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Dubai/Belgrade – October 14, 2025: In a major milestone for Southeast Europe’s digital transformation, the world’s largest technology and AI exhibition series, GITEX, is set to debut in Serbia in 2027 — marking its first expansion into the region.
Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and its international events company KAOUN International, in strategic partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, GITEX AI Serbia will take place from May 26–27, 2027, at the Belgrade Fair exhibition complex. The event will serve as the official technology showcase of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, uniting global innovators, investors, and policymakers with the fast-emerging digital economies of Southeast Europe.
Connecting Southeast Europe to the Global Innovation Economy
Launching during EXPO 2027 Belgrade, GITEX AI Serbia aims to position the region as a new nexus for innovation, investment, and technology collaboration, bridging local talent and global opportunity. The event will highlight how Southeast European countries are advancing digital economies, building tech ecosystems, and nurturing AI-driven innovation.
Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, called the partnership a defining moment in Serbia’s digital journey.
“Hosting GITEX AI Serbia during EXPO 2027 presents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our nation’s technological progress on the world stage,” Čadež said. “We aim to unite regional innovation with a global community of investors, partners, and visionaries. Combined with the influx of visitors expected for both GITEX and the Expo, this will dramatically elevate Serbia’s standing in business and economic circles. We hope to impress future investors with the strength of our education system and present Serbia as a country brimming with technological potential.”
A Strategic Expansion by Dubai World Trade Centre
The move underscores Dubai World Trade Centre’s ambition to extend GITEX’s global influence and foster collaboration across continents during what industry experts are calling the “decade of AI.”
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC and CEO of KAOUN International, described the expansion as a bold new chapter in GITEX’s global journey.
“GITEX AI Serbia embodies our vision to champion innovation that shapes the future and drives cross-border collaboration,” LohMirmand said. “Hosting GITEX alongside Serbia’s EXPO 2027 is a strategic move to channel the soft power of technology and AI — fostering cooperation between nations and co-creating a new global paradigm. By connecting Southeast Europe with the world’s most influential tech leaders, we aim to spark partnerships that fuel investment, talent development, and transformative growth across industries.”
The new event follows a string of successful international GITEX editions, including GITEX Africa in Morocco and Expand North Star in Dubai, both of which have become pivotal meeting points for innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors in their respective regions.
Serbia’s Rise as a Digital Powerhouse
In recent years, Serbia has emerged as a technology leader in Southeast Europe, supported by a rapidly growing ICT sector, robust e-government infrastructure, and a forward-looking national AI strategy. The country’s ICT industry currently contributes 10% of national GDP, generating a record USD 4.31 billion in exports in 2024, up tenfold in just over a decade.
The sector employs around 110,000 professionals, a number expected to rise to 140,000 by 2027 as the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications targets USD 11.7 billion in ICT exports.
Last year, the Serbian government unveiled an USD 82 million AI development plan through 2027, reinforcing its goal to lead the region in artificial intelligence, agritech, sustainability, and circular economy solutions. The establishment of Southeast Europe’s first AI Research Institute has further positioned Serbia as a hub for innovation and applied research — a role that GITEX AI Serbia is expected to amplify significantly.
Fusing Innovation, Culture, and Humanity
GITEX AI Serbia will also align with EXPO 2027 Belgrade’s overarching theme, “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All,” reflecting Serbia’s commitment to merging technology with creativity, culture, and human connection.
By integrating innovation with art and inclusivity, the event will showcase how digital transformation can coexist with social and cultural progress — demonstrating that technological advancement can enhance, rather than replace, the human experience.
“Serbia’s innovation journey captures the essence of what GITEX stands for — using technology to create progress that is inclusive, connected, and meaningful,” LohMirmand added.
A New Era for the Region
The arrival of GITEX AI Serbia represents a transformative leap for Southeast Europe, positioning the region as a key player in the global technology and AI economy. By linking local innovation ecosystems with GITEX’s global network of over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,200 investors, and representatives from 180 nations, Serbia’s digital ambitions are set to gain international visibility and momentum.
As global attention turns to Belgrade in 2027, GITEX AI Serbia will not only spotlight the region’s growing digital economy but also embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines both the UAE and Serbia — two nations united by a shared vision for a smarter, more connected world.
