Pakistani IT service providers, startups, and exporters anticipate securing up to $500 million in investments at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) 2024, set to take place in Dubai from October 14-18, according to industry stakeholders and officials.
Sajjad Mustafa Syed, chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), said Pakistan had been declared the 2024 event’s “Tech Destination of the Year” following the participation of Pakistani IT firms in the previous GITEX editions.
“There will be a representation of the IT sector of 180 countries, more than 200,000 sizeable trade buyers of IT services, 65,000 top-level IT executives from the world over, and 7,000 multinational companies of IT and allied industries” at the five-day GITEX Global 2024 tech event, he said in a statement. “We are expecting to generate leads of up to $500 million for the country.”
Pakistan’s State Minister for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasized the country’s focus on innovation and global collaboration. “We look forward to showcasing Pakistan’s brilliant tech talent and tremendous potential on this prestigious platform” being held in Dubai, UAE, she said.
The official GITEX website introduced Pakistan as, “Meet the Visionaries & Policy Makers Defining One of the Fastest Growing Tech Ecosystems.”
GITEX highlighted Pakistan’s strong value proposition for global markets, noting that the country’s companies export services to 170 nations, with operating costs up to 70% lower than those in North America. As one of the world’s largest tech exhibitions, GITEX connects industry leaders with startups, government officials, investors, and corporate buyers.
Leading Pakistani exhibitors at the event include Quixas Technology Pvt Ltd, Wateen Solutions, AutoSoft Dynamics, KODERLABS, Dynamics 360, Creation Next, and Bits Collision, as noted by P@SHA Secretary-General Nadeem Malik.

Javaid Iqbal, a member of the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA), highlighted the strategic significance of GITEX for Pakistan’s tech industry during an interview with Business Recorder. “GITEX 2024, themed ‘Creating a Better Tomorrow,’ is vital for Pakistan as we work to increase IT exports to $25 billion and achieve other strategic tech-enabled goals,” Iqbal said.
“This event serves as a key global platform to showcase our advancements in technology and provides essential exposure for Pakistani companies focusing on AI and other emerging technologies.
GITEX event details:
- Date: 14 – 18 October 2024
- Venue: Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai