Four lessons from GITEX Global 2025: What Dubai’s AI playbook means for Southeast Asia

The GITEX Global 2025 event in Dubai highlighted four key lessons that matter to founders and investors across Southeast Asia. First, AI is no longer a novelty but a dependency for productivity. Sam Altman shared how AI has transformed software development, with coding copilots boosting individual and company efficiency. For Southeast Asian founders, this means users now expect AI to deliver tangible outcomes rather than just showcase capabilities.

Second, talent, not capital, is the limiting factor in AI adoption. UAE Minister Omar Sultan Al Olama emphasized that even with a strong strategy, a lack of skilled personnel will hinder growth. The UAE attracts global talent through visa schemes while also investing in local education. Southeast Asian countries need to prioritize building a strong pool of specialized technical talent to compete in the AI space.

Third, governments can be valuable customers for AI, not just regulators. The UAE uses AI to streamline processes like trademark screening and economic data analysis, reducing costs and risks. Southeast Asian startups should focus on creating AI solutions that improve government services and investment decisions, as this approach aligns with the government's interest in efficiency and risk reduction.

Lastly, energy may become the next constraint for AI growth. Altman warned that as AI becomes more prevalent, the energy cost of running intelligent systems will converge with the cost of energy itself. Both Altman and Al Olama stressed the importance of strategic energy planning for AI infrastructure. This means governments need to develop ambitious plans for energy generation, transmission, and data center siting to support AI development.

In summary, the lessons from GITEX Global 2025 suggest that Southeast Asian founders and investors should focus on delivering AI outcomes, investing in talent development, creating AI solutions for government use, and planning for sustainable energy solutions to support AI infrastructure.