Egypt will host the first edition of the "AI Everything Middle East & Africa" Summit and Exhibition from 10 to 12 February 2026. Organised by GITEX GLOBAL Group in strategic partnership with the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), the event will mark a major milestone in positioning Egypt as a regional hub for artificial intelligence and digital innovation. The event comes as part of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology's efforts to strengthen Egypt's standing as a leading regional centre in artificial intelligence and information technology. The summit will bring together decision-makers, major global corporations, start-ups specialising in AI, international organisations, experts, specialists, and investors from more than 60 countries. Regarded as the most prominent global technology gathering in the Middle East and Africa, the summit will provide a strategic platform for exchanging expertise, exploring investment opportunities, and building international partnerships in advanced technologies. It will highlight practical applications of AI across vital sectors and extend the GITEX series of events hosted worldwide, supporting digital transformation and fostering innovation. This makes it one of the most significant and influential forums for the AI landscape in the region. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, affirmed that hosting AI Everything Middle East & Africa reinforces Egypt's strong position on the regional and international technology map and reflects global confidence in its human and technological capabilities. He added that the event underscores the state's commitment to participating actively in global efforts to harness AI to drive economic and social development. Talaat explained that artificial intelligence has become a central pillar of Egypt's Digital Strategy, given its pivotal role in promoting growth in the digital economy and advancing sustainable development. He stressed that AI is reshaping the global competitiveness landscape and opening new horizons for countries seeking progress and leadership. He added that Egypt is steadily advancing in harnessing AI to serve society, noting that hosting this international event represents an important step in supporting the National AI Strategy and accelerating the deployment of these technologies across key sectors. This, he said, will contribute to building a competitive and inclusive digital economy. Ahmed El Zaher, Chief Executive Officer of ITIDA, described the launch of AI Everything MEA as a strategic milestone in cementing Egypt's position as a regional hub for AI, innovation, and development. He said: "This event underscores our commitment to placing Egypt at the heart of the global technology dialogue, ensuring it becomes a key partner in shaping the future of AI, while also attracting investment and building impactful partnerships that advance technology transfer from our region to the world. It also empowers technology start-ups and strengthens an ecosystem that transforms innovative ideas into real solutions." El Zaher added that ITIDA is focused on enabling Egyptian companies to develop AI applications and solutions. He stressed that the event extends beyond the ICT sector to include the wider business community, where AI has become a central driver of development and sustainable growth. Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of GITEX GLOBAL, emphasised that Egypt is fully equipped for digital transformation. She pointed to the country's broad base of exceptional talent, dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, and solid economic foundations, which enable it to translate digital ambitions into tangible achievements. She noted that AI Everything Middle East & Africa will gather leading global players in AI, supporting the growth of Egypt's technology ecosystem and its thriving entrepreneurship scene. This, she said, will ensure direct access to global markets, attract investment capital, and expand opportunities for collaboration and strategic partnerships. The three-day event will feature a high-level ministerial summit on AI policies, alongside an international exhibition showcasing the latest technological solutions and applications. It will also include a series of specialised panel discussions covering topics such as large language models, machine learning, cloud computing, and the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT). In support of innovation and entrepreneurship, the summit will provide extensive networking opportunities with leading global investors, with more than 200 venture capitalists from the GITEX GLOBAL network expected to attend. The programme will also feature an innovation hackathon designed to inspire young people and guide technological talent towards practical projects. Participants will receive mentorship and technical guidance, particularly in advanced technologies and AI applications. Egypt's hosting of this landmark event represents the culmination of sustained efforts to accelerate AI development and deployment across the region. It aims to foster cooperation between governments, businesses, and innovators while expediting the implementation of national AI strategies in the Middle East and Africa. Holding the summit in Cairo affirms Egypt's consistent and determined efforts in this field, which include launching two editions of its National AI Strategy, establishing the National Council for Artificial Intelligence, creating an Applied Innovation Centre, investing in specialised human capital, and building advanced digital infrastructure to support AI applications.
