71 events at Dubai World Trade Center in the first half of 2026

The Dubai World Trade Center announced the agenda of events for the first half of 2026, which includes 71 events that include international exhibitions and conferences, reflecting the leading position of the business events system in Dubai on the global stage, and confirming the role of the Dubai World Trade Center as a primary driver of global business communication, trade opportunities, and the flow of investments.

During the first half of this year, Dubai will continue its role as a meeting point for various global sectors, as it will bring together decision-makers, investors and innovators from around the world within major major events that include many sectors such as security, healthcare, food and beverages, energy, transportation, tourism, technology, culture, and others.

Maher Julfar, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The events agenda for the first half of 2026 reflects Dubai’s pivotal role as a catalyst for economic growth, business tourism, and cooperation between various sectors, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The global exhibitions and conferences that we organize and host constitute a strategic catalyst for business tourism, by attracting international investments and creating sustainable value across many economic sectors. And by hosting selected events in each “With the Dubai World Trade Center and the expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre, we are working to double the city’s capacity to host major global events, which will support the growth of events and related sectors, and enhance our contribution to the local economy.”

The activities of 2026 will begin with the Intersec exhibition (January 12-14), which specializes in the sectors of security, safety and fire protection, and which brings together thought leaders from around the world to shape the future of national and international security. The event is being held in conjunction with the Light + Intelligent Building Middle East exhibition (January 12-14), which attracts professionals from the security, smart buildings and lighting sectors globally. This is followed by Vespa Middle East (January 13-15), the region’s leading exhibition for specialty printing and signage.

Later in January, World of Coffee Dubai (January 18-20), the Middle East’s leading platform for the specialty coffee community, returns, followed by the Emirates International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition – AEEDC Dubai (January 19-21), the world’s largest annual dental scientific exhibition and conference. The month of January will conclude with the return of the mega event Gulfood (January 26-30), the largest global event specializing in the import and supply of food and beverages, which will be held simultaneously at the Dubai World Trade Center and the Dubai Exhibition Centre. Gulfood will be the first major event hosted by the expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre.

The month of February will witness a major focus on the healthcare, aviation, logistics and industrial sectors, as the Middle East Aircraft Interior Design Exhibition and the Middle East Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Renewal Exhibition and Conference will be held in conjunction with the Breakbulk Middle East Conference and Exhibition, and the International Shisha Exhibition in Dubai (February 4-5). This month also hosts the International Stamp Exhibition – Dubai 2026 (February 4-8), which attracts stamp collectors from all over the world.

The World Health Expo will be held (February 9-12), formerly known as the Arab Health Expo, which has been working for more than 50 years to bring together elite healthcare professionals, sector leaders and innovators from around the world to exchange ideas and explore developments that shape the future of healthcare. WHX Labs Dubai (February 10-13), formerly known as Medlab Middle East, has been the leading global forum for medical laboratory science, diagnostics and innovation for 25 years.

The month of February will conclude with the Dubai Parks and Entertainment Exhibition (February 10-12) and IFX Expo Dubai (February 11-12), before the holy month of Ramadan.

During the holy month, Dubai World Trade Center will host the Majlis from February 18 to March 19, welcoming guests for iftar throughout the month.
After Eid Al Fitr, the center will resume its agenda of events in March and April, starting with the Dubai International Pharmaceutical and Technology Conference and Exhibition – DUPHAT (March 24-26), which paves the way for discussions on the future of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. Next comes the Gulf Printing and Packaging Exhibition, which is held in conjunction with the Dubai International Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition – Dubai Derma (March 31 – April 2).
The month of April continues with the Middle East Energy Exhibition Dubai (April 7-9), where global energy sector leaders gather in Dubai to discuss the latest innovations, policies and partnerships that are accelerating the sector’s transformation. In conjunction with this, Domotex Middle East (7-9 April) will highlight the latest trends and innovations in design and manufacturing, before the month witnesses a variety of events in the areas of lifestyle, real estate and creativity, including the Arabian Pet World (12-13 April), the International Property Show (13-15 April), the Middle East Coatings Show (14-16 April), the Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Exhibition (21-23 April), and World Arts Dubai (April 22-26) and Baby Expo (April 30-May 1).

May sees global discussions in the areas of travel, humanitarian responses, education and digital commerce. The month begins with the return of the Arabian Travel Market (May 4-7), where leaders of this global sector gather in Dubai with the aim of shaping the future of tourism through communication, innovation and cooperation. The Dubai International Relief and Development Exhibition and Conference – DIHAD, the International Disaster and Emergency Management Conference and Exhibition, and the Gulf Information Security Exhibition and Conference – GIESEC (May 5-7), will also be held before shifting focus to education, training and future workforce building pathways through the Global Education and Training Exhibition – GITEX (May 6-8).

During the second half of the month, the focus is directed towards the infrastructure, aviation and digital economies sectors, as the Seamless Middle East Conference and Exhibition, the Airport Construction and Equipment Exhibition and the Global Airport Leaders Summit (May 12-14) bring together an elite group of leaders from the payments and trade sectors, in addition to aviation and airport development. The month of May concludes with the International Apparel and Textile Fair (18-20 May), which brings together buyers, customers, designers and manufacturers across the fashion and textile supply chain.

June concludes the first half of the year with a strong focus on the hospitality, design, events, mobility and public safety sectors. The month kicks off with the Hotel Show, INDEX and the International Digital Media and Satellite Communications Exhibition – CABSAT (June 2-4), followed by the Middle East Events Show (June 9-10) which focuses on the thriving meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector. Infrastructure and future mobility will be highlighted by the Middle East Rail Exhibition and Conference (June 9-10), which is held in conjunction with MOVE Middle East, along with EV Life Middle East and Solar & Storage Life Middle East. The first half of the year will conclude with China Home Life Dubai, the Home Appliances and Consumer Electronics Show (June 17-19) and the World Police Summit (June 23-25).