The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has unveiled a packed calendar of 71 international events for the first half of 2026, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global business hub and accelerating economic growth, cross-sector collaboration, and foreign investment. These events—ranging from high-profile exhibitions to global conferences—highlight the city’s strategic role in shaping the future of global trade and innovation.

Spanning vital sectors including security, healthcare, F&B, energy, mobility, tourism, technology, and culture, the events are set to bring together industry leaders, decision-makers, investors, and innovators from around the world.

A Catalyst for Economic Growth and Global Connections

Maher Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC, emphasized the centre’s impact:

“The 2026 agenda reflects Dubai’s critical role as a catalyst for economic expansion and business tourism, in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). These events drive sustainable value across key industries, attract global investments, and support the city’s ability to host mega international events through both the Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre.”

Key Events in H1 2026

January: Innovation Across Security, Coffee, and Food

• Intersec (Jan 12–14): Focused on security, safety, and fire protection, Intersec will unite global thought leaders to shape the future of national and international security.

• Light + Intelligent Building Middle East (Jan 12–14): Bringing together experts in smart buildings and lighting technology.

• FESPA Middle East (Jan 13–15): The region’s leading event for specialized printing and signage.

• World of Coffee Dubai (Jan 18–20): A hub for the specialty coffee community in the Middle East.

• AEEDC Dubai (Jan 19–21): The world’s largest scientific dental event.

• Gulfood (Jan 26–30): The world’s largest F&B sourcing event, hosted simultaneously at DWTC and the Dubai Exhibition Centre—marking the first major event at the expanded venue.

February: Healthcare, Aviation, and Logistics in Focus

• Aircraft Interiors and MRO Middle East (Feb 4–5): Dedicated to aviation design and maintenance.

• Breakbulk Middle East (Feb 4–5): For heavy cargo and logistics.

• Shisha International Expo (Feb 4–5): A niche event with growing global interest.

• Dubai International Stamp Exhibition (Feb 4–8): Gathering philately enthusiasts worldwide.

• Global Health Exhibition (Feb 9–12): Formerly Arab Health, a 50+ year legacy of uniting healthcare innovators.

• WHX Labs Dubai (Feb 10–13): The rebranded Medlab Middle East—leading global forum for lab medicine and diagnostics.

• Dubai Entertainment and Amusement Expo (Feb 10–12)

• iFX Expo Dubai (Feb 11–12): Financial and fintech professionals network before the start of Ramadan.

Throughout Ramadan (Feb 18–Mar 19), DWTC will host “The Majlis”, offering a premium Iftar experience for visitors and dignitaries.

March & April: From Pharmaceuticals to Real Estate

• DUPHAT (Mar 24–26): Discusses the future of pharma and healthcare innovation.

• Gulf Print & Pack + Dubai Derma (Mar 31–Apr 2): Combining printing and dermatology/laser industries.

• Middle East Energy (Apr 7–9): Key platform for energy transformation dialogue.

• Domotex Middle East (Apr 7–9): Interior design and materials innovation.

• Pet World Arabia (Apr 12–13): For the growing pet care industry.

• International Property Show (Apr 13–15)

• Middle East Coatings Show (Apr 14–16)

• Dubai WoodShow (Apr 21–23): Wood and machinery industries.

• World Art Dubai (Apr 22–26): One of the largest affordable art fairs.

• Baby Expo (Apr 30–May 1): Parenting, maternity, and baby lifestyle.

May: Global Focus on Travel, Education, and Digital Economy

• Arabian Travel Market (May 4–7): Top leaders shaping the future of global tourism.

• DIHAD + Emergency and Disaster Management (May 5–7): Humanitarian and crisis response.

• GISEC Global (May 5–7): The Gulf’s leading cybersecurity event.

• GETEX (May 6–8): Education and training showcase.

• Seamless Middle East + Airport Show + Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (May 12–14): Digital commerce, payments, aviation infrastructure, and innovation.

• International Apparel & Textile Fair (May 18–20): Connecting fashion buyers, suppliers, and designers.

June: Spotlight on Hospitality, Design, and Smart Mobility

• The Hotel Show + INDEX (Jun 2–4): Hospitality, interiors, and design sectors unite.

• CABSAT (Jun 2–4): Digital media and satellite communications.

• Middle East Event Show (Jun 9–10): For the fast-growing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry.

• Middle East Rail (Jun 9–10): Shaping future transport infrastructure.

• MOVE Middle East + EV Life + Solar & Storage Live (Jun 9–10): Focused on mobility, electric vehicles, and clean energy.

• China HomeLife Dubai (Jun 17–19): Major sourcing platform.

• Home Appliances & Consumer Electronics Expo (Jun 17–19)

• World Police Summit (Jun 23–25): High-level discussions on public safety and law enforcement.

Dubai’s Unmatched Business Event Ecosystem

The first half of 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre paints a compelling picture of Dubai’s positioning as a global epicenter for business innovation, sectoral collaboration, and international investment. The city’s infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and global connectivity continue to attract the world’s top events and industries.