Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has unveiled its calendar for the first half of 2026, comprising 71 exhibitions and conferences across sectors including security, healthcare, food and beverage, energy, mobility, tourism, technology, and culture.
The calendar positions Dubai as a hub for business engagement, trade, and investment, with events scheduled at Dubai World Trade Centre and the expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre.
“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,” Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre said in a statement.
DWTC unveils first half 2026 events calendar with 71 exhibitions and conferences
The calendar opens with Intersec on January 12–14, a platform for security, safety and fire protection. Running in parallel is Light + Intelligent Building Middle East from January 12–14, targeting professionals from security, smart building and lighting sectors.
FESPA Middle East, an exhibition for speciality printing and signage, takes place from January 13-15.
World of Coffee Dubai returns from January 18–20 as a platform for the speciality coffee community. The UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition – AEEDC Dubai runs from January 19–21.
Gulfood to launch at expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in January 2026
Gulfood, described as the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event, concludes January from January 26–30. The event will be co-hosted at DWTC and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), marking the first mega event at the newly expanded DEC.
February features Aircraft Interiors Middle East and MRO Middle East, alongside Breakbulk Middle East and World Shisha Show from February 4–5. The Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition runs from February 4–8.
World Health Expo – WHX, formerly Arab Health, takes place from February 9–12, marking more than 50 years of bringing together healthcare professionals, industry leaders and innovators.
WHX Labs, formerly Medlab Middle East, runs from February 10–13, marking 25 years as a forum for medical laboratory science, diagnostics and innovation.
Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Expo is scheduled for February 10–12, with IFX Expo Dubai on February 11–12.
During Ramadan, from February 18 to March 19, DWTC will host The Majlis, welcoming guests for Iftar throughout the month.
March and April events to resume after Eid Al Fitr
The Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition – DUPHAT runs from March 24–26. Gulf Print & Gulf Pack, and Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition – Dubai Derma follow from March 31 to April 2.
Middle East Energy takes place in April, with DOMOTEX Middle East running in parallel from April 7–9 .
April events include Petworld Arabia from April 12–13, International Property Show from April 13–15, Middle East Coatings Show from April 14-16, Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show from April 21–23, World Art Dubai from April 22–April 26, and The Baby Expo from April 30 – May1.
Arabian Travel Market returns from May 4–7, gathering industry leaders to examine connectivity, innovation and collaboration in tourism.
The Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition – DIHAD, The International Emergency and Catastrophe Management Conference and Exhibition, and GISEC Global all take place from May 5-7. GETEX Spring runs from May 6–8, focusing on education, training and workforce development.
Seamless Middle East and Airport Show & Global Airport Leaders Forum both run from May 12–14. The International Apparel and Textiles Fair concludes May from 18–20 May.
The Hotel Show, INDEX, and CABSAT are scheduled for June 2–4. Middle East Event Show takes place from June 9–10, with Middle East Rail also running from June 9–10.
MOVE Middle East runs alongside EV Live and Solar & Storage Live in June. China Home Life and International Appliance and Electronics Show both take place from June 17–19, with the World Police Summit from June 23–25closing the first-half calendar.
