Dubai hosts the world’s largest gathering of stamp collectors
Dubai, January 4, 2026: The Dubai International Stamp Exhibition 2026 opened today at the Maktoum Hall in the Dubai World Trade Centre, forming the largest global gathering of stamp collectors with wide international participation that included 76 countries represented by 469 exhibitors from around the world.
The exhibition witnesses international competitions under the supervision of a judging committee that includes 40 arbitrators accredited by the International Federation of Philatelic Associations, in addition to 51 sales platforms that include postal departments, stamp dealers, auction houses, and hobby supplies suppliers, giving visitors an integrated experience that reflects the richness and diversity of this field.
The event was opened by His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, in the presence of His Excellency Badr Al Olama, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Post Group, His Excellency Abdullah Khoury, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Philatelic Association, a number of officials and heads of Gulf, Arab and international associations, and an elite group of amateurs and specialists.
The exhibition is held for the first time in the Middle East of this size, forming a global platform that celebrates postage stamps as a historical and cultural record that documents the journey of peoples and civilizations. It includes thousands of rare and historical stamps and approved competitive entries.
Abdullah Khoury stressed that the exhibition represents a cultural and humanitarian message that goes beyond the limits of hobby, as the fields of history, art, sports, cinema and theater, documented by stamps, come together in Dubai as evidence that tells the stories of countries and peoples and enhances the values of cultural communication, pointing to the organization of interactive activities and competitions directed to the emerging generations to enhance cognitive awareness and consolidate the love of learning.
The event coincides with the 30th anniversary of the founding of the association, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Federation, and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Asian Federation of Philatelic Associations. The second day was also dedicated to celebrating Kuwaiti stamps within the UAE-Kuwait Week, emphasizing the strength of fraternal relations between the two countries.
The exhibition continues until February 8, giving the public the opportunity to explore rare collections displayed for the first time in the region and attend various cultural and specialized events.
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