What HITEX does

HITEX (Hawler International Technology Exhibition) is an annual technology exhibition and conference founded in 2019, held at the Erbil International Fairground in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. It functions as Iraq's largest dedicated technology event, aggregating global and regional technology brands, government delegations, startups, and investors across seven technology sectors: Global Connectivity, AI & Robotics, Cybersecurity, Digital Health, Fintech & Blockchain, Future Mobility, and Digital Governance/Smart Cities. The 2026 edition is scheduled for October 6-9, 2026, scaled to 200+ speakers, 400+ panels, and 70+ program days, with 50,000+ expected visitors and 150+ exhibitors drawn from 20+ countries.

The business model is event-driven and built on two principal revenue streams: (1) booth sales across sizes from 12 to 156 SQM, and (2) multi-tiered sponsorship packages ranging from Bronze through Diamond. Named major commercial counterparties include Korek Telecom, Huawei, Fastlink, First Iraqi Bank, Honor, Hisense, and Tecno, alongside institutional endorsement from the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi Communications and Media Commission (CMC). The startup program, which has deployed 250M+ IQD into 40+ startups selected from 1,000+ applicants, positions HITEX as both an exhibition and a limited capital allocator. Year-round engagement is supported by the HITALKS podcast, which has accumulated 1.5M+ views and 28K subscribers, and by media partnerships with Sky News Arabia, CNN Arabic, Rudaw, and Kurdistan 24.

Underlying platform components consist of a physical exhibition floor at the Erbil International Fairground, a curated conference program, a startup selection and funding mechanism, and a media-content arm (HITALKS). The organization does not disclose financial metrics, headcount, or ownership structure; analytical conclusions on revenue, profitability, and unit economics are therefore constrained by this opacity. The 5x scale-up of the 2026 conference program relative to prior editions and the geographic expansion of the exhibitor base to 20+ countries indicate the operation is in a growth phase, with strategic emphasis on regional positioning rather than purely domestic Iraqi market reach.

Name

HITEX

Legal name

HITEX

Website

https://hitex.tech

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

HITEX is Iraq's largest annual technology exhibition and conference, founded in 2019 at the Erbil International Fairground. It connects 150+ global tech exhibitors, 50,000+ visitors, and a 40-startup funding program across seven technology sectors, supported by KRG institutional backing and the year-round HITALKS podcast.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Show and Conference Services

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192)

akta.pro primary industry

Exhibition & Trade Show Management (Conference-Adjacent) (THAHACAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sponsorship Activation & Experiential Marketing (THAHAGAC)

Keywords

• Trade show services
• Event management
• Exhibition services
• Conference organization
• Event sponsorship

Headquarters

HQ city

Erbil

HQ country

Iraq

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Exhibition Booth Sales: HITEX generates primary revenue from selling exhibition booth space at various tiers (Standard Equipped Booth from 12 SQM, Silver from 42 SQM, Bronze from 18 SQM, Gold/Platinum/Diamond from 84+ SQM). Booth packages include branding, outdoor visibility, media exposure, and stage presentation entitlements depending on tier.
2. Sponsorship Packages: Multi-tiered sponsorship packages (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) provide top-tier branding, maximum outdoor visibility, exclusive media exposure, stage presentations, and recognition across event materials. Sponsors include government bodies, telecom companies, device manufacturers, banks, and NGOs.
3. Visitor Registration: Visitor passes for HITEX 2026 are offered for free, with registration requiring name, phone, email, company, country, city, nationality, and position. The conference attendance is free for both visitors and exhibitors.
4. Conference & Startup Program Fees: The conference program (panels, workshops, fireside chats) is free to attend. Revenue from startups is indirect — the startups program itself is free to apply and may receive funding, but selected startups may pay for enhanced exhibition presence.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

HITEX (Hawler International Technology Exhibition) is an annual in-person technology exhibition and conference held at the Erbil International Fairground in Kurdistan Region, Iraq. The company sells exhibition booth space and multi-tier sponsorship packages to technology companies, and operates a free-admission conference program and a startup funding initiative. It serves as the central platform connecting global technology brands with the Iraqi and regional market through a single annual event complemented by year-round engagement via the HITALKS podcast and HITEX Startups program.

