Dubai World Trade Centre unveils packed H1 2026 calendar with 71 events
Global exhibitions spanning trade, healthcare, energy and culture
DUBAI – The Dubai World Trade Centre has released its events calendar for the first half of 2026, outlining a robust programme of 71 international exhibitions and conferences scheduled between January and June.
The calendar reflects the scale of Dubai’s business events sector, bringing together global industries, investors and decision-makers across multiple economic pillars.
Covering sectors such as security, healthcare, food and beverage, energy, mobility, aviation, tourism, technology and creative industries, the H1 2026 programme positions Dubai as a central meeting point for international trade and knowledge exchange. Events will be hosted across Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre, increasing the city’s capacity to stage large-scale international exhibitions.
According to DWTC, the calendar supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 by reinforcing business tourism, enabling cross-sector collaboration and attracting international investment. The expanded infrastructure allows multiple mega events to be delivered simultaneously, supporting growth across industries while contributing to the wider economy.
January highlights
The year begins with Intersec, running from 12 to 14 January, bringing together global stakeholders in security, safety and fire protection. The event serves as a platform for public and private sector leaders examining developments shaping national and international security frameworks.
Running alongside Intersec is Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, also from 12 to 14 January, which focuses on smart buildings, lighting technologies and connected infrastructure. The overlap creates cross-industry engagement between security, construction and building technology professionals.
FESPA Middle East follows from 13 to 15 January, showcasing advancements in speciality printing, signage and visual communications. The exhibition attracts manufacturers, suppliers and creative professionals from across the region and beyond.
World of Coffee Dubai returns from 18 to 20 January, bringing together the global specialty coffee community. The event serves as a marketplace for producers, roasters, traders and equipment manufacturers, while highlighting innovation and sustainability within the coffee supply chain.
AEEDC Dubai, the UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition, takes place from 19 to 21 January. Recognised as the world’s largest annual dental conference and exhibition, the event combines scientific sessions with an extensive trade exhibition covering dental technologies and services.
January concludes with Gulfood from 26 to 30 January. The world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event will be co-hosted at Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre, marking the first mega event to take place at the expanded DEC venue.
February focus
February places strong emphasis on aviation, logistics, healthcare and industrial sectors. Aircraft Interiors Middle East and MRO Middle East run alongside Breakbulk Middle East and the World Shisha Show from 4 to 5 February, drawing aviation suppliers, logistics operators and manufacturers.
The Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition takes place from 4 to 8 February, welcoming collectors and exhibitors from around the world to celebrate philately and postal history.
Healthcare takes centre stage in the second week of the month with World Health Expo, formerly Arab Health, scheduled from 9 to 12 February. Marking more than 50 years, the event continues to serve as a global meeting point for healthcare professionals, policymakers and technology providers.
WHX Labs, formerly Medlab Middle East, runs from 10 to 13 February. Celebrating 25 years, the platform focuses on medical laboratory science, diagnostics and innovation, supporting discussions around precision medicine and future diagnostics.
Additional February events include the Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Expo from 10 to 12 February and IFX Expo Dubai from 11 to 12 February, before the events calendar pauses ahead of Ramadan.
During Ramadan, from 18 February to 19 March, DWTC hosts The Majlis, welcoming guests for Iftar gatherings throughout the holy month.
March and April momentum
Following Eid Al Fitr, activity resumes with DUPHAT from 24 to 26 March. The Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition brings together pharmaceutical manufacturers, researchers and regulators to examine developments in healthcare manufacturing and supply chains.
Gulf Print & Gulf Pack follow, alongside Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition, Dubai Derma, running from 31 March to 2 April. These events highlight advancements in printing, packaging, dermatology and aesthetic medicine.
April sees the return of Middle East Energy, convening the global energy community in Dubai to explore technologies, policies and partnerships shaping the sector’s transition. Running in parallel, DOMOTEX Middle East from 7 to 9 April focuses on flooring design and manufacturing.
A diverse range of lifestyle, property and creative events fill the remainder of April. Petworld Arabia takes place from 12 to 13 April, followed by the International Property Show from 13 to 15 April. The Middle East Coatings Show runs from 14 to 16 April, while the Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show is scheduled for 21 to 23 April.
World Art Dubai follows from 22 to 26 April, showcasing contemporary and emerging artists, before The Baby Expo rounds off the month from 30 April to 1 May.
May programme
May opens with Arabian Travel Market from 4 to 7 May, bringing together global travel and tourism leaders to examine trends shaping the future of the industry. The event focuses on connectivity, innovation and collaboration across aviation, hospitality and destination management.
From 5 to 7 May, the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition, the International Emergency and Catastrophe Management Conference and Exhibition, and GISEC Global take place concurrently, covering humanitarian response, crisis management and cybersecurity.
GETEX Spring runs from 6 to 8 May, highlighting education, training and pathways shaping future workforce development.
The second half of the month shifts towards infrastructure, aviation and digital commerce. Seamless Middle East and the Airport Show with the Global Airport Leaders Forum run from 12 to 14 May, addressing payments, retail technology, airport development and passenger experience.
May concludes with The International Apparel and Textiles Fair from 18 to 20 May, connecting manufacturers, designers and buyers across global fashion and textile supply chains.
June close
June rounds out the first half of the year with a concentration of hospitality, design, media, mobility and public safety events. The Hotel Show, INDEX and CABSAT are all scheduled from 2 to 4 June, bringing together professionals from hospitality, interiors, broadