The Dubai World Trade Centre has unveiled its event schedule for the first half of 2026, which includes 71 events comprising international trade fairs and conferences. This lineup underscores Dubai’s prominent position in the global business event landscape and reaffirms the Dubai World Trade Centre’s role as a key facilitator of international trade interactions, commerce opportunities, and investment flows.
During the first half of this year, Dubai will continue to serve as a convergence point for various global sectors, bringing together decision-makers, investors, and innovators from around the world through major events covering diverse fields such as security, healthcare, food and beverages, energy, mobility, tourism, technology, culture, and more.
Maher Jalfar, Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre, stated: “The events agenda for the first half of 2026 reflects Dubai’s pivotal role as a catalyst for economic growth, business tourism, and collaboration across different sectors, aligning with Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33). The global exhibitions and conferences we organize and host act as a strategic driver for business tourism by attracting international investments and creating sustainable value across various economic sectors. By hosting selected events at both the Dubai World Trade Centre and the expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre, we aim to double the city’s capacity for major global events, thus supporting the growth of associated sectors and enhancing our contribution to the local economy.”
Kicking off in 2026 is the Intersec exhibition (January 12-14), dedicated to security, safety, and fire protection sectors, gathering thought leaders from around the globe to shape the future of national and international security. This event coincides with the Light + Intelligent Building Middle East exhibition (January 12-14), attracting specialists from security, smart buildings, and lighting industries worldwide. Following this is the Gulf Print & Pack (January 13-15), a leading regional trade show for specialized printing and signage.
Later in January, the Dubai Coffee World (January 18-20) will return as the primary platform for the specialty coffee community in the Middle East, followed by the UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition – AEEDC Dubai (January 19-21), the largest annual scientific conference and exhibition in the field of dentistry worldwide. The month concludes with the massive Gulfood event (January 26-30), the world’s largest event focused on the sourcing and supply of food and beverages, held concurrently at the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre. Gulfood will be the first major event hosted at the expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre.
February will see a significant focus on healthcare, aviation, logistics, and industry, with the Middle East Aircraft Interior Design Show and the Middle East Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul Conference running alongside the Breakbulk Middle East Conference and the Dubai International Shisha Expo (February 4-5). This month will also feature the International Stamp Exhibition – Dubai 2026 (February 4-8), attracting stamp collectors from around the globe.
The Global Health Exhibition (February 9-12), formerly known as Arab Health, will bring together top healthcare professionals and sector leaders for over 50 years to exchange ideas and explore advancements shaping the future of healthcare. WHX Labs Dubai (February 10-13), formerly known as Medlab Middle East, has served as a leading global forum in medical laboratory sciences, diagnostics, and innovation for the past 25 years.
February’s events will be capped off with the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Show (February 10-12) and the IFX Expo Dubai (February 11-12), ahead of Ramadan.
During the holy month, the Dubai World Trade Centre will host “The Council” from February 18 to March 19, welcoming guests for Iftar throughout the month.
After Eid al-Fitr, the centre will resume its events agenda in March and April, starting with the Dubai International Pharmaceutical and Technology Conference and Exhibition – DUFAT (March 24-26), which will pave the way for discussions on the future of the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. This will be followed by the Gulf Print and Pack exhibition, which will run alongside the Dubai World Congress on Dermatology and Laser – Dubai Derma (March 31 – April 2).
April will feature the Middle East Energy exhibition (April 7-9), where global energy sector leaders will convene in Dubai to discuss the latest innovations, policies, and partnerships accelerating industry transformation. Concurrently, the DOMOTEX Middle East exhibition (April 7-9) will showcase the latest trends and innovations in design and manufacturing, leading into a month filled with various events related to lifestyle, real estate, and creativity, including the Arab Pet Expo (April 12-13), the International Property Show (April 13-15), the Middle East Coatings exhibition (April 14-16), the Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show (April 21-23), the World Art Dubai (April 22-26), and Baby Expo (April 30 – May 1).
May will involve global discussions in the fields of travel, humanitarian responses, education, and digital commerce. The month will begin with the return of the Arabian Travel Market (May 4-7), where global sector leaders will gather in Dubai to shape the future of tourism through networking, innovation, and collaboration. Additionally, the Dubai International Humanitarian and Development Conference – DIHAD, the International Conference and Exhibition on Emergency Management and Disaster, and the Gulf Information Security Expo – GISEC (May 5-7) will take place, before shifting focus to education and workforce development through the Global Education and Training Expo – GITEX (May 6-8).
The latter part of the month will spotlight infrastructure, aviation, and digital economies, with the Seamless Middle East Conference and Expo, the Airport Show, and the Global Airport Leaders’ Summit (May 12-14) gathering top figures from the payments, trade, aviation, and airport development sectors. May will conclude with the International Apparel and Textile Exhibition (May 18-20), bringing together buyers, clients, designers, and manufacturers across the fashion and textiles supply chain.
June will finish the first half of the year with a strong emphasis on hospitality, design, events, mobility, and public safety. The month will kick off with the Hotel Show, INDEX, and the International Digital Media & Satellite Communications Exhibition – CABSAT (June 2-4), followed by the Middle East Event Show (June 9-10), which focuses on the thriving meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions sector. Additionally, the Middle East Rail Exhibition and Conference (June 9-10) will address future mobility and infrastructure, alongside the Move Middle East exhibition, the Electric Vehicles Live Middle East Expo, and the Solar & Storage Live Middle East Show. The first half of the year will close with the China Home Life Dubai exhibition, the Consumer Electronics and Appliances exhibition (June 17-19) and the Global Police Summit (June 23-25).