Product overview

HITEX is a platform-plus-events architecture consisting of an annual technology exhibition and conference held at the Erbil International Fairground, complemented by year-round programs. The core offerings include the Exhibition (booth participation packages ranging from 12-156 SQM across multiple sponsorship tiers), the Conference (keynotes, panels, workshops spanning 70+ program days with 200+ speakers), and the Startups program (funding and mentorship for early-stage companies). Supporting initiatives include HITALKS podcast for thought leadership content and the App Zone for mobile-first innovation showcase. The portfolio is accessible via a dedicated mobile application.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HITALKS: HITEX podcast featuring interviews with leading tech innovators and entrepreneurs, with 8 episodes, 1.5M+ views, and 1000+ watch hours.

Products and services

• HITEX Exhibition Annual in-person technology exhibition held at the Erbil International Fairground, where technology companies purchase booth space and sponsorship packages across six tiers (Diamond 84-156 SQM, Platinum 84 SQM, Gold 84 SQM, Silver 42-84 SQM, Bronze 18-72 SQM, Standard Equipped 12-24 SQM) to showcase products and services to 50,000+ visitors from across Iraq and the region. For technology exhibitors, sponsors, and brand marketers seeking distribution into the Iraqi market.
• HITEX Conference Multi-day technology conference with 200+ speakers across 70+ program days featuring keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, and fireside chats on AI, fintech, cybersecurity, digital governance, entrepreneurship, and gaming/esports. Free to attend for visitors and exhibitors. For technology professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders attending as visitors or speaking.
• HITEX Startups Program Startup support initiative providing funding opportunities, mentorship, networking, and exhibition visibility to startups in climate change, AI, content creation, and economic advancement sectors. Has received 1,000+ applications and funded 40+ startups with 250M+ IQD deployed, in partnership with Rwanga Foundation, Five One Labs, and IOM. For early-stage Iraqi and Kurdish startups seeking capital and growth support.
• HITEX App Zone Dedicated in-event showcase zone for app-based businesses, gaming platforms, digital products, and mobile-first innovations, managed in partnership with Artvin Group with premium custom booth setup and access to 10,000+ targeted tech visitors. For app developers, gaming companies, and mobile-first digital product companies seeking Iraqi market exposure.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50,000+ visitors from diverse industries attended the 2025 edition
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers23 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025The KRG is a key institutional partner and sponsor of HITEX. Government officials including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister have spoken at HITEX events. KRG provides institutional support and government-level endorsement for the exhibition.
• Communications and Media Commission (CMC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025CMC is a regulatory partner of HITEX, providing oversight and support for the communications and media technology sectors represented at the exhibition.
• Department of Information Technology (KRG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025The KRG's Department of Information Technology collaborates with HITEX as a government technology partner. Its Head of department, Hiwa Afandy, has spoken at HITEX, and Technical Assistant Azad Ismail Ahmed also participates.
• Visit KurdistanminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Visit Kurdistan promotes tourism and the Kurdistan Region as a destination, partnering with HITEX to attract international visitors and showcase the region as a tech-forward destination.
• Rwanga FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Rwanga Foundation is a non-profit partner supporting HITEX's innovation and startup ecosystem. It is a startup program sponsor and co-sponsor with Five One Labs and IOM.
• Five One LabsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Five One Labs is a startup accelerator and innovation partner of HITEX's startup program, providing mentorship and support to selected startups in the Kurdistan Region.
• Artvin GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Artvin Group manages and develops the HITEX App Zone — a dedicated showcase area for app-based businesses, gaming platforms, digital products, and mobile-first innovations. Artvin Group handles participation, booth setup, and on-site coordination for this zone. Contact: [email protected].
• IOM (International Organization for Migration)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025IOM is a startup program sponsor and partner of HITEX, supporting innovation and economic advancement initiatives in the Kurdistan Region alongside Rwanga Foundation and Five One Labs.
• Korek TelecomminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Korek Telecom is a sponsor and exhibitor at HITEX, showcasing telecommunications infrastructure and digital ecosystem services. Provides connectivity perspective to the exhibition.
• HuaweiminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Huawei is a sponsor and exhibitor at HITEX, presenting its global telecommunications and technology solutions to the Iraqi and regional market.
• FastlinkminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Fastlink is a sponsor, exhibitor, and speaker host at HITEX. CEO Ismail A. Mohammed has spoken at the conference. Fastlink is a leading telecommunications provider in Kurdistan.
• First Iraqi Bank (FIB)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025First Iraqi Bank is a sponsor and exhibitor at HITEX, representing the fintech and digital banking sector at the exhibition.
• SupercellminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Supercell is a sponsor at HITEX, representing the gaming and entertainment technology sector.
• InfinixminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Infinix is a sponsor and exhibitor at HITEX, showcasing its smartphone and consumer electronics products in the Iraqi market.
• HonorminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Honor is a sponsor and exhibitor at HITEX, presenting its global smart device portfolio to the regional market.
• HisenseminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Hisense is a sponsor and exhibitor at HITEX, showcasing consumer electronics and home appliances.
• TecnominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Tecno is a sponsor and exhibitor at HITEX, presenting its smartphone and smart device lineup for emerging markets.
• Sky News ArabiaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Sky News Arabia is a media partner covering HITEX. Head of Business News Lubna J. Bouza has spoken at HITEX conferences.
• CNN ArabicminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025CNN Arabic is a media partner covering HITEX, amplifying its reach internationally across the Middle East.
• RudawminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Rudaw is a media partner covering HITEX — one of the most prominent Kurdish-language news networks in the region.
• Kurdistan 24minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Kurdistan 24 is a media partner covering HITEX — a major 24-hour news channel based in the Kurdistan Region.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• LEAP: Annual technology conference held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focused on deep-tech, AI, and digital transformation. Directly comparable to HITEX in mission (connecting global tech with regional markets) and audience (government officials, exhibitors, startups), with stronger Saudi government backing.
• Web Summit Qatar: Web Summit's annual Gulf edition held in Doha, Qatar. Comparable as a multi-sector technology conference combining exhibition, speaker programming, and startup exhibition in a Middle East emerging-market context similar to HITEX's positioning in Iraq.
• GITEX Africa: GITEX's pan-African edition held in Morocco. Directly comparable as a regional technology exhibition targeting an emerging market with similar dynamics to Iraq — bringing global tech brands to under-indexed regional audiences via exhibition + conference + startup programming.
• GITEX Global: The Middle East's flagship annual technology exhibition held in Dubai, UAE. Closest analog to HITEX in format (exhibition + conference + startup program) and target audience (global tech brands seeking Middle East market access), but operates at significantly larger scale and broader geographic reach.
• Step Conference (Dubai): Annual technology conference in Dubai focused on startups, digital, and fintech. Comparable to HITEX in its blend of exhibition, conference programming, and startup ecosystem focus, though Step has a stronger pure-startup orientation versus HITEX's broader tech sector mix.
• Africa Tech Festival: Africa's largest technology event spanning AfricaCom, AfricaTech, and the Africa Startup Summit. Comparable to HITEX as a regional emerging-market technology exhibition with strong telco sponsorship and government engagement.
• AI Everything (Dubai): Dubai-based AI-focused exhibition and conference co-located with GITEX. Comparable as a regional Middle East technology event with strong government endorsement, exhibition + conference format, and focus on enterprise technology buyers in emerging markets.

Broad incumbents

• Mobile World Congress (MWC): The world's largest mobile and telecommunications industry exhibition held annually in Barcelona. Comparable to HITEX in its telecom-heavy sponsor base (Huawei, device makers, telecom operators) and exhibition-plus-conference format, though operating at massive global scale.
• TechCrunch Disrupt: Global flagship technology conference with strong startup focus. Comparable to HITEX in conference format and startup programming (Startup Battlefield), though TechCrunch Disrupt operates at global scale with no regional concentration or government backing component.

Regional players

• Istanbul Tech Show / CES: Major international consumer electronics and technology exhibitions (CES in Las Vegas is the global benchmark; Istanbul Tech Show is a regional emerging-market analog). Comparable to HITEX in device-maker sponsorship base (Honor, Hisense, Tecno, Huawei) and exhibition format targeting emerging-market tech buyers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLoPyo-F2EuXBD0LSk5oLrQAhs9z23TznQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hitex-exhibition

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HITEX