At GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pushed forward a tech partnership centered on AI, digital governance, data exchange, and start-up collaboration.
Pakistan Pavilion Steals the Spotlight
Pakistan’s Tek Destination Pavilion (or Pakistan Pavilion) was unveiled by IT & Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Over 100 Pakistani tech firms participated; including 26 under Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB)/Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Ten start-ups supported by the ministry showcased their products to attract investors and global partnerships. Inside the pavilion, visitors saw live demos, B2B networking sessions, and investment matchmaking.
Minister Khawaja said:
Pakistan’s presence at GITEX Global reflects our confidence, our capability, and our commitment to a digitally empowered future… The pavilion is not just our innovation but our invitation to the world to partner in growth.
High-Level Talks on AI, Data & Governance
On the side-lines of the expo, Khawaja met Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology. They discussed Pakistan’s Digital Nation Act, the National Data Exchange Layer, smart governance, AI integration, and a cashless economy. Both sides agreed to explore joint ventures in AI innovation, digital governance, and cross-border data collaboration.
Khawaja also met Massimo Falcioni from Abu Dhabi Investment Office to discuss digital investment and innovation partnerships. In a separate meeting, she spoke with M. Muneeb Anjum, CEO of AHAD Information Technology LLC, about strengthening Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem via UAE cooperation.
Pakistan Night & Export Ambitions
That evening, “Pakistan Night” was held at the Pakistan Association Dubai, hosted jointly by the Pakistan Mission, MoITT, PSEB, and TDAP. The event drew diplomats, Emirati officials, tech entrepreneurs, and international investors.
In his remarks, Ali Zeb Khan (Trade Counsellor, Dubai) underlined the role of such events in boosting Pakistan’s IT exports. Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said Pakistan aims to scale IT exports from USD 4 billion to USD 100 billion through innovation and global collaboration. Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the PM on Commerce, reaffirmed that the IT sector remains Pakistan’s fastest-growing, citing a 20% annual growth rate.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s IT exports to the UAE have climbed to USD 380 million, up from USD 280 million last year, making the UAE one of Pakistan’s top tech export markets.
Khawaja also highlighted Ignite’s role in linking Pakistani start-ups to global markets and praised the government’s push for excellence in software development, AI, cybersecurity, and data processing.
Pakistan participated very actively at GITEX 2025. Its new technology dialogue with the UAE indicate a stronger push to reposition the country in the global tech landscape. The next step is turning “talks” into “deals”.