Abu Dhabi set for packed 2026 as ADNEC Group schedules 192 events in first half

Abu Dhabi is set for a busy start to 2026 as ADNEC Group prepares to host and organise 192 events across its UAE-based venues during the first half of the year, underlining its role in supporting business tourism and economic diversification.

Following its most successful year to date in 2025, ADNEC Group said the packed H1 2026 calendar spans exhibitions, conferences, meetings, cultural programmes and major public events, supporting strategic sectors including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, technology, sustainability and energy, defence and security, as well as leisure and entertainment.

The programme includes 125 events at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and 67 events at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, with 12 events being held in the Middle East for the first time.

Abu Dhabi events in 2026

These include IAAPA Expo Middle East, the first Emirates International Congress on Artificial Intelligence, M&I Expo Abu Dhabi, Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi, the World Customs Organisation Technology Conference and Exhibition 2026, and IBS Mena 2026.

The year opens with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, running from January 11 to 15. During the event, ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi will host more than 50,000 attendees, over 450 exhibitors, and 300 speakers, bringing together industry leaders and policymakers to accelerate progress towards net zero.

Associated events include the World Future Energy Summit from January 13 to 15, alongside the Green Hydrogen Summit and the Youth 4 Sustainability Forum and Hub.

Also in January, the Ataya Exhibition will take place from January 12 to 17, showcasing women’s fashion and jewellery in support of charitable causes, while the Zayed Sustainability Prize Awards Ceremony on January 13 will recognise winners across categories including Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools.

The seventh edition of the Unmanned Systems Exhibition (UMEX) and the Simulation and Training Exhibition (SimTEX) will be held from January 20 to 22. Organised by ADNEC Group in association with the Ministry of Defence, the twin events will showcase advances in autonomous systems for civil and defence applications.

Lifestyle and culture will feature prominently with Al Thuraya Exhibitions from January 25 to 29, followed by the Gulf Bride Show from January 27 to 31, bringing together designers, artists and manufacturers from the bridal sector.

ADNEC in February 2026

February will see the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 take place from February 6 to 15, alongside the Abu Dhabi Poetry Festival 2026 from February 9 to 13, celebrating Arabic poetry through performances and cultural programming.

During Ramadan, Capital Majlis will return to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and ADNEC Centre Al Ain, providing venues for iftar and suhoor gatherings in a traditional Ramadan setting.

Late March and early April will be marked by major industry events, including the first Emirates International Congress on Artificial Intelligence and Visionary Leadership in Transforming Healthcare, and IAAPA Expo Middle East from March 31 to April 2.

Other highlights include the Paper and Tissue Show and Money Expo Abu Dhabi from April 8 to 9, which will bring together investors, traders, fintech innovators and financial institutions.

For the first time in the Arab region, the Terra World Congress will be held from April 13 to 16 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, focusing on the conservation of earthen architectural, archaeological and cultural heritage.

April will also feature the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair from April 11 to 20, M&I Expo Abu Dhabi from April 14 to 16, the Middle East Film & Games Con from April 24 to 26, and the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice from April 25 to 30.

In May, the fifth edition of Make it in the Emirates will take place from May 4 to 7. Since relocating to ADNEC Centre AD in 2025 and with ADNEC Group joining as organiser, the event has recorded a 20-fold increase in visitors, a 16-fold rise in exhibitors, and a fivefold expansion in floor space.

AI Everything Abu Dhabi will begin on May 11 with a summit, followed by an exhibition on May 12 and 13, while AI Cyber Valley will convene innovators, investors and startups to address emerging digital security challenges. International Security and National Resilience and IntraLogisteX Abu Dhabi will run from May 19 to 21.

The first half of the year will conclude with Abu Dhabi Summer Sports in June, the region’s largest indoor sporting event of its kind, offering year-round fitness opportunities during the summer months.

ADNEC Group said the breadth of the H1 2026 programme reinforces the UAE capital’s position as a global destination for major events, innovation and cultural exchange, while delivering long-term value for participants, partners and the wider community.