaway
GITEX 2025 moved beyond product demos and became the Middle East’s execution platform for AI. Online coverage more than doubled (+113%) versus 2024 and positive sentiment increased (+110%) because the show delivered real outcomes: large, government‑backed deals; national‑scale cloud and compute projects; and workforce programs tied to measurable numbers. For the event itself, this shift reinforces GITEX as the event where policy, investment and deployment are agreed and announced not just previewed.
Scale that changed the tone
6,800+ exhibitors, 2,000 startups, participants from 180 countries
Commitments to train 30,000 people in AI/cloud skills
83% of online coverage originated in the UAE, but GITEX stories reached 48 countries
Why it mattered: Media rewarded delivery at scale, including MoUs, sovereign cloud builds, AI campuses, and skilled labor pledges over showfloor spectacle. That is what pushed sentiment higher and broadened global pickup.
What dominated the conversation (theme share of voice)
Theme
Share of coverage
Key coverage
AI Everywhere – “AI Native Societies”
38%
Coverage concentrated on the ‘AI‑native societies’ agenda led by OpenAI’s Sam Altman with G42’s Peng Xiao, and the show’s vast AI footprint across halls and stages. Tech outlets emphasised compute, energy and real‑world deployments over demos. (The National)
Public‑Private Mega‑Deals & Tech Partnerships
24%
MoUs and expansions including Abu Dhabi DoE, Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud’s second Dubai data centre, and multi‑billion-dirham alliances reported in the show’s close drove a steady stream of “deal” headlines. (WAM)
Breakthrough Tech – Quantum, Biotech & Robotics
18%
Media outlets highlighted new physical‑AI/robotics and frontier demos (smart contact lenses) while the official close stressed quantum, biotech and semiconductors as breakout areas. (Tech Radar)
Geopolitics & Visionary Policy
12%
“Uniting policy, AI and enterprise leaders” framed many day‑openers, with think‑pieces on national AI strategies and sovereignty; regional outlets amplified this narrative through the AI‑nation lens. (Gulf News)
Startup Innovation & Investment
8%
Reporting around Expand North Star spotlighted startup density and pitch outcomes, but occupied a narrower share of general‑interest coverage vs. AI megathemes and big‑ticket deals. (WAM)
Why it mattered: The editorial center of gravity is now AI policy + infrastructure + skills. Programming and exhibitor strategy that land numbers, facilities, jobs and timelines will keep GITEX at the center of the global AI story.
Who owned the story (brand share of voice among tracked brands)
Brands that attached their news to national scale AI, cloud/compute, and skills made headline coverage. Product only updates without a public value or policy driver under performed in coverage.
Why sentiment increased—and what it means for GITEX
Delivery over demos: Announcements came with numbers (training cohorts, megawatts, facilities), partnership signatures, and timelines, acting as clear drivers that accelerated positive tone.
Public benefit: Stories mapped AI to energy efficiency, mobility, healthcare and education, making the event relevant to citizens, not just CIOs.
Credible voices: Senior government and C‑suite spokespeople validated the news, which amplified trust and syndication.
Why it matters for GITEX: The event is now a policy and investment engine. Its unique value is convening governments + global tech + capital to launch AI capabilities at national scale—and to do it in a way media recognise and reward.
Conclusion
GITEX 2025 proved that the UAE is not just hosting a technology show; it is operating the world’s most concentrated execution platform for AI. The media’s framing highlighted the following: more coverage, translated to more positivity, and more international reach. This framing reflected an event that turns strategy into signed projects and skills pipelines. For participants and policymakers alike, GITEX is now the venue to announce, align and activate AI at national scale.
Speak with one of our experienced consultants about your media monitoring and communications evaluation today.
Commentary
GITEX 2025: From Showcase to Execution Platform
An Analysis of Coverage and Its Strategic Importance
Key Takeaway
GITEX 2025 moved beyond product demos and became the Middle East’s execution platform for AI. Online coverage more than doubled (+113%) versus 2024 and positive sentiment increased (+110%) because the show delivered real outcomes: large, government‑backed deals; national‑scale cloud and compute projects; and workforce programs tied to measurable numbers. For the event itself, this shift reinforces GITEX as the event where policy, investment and deployment are agreed and announced not just previewed.
Scale that changed the tone
Why it mattered: Media rewarded delivery at scale, including MoUs, sovereign cloud builds, AI campuses, and skilled labor pledges over showfloor spectacle. That is what pushed sentiment higher and broadened global pickup.
What dominated the conversation (theme share of voice)
Why it mattered: The editorial center of gravity is now AI policy + infrastructure + skills. Programming and exhibitor strategy that land numbers, facilities, jobs and timelines will keep GITEX at the center of the global AI story.
Who owned the story (brand share of voice among tracked brands)
Brands that attached their news to national scale AI, cloud/compute, and skills made headline coverage. Product only updates without a public value or policy driver under performed in coverage.
Why sentiment increased—and what it means for GITEX
Why it matters for GITEX: The event is now a policy and investment engine. Its unique value is convening governments + global tech + capital to launch AI capabilities at national scale—and to do it in a way media recognise and reward.
Conclusion
GITEX 2025 proved that the UAE is not just hosting a technology show; it is operating the world’s most concentrated execution platform for AI. The media’s framing highlighted the following: more coverage, translated to more positivity, and more international reach. This framing reflected an event that turns strategy into signed projects and skills pipelines. For participants and policymakers alike, GITEX is now the venue to announce, align and activate AI at national scale.
Speak with one of our experienced consultants about your media monitoring and communications evaluation today.