The World’s Largest Technology Fair, Gitex Global, Comes to Belgrade

The world’s largest technology fair, “Gitex Global”, has chosen Belgrade as the host of its first-ever event in Southeast Europe. The prestigious exhibition, titled “Gitex AI Serbia”, will take place in 2027 as part of the specialized “Expo 2027” exhibition, and GITEX events will continue to be held in Serbia in the years following the EXPO.

This decision was announced today at the opening of the 45th edition of Gitex Global in Dubai, reaffirming Serbia’s position as a growing hub for innovation and new technologies in this part of Europe. Serbia is also the partner country at this year’s Gitex Global, which brings together over 1,000 exhibitors and 200,000 visitors.

The organization of “Gitex AI Serbia” represents a historic milestone for Serbia and the Southeast European region, opening doors to international partnerships and showcasing Serbia’s and the region’s technological potential on the global stage. Belgrade is expected to become a key meeting point for world leaders in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and startup innovation.

“The launch of GITEX Serbia 2027 marks a new chapter in our global journey of expanding the GITEX experience to new innovation hubs. Serbia stands out as a dynamic bridge between East and West, and we are thrilled to bring the world’s largest showcase of technology and startups to Belgrade,” said Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of Gitex Global, following the decision to establish “Gitex AI Serbia.”

“There are difficult paths. From the moment you see them, it’s clear how demanding and challenging every step will be. However, the reward at the end of that path is exciting, valuable, and vital. Over the past decade, Serbia has reformed its education system to meet the demands of the technological revolution. We introduced programming from the fifth grade of elementary school, tripled the number of IT professionals, and grew our IT service exports to as much as 5 billion dollars annually! Our startup ecosystem has grown by 25 percent in the last five years,” said Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, which played a crucial role in securing the organization of this event.

According to Čadež, what Serbia needs now is a platform to loudly showcase what it can do and what it strives for.

“We saw the perfect partner, but it was necessary for that partner to see us, too. The last two years of work have brought us to this moment, and today we are excited to be welcomed into the special Gitex family. None of this would have been possible without people — exceptional people — Trixie and her team,” added the CCIS President. He thanked Gitex and its leadership for recognizing Serbia and allowing it to present itself to the world. “We are determined to make the most of this opportunity, and I invite everyone to Belgrade in 2027. Every hard road is easier when you have the right people beside you — and we are lucky to have Trixie on our side,” concluded Čadež.

Mihailo Jovanović, Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment, said that today is a big day for Serbia, as the world’s largest technology fair, Gitex Global, is coming to Serbia, and Belgrade will host Gitex AI Serbia 2027 during Expo 2027. He emphasized that this will be of great importance for the Serbian economy, as the world’s leading investors will come to the country.

“Believe it or not, Gitex is coming to Serbia in 2027! Congratulations to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, to Marko Čadež, and his entire team who have worked tirelessly to bring Gitex to Belgrade. This will mean a lot for the Republic of Serbia — for our economy, for the further development of the ICT sector, and for strengthening our innovation ecosystem,” Jovanović said at the National Pavilion of Serbia at Gitex Global, which is being held from October 13 to 17.

He added that Serbia will strive to make its ICT sector the fastest-growing sector, noting that last year the domestic ICT industry achieved more than four billion euros in exports.

“Gitex Global”, held in Dubai for 45 years, is one of the largest and most influential technology events in the world, known as a key platform for connecting global tech companies, investors, and startups. “Expo 2027”, the first specialized world exhibition ever held in Southeast Europe, will take place in Belgrade from May 15 to August 15, 2027. More than four million visitors are expected to attend. “Expo 2027” is the most ambitious project in Serbia’s modern history, offering a unique opportunity for the international promotion of the country and the region.

Photo: Tanjug / Rade Prelić
Video: Tanjug