- GITEX AI Serbia will take place at the Belgrade Fairgrounds from May 26–27, 2027, organized by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Kaoun International, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia.
- As the first GITEX edition in Southeast Europe, the event coincides with Expo 2027 Belgrade, the first specialized world expo to be hosted in Serbia.
- The new event aims to expand collaboration, enhance competitiveness, drive investment and innovation, and open access to Southeast Europe’s markets for global digital economy players.
As Southeast European nations pursue ambitious digital transformation agendas inspired by the transformative potential of emerging technologies, a new dawn rises for this dynamic corridor connecting European, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets.
In a pivotal move reshaping the region’s digital future, it was announced on Monday that GITEX — the world’s largest network of technology and AI events — is officially entering Southeast Europe.
Organized by Dubai World Trade Centre and Kaoun International, in strategic partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, GITEX AI Serbia will take place at the Belgrade Fairgrounds from May 26–27, 2027.
As the official tech event of Expo 2027 Belgrade, GITEX AI Serbia seeks to position Southeast Europe as a key convergence point linking emerging digital economies with the global frontiers of innovation, technology, and investment.
Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, said:
“Hosting GITEX AI Serbia alongside Expo 2027 presents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase our nation’s digital transformation journey on the world stage, uniting regional innovation with a global community of investors, partners, and visionaries. Together with Expo 2027 and the expected visitor influx, we aim to strengthen Serbia’s position within economic and business circles. We want to impress potential investors with the capabilities of our educational system and present Serbia as a nation brimming with technological opportunities.”
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC and CEO of Kaoun International — the global organizer of GITEX — added:
“GITEX AI Serbia embodies our vision of empowering bold innovation that shapes the future across every continent, fostering cross-border collaboration — essential in the age of artificial intelligence. Hosting the first-ever GITEX edition during Expo 2027 Belgrade is a visionary step toward activating the soft power of technology and AI, building global cooperation, and inspiring open innovation.
He add:
“By connecting this vibrant region with the world’s most influential tech leaders, we aim to unlock transformative opportunities for investment, talent development, and growth across borders and industries driven by technology.”
Supporting Serbia’s ICT Exports and National AI Development Agenda
Serbia has emerged as a regional digital transformation leader in Southeast Europe, distinguished by its thriving ICT sector, advanced e-government services, vibrant tech ecosystem, and a national artificial intelligence strategy.
The ICT sector now contributes 10% of GDP, with record exports reaching $4.31 billion in 2024 — a tenfold increase in 12 years. The sector currently employs around 110,000 professionals, projected to reach 140,000 by 2027, when the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications targets $11.7 billion (€10 billion) in ICT exports.
In addition, the Serbian government announced in 2024 an AI investment plan worth $82.1 million (€70 million) through 2027, aligning with its vision to strengthen leadership in AI, agri-tech, sustainability, and the circular economy.
Following the establishment of Southeast Europe’s first AI research institute, Serbia has solidified its position as a regional benchmark for innovation, R&D, and technology excellence — a status that GITEX AI Serbia will further elevate.
Reflecting the Expo 2027 Belgrade theme — “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All” — Serbia’s national innovation journey symbolizes creativity, unity, and human connection.
By blending technological progress with cultural expression, Serbia’s digital evolution demonstrates how innovation can harmonize with humanity — a vision GITEX AI Serbia is poised to amplify.
Southeast Europe: Rising Momentum as a Thriving Digital Hub
Southeast Europe is undergoing a remarkable digital transformation driven by robust governmental reforms, rising ICT investments, and active private-sector innovation.
Public digital services, e-government systems, and fintech adoption are expanding rapidly, while the region’s tech industries are positioned for exponential growth.
The regional data center market is projected to grow by around 50% in the coming years (according to JLL), underscoring the acceleration of digital infrastructure and the region’s rise as a strategic technology corridor linking Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Bold Partnerships Inspiring Transformative Growth
GITEX continues to provide unmatched access to new markets, capital, talent, partnerships, and opportunities — fueled by its rapid international expansion.
In just three years, GITEX has built the largest global network of technology events, spanning 14 cities and countries.
Leveraging its extensive network that unites public and private sectors across the digital economy, GITEX AI Serbia will gather technology companies, thought leaders, policymakers, SMEs, startups, and venture capital investors from around the world in Belgrade.
Its program will focus on expanding collaboration, boosting competitiveness, attracting foreign investment, and unlocking access to Southeast European industrial sectors and markets — inspiring a shared vision for an inclusive digital future powered by innovation and opportunity.
The announcement of GITEX AI Serbia took place on Monday, during the opening day of GITEX Global 2025 — the world’s largest event for technology, AI, and startups — where the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, as a Future Digital Economy Partner, unveiled a pavilion featuring 24 exhibitors.
Showcasing Serbia’s fastest-growing entrepreneurs and most transformative startups, the exhibitors highlighted how Serbian innovations are shaping the future of AI, across sectors such as energy, healthcare, social media, and more.
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