Dubai World Trade Centre sets out H1 2026 mega-events calendar

The calendar positions DWTC at the forefront of driving global business engagement, trade opportunities and investment flows, as Dubai continues to strengthen its role as a convening point for decision-makers, investors and innovators from around the world.

Throughout the first half of the year, Dubai will host flagship and mega events spanning security, healthcare, food and beverage, energy, mobility, tourism, technology and culture, reinforcing the city’s position as a meeting point for global industries.

Dubai World Trade Centre events

Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “DWTC’s H1 2026 events calendar reinforces Dubai’s role as a catalyst for economic growth, business tourism and cross-sector collaboration, in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33.

“Our line-up of world-class exhibitions and conferences serves as strategic driver for business tourism, attracting international investment and generating sustained value across multiple sectors of the economy.

By hosting select events across Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre, we are doubling the city’s capacity to host international mega-events. This enables the growth of events and industries and, in turn, enhances our contribution to the local economy.”

January opens with flagship global platforms

The year begins with Intersec (January 12–14), the region’s flagship platform for security, safety and fire protection, running alongside Light + Intelligent Building Middle East (January 12–14), which brings together professionals from the security, smart building and lighting sectors.

These events will be followed by FESPA Middle East (January 13–15), the region’s leading exhibition for speciality printing and signage.

Later in the month, World of Coffee Dubai (January 18–20) returns as the Middle East’s premier platform for the specialty coffee community, followed by the UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition – AEEDC Dubai (January 19–21), the world’s largest annual scientific and dental conference and exhibition.

January concludes with the return of Gulfood (January 26–30), the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event, which will be co-hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). Gulfood will be the first mega event hosted in the newly expanded DEC.

Healthcare, aviation and industry dominate February

February will see a strong focus on healthcare, aviation, logistics and industrial sectors, with Aircraft Interiors Middle East and MRO Middle East taking place alongside Breakbulk Middle East and World Shisha Show (February 4–5). The month will also host the Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition (February 4–8), bringing together collectors from across the globe.

Healthcare comes into sharper focus in the second week of February with World Health Expo – WHX (February 9–12), formerly Arab Health, marking more than 50 years of convening global healthcare professionals, industry leaders and innovators. WHX Labs (10–13 February), formerly Medlab Middle East, marks 25 years as a global forum for medical laboratory science, diagnostics and innovation.

Events in February conclude with Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Expo (February 10–12) and IFX Expo Dubai (February 11–12), before the start of Ramadan. During the holy month, from February 18 to March 19, DWTC will host The Majlis, welcoming guests for Iftar throughout Ramadan.

March and April resume with pharmaceuticals, energy and creative industries

Following Eid Al Fitr, the calendar resumes in March with the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition – DUPHAT (March 24–26), focusing on the future of pharmaceuticals and healthcare manufacturing.

This is followed by Gulf Print and Gulf Pack, and Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition – Dubai Derma (March 31 – April 2).

April continues with Middle East Energy, bringing together the global energy community to examine technologies, policies and partnerships shaping the sector’s transition. Running in parallel, DOMOTEX Middle East (April 7–9) highlights design and manufacturing, before the month unfolds with Petworld Arabia (April 12–13), International Property Show (April 13–15), Middle East Coatings Show (April 14–16), Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show (April 21–23), World Art Dubai (April 22–26), and The Baby Expo (April 30 – May 1).

Travel, infrastructure and digital economies take centre stage in May

May opens with Arabian Travel Market (May 4–7), as global tourism leaders examine how connectivity, innovation and collaboration are reshaping the industry.

The Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference & Exhibition – DIHAD, The International Emergency and Catastrophe Management Conference and Exhibition, and GISEC Global will all take place from May 5–7, followed by GETEX Spring (May 6–8), focusing on education, training and workforce development.

The latter half of May shifts towards infrastructure, aviation and digital economies, with Seamless Middle East and Airport Show and Global Airport Leaders Forum both running from May 12–14.

The month concludes with The International Apparel and Textiles Fair (May 18–20), connecting manufacturers, designers and buyers across the global fashion supply chain.

June closes H1 with hospitality, mobility and public safety

June rounds out the first half of the year with a strong concentration of hospitality, design, events, mobility and public safety platforms. The Hotel Show, INDEX and CABSAT are scheduled for June 2–4, followed by Middle East Event Show (June 9–10) focusing on the MICE sector.

Infrastructure and future mobility come into focus with Middle East Rail (June 9–10), MOVE Middle East, EV Live, and Solar and Storage Live, before the H1 calendar concludes with China Home Life and the International Appliance and Electronics Show (June 17–19), and the World Police Summit (June 23–25).