Tech Events in the Middle East in 2023

Tech trends in the Middle East are constantly on the move. Incorporating AI and machine learning is the biggest fad in the Middle East right now. The digital landscape of the Middle East is constantly evolving to bring out better and more secure systems when compared to the global digital environment. 2022 saw the rise of quite a few tech events in the Middle East, and 2023 is no stranger to it either. So, mark your calendars as here are the top 8 tech events to look forward to in 2023!

Metavsummit 2023

What: The objective of Metavsummit 2023 is to bring together both investors and Web 3.0 companies (blockchain, metaverse, and NFTs) under one roof. Metavsummit brings in investors from Dubai and other parts of the Middle East. Investors sought to attend this event to find the next unicorn. Metavsummit hopes to create deep-rooted connections between these investors and founders and is considered to be a high-profile event, with its target being attendees doing business with each other. 

Where: Dubai World Trade Center Exhibition Hall

When: 11 - 12 January 2023, 08:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Smart Cities Expo & Forum

What: The slogan of the Smart Cities Expo and Forum is ‘Urban Environments, Reimagined’. This is precisely what the event claims to do, too. Revolving around the idea of smart infrastructure, AI, and IoT to develop sustainable planning, the event focuses on the idea of the city of the future and bringing forward-thinking governments to the frontline, encouraging them to use smart systems. The exhibits of the event are centered on showcasing the future of connected communities and sessions where market leaders reveal the challenges they faced in operating digital development in the Middle East region. So, if you’re around for the Metavsummit 2023, make sure you catch the Smart Cities Expo and Forum which is on the 16th of January!

Where: ADNEC, Abu Dhabi

When: 16 - 18 January 2023

LEAP 2023

What: The LEAP 2023 conference deals with the interaction of humanity and technology and all the conditions that are to be factored in. The conference is said to have 500+ speakers ranging from all backgrounds with one main concept in common - the belief in the necessity of the advent of technology. The topics that are to be covered include - sky taxis, urban planning, blockchain, sustainability, and more! There’s also a startup pitch competition where 15 selected startups will be allowed to take the stage in front of a large arena containing angel investors, tech experts, government stakeholders, etc., and get a chance at winning a share of a prize pool. 

Where: Riyadh Front Expo Centre, Saudi Arabia

When: 6 - 9 February 2023

ICBM EXPO

What: The ICBM stands for International Crypto, Blockchain, and Metaverse Expo. It seeks to connect traders and exhibitors all around the world and aims to be a hub of safe and secure business opportunities. This event would help drive potential clients and investors to your startup. Numerous conferences regarding crypto, blockchain, digital payment gateways, metaverse, AI, VR, trading, virtual real estate, decentralized finance, NFT, and much more would be covered. The ICBM also aspires to give 20 selected startups the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a large group of investors, thus giving a much-needed boost to the startup culture of the Middle East.

Where: Festival Arena, Dubai, UAE

When: 03 - 04 Mar 2023, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Marketing Mania

What: The Marketing Mania event focuses on startups in general and provides countless opportunities for new entrepreneurs. Marketing Mania claims to give a platform for startups to gain funding up to $200,000. CMOs from international brands like Google, Pearson, Boots, and Camelot are said to visit the event for a mentoring session with the potential ‘unicorns’ of the future. The event will also contain numerous conferences on how to market your brand efficiently and an investor meet. The Marketing Mania event is a bi-annual program that seeks to create great possibilities for networking, in general.

Where: Dubai World Trade Center

When: 10 - 12 May 2023.

COMEX 2023

What: COMEX is Oman’s official technology and digital transformation show. The show is said to have a variety of exhibitions, conferences, workshops, awards, seminars, B2B meetings, and much more! The attendees range from students to IT professionals to investors. Oman’s Vision 2040 aspires for Oman to be a smart economy, and Comex 2023 emphasizes the buying potential of major industries that would help Oman achieve its 2040 vision. Not in Oman? COMEX 2023 is also coming to Bahrain!

Where: Oman - Oman Convention and Exhibition Center, Bahrain - Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre

When: Oman - 22 - 25 May 2023, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Bahrain - 12 - 14 September 2023, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

DigiMarCon Middle East & Dubai

What: Yet another marketing event in 2023 that could be beneficial for your business is the DigiMarCon Middle East 2023. DigiMarCon is an annual event and is considered a must-see event in the marketing industry. Various conferences with influential people that include CEOs, CMOs, and social media influencers who work with top brands like Google, Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, eBay, Netflix, Oracle, and more are presented which can be attended both online or in person. These presentations are said to consider a wide range of case studies and actionable plans to execute back in your office. Not to mention, the networking opportunities provided by this event are spectacular, allowing you to mingle with the right industry leaders.

Where: Hyatt Regency, Dubai

When: 11 - 12 October 2023

GITEX Global

What: GITEX Global is one of the largest tech events internationally. The 2022 GITEX Global event was considered a budding platform for innovators, and the 2023 GITEX Global is said to be even more intense. GITEX Global is a huddle of the most qualified speakers and the craziest product innovations! Even if you’re not a startup founder, this event is a must-visit for every technophile. GITEX Global 2023 is said to be mainly dealing with 6G, Big Data, virtual business ecosystems, Metaverse, Cybersecurity, Quantum Computing and much more. Being an international tech event, the digital experience offered by GITEX Global is glorious. If you miss the Marketing Mania 2023 event, you can find it here at GITEX Global 2023!

Where: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE

When: 16 - 20 Oct 2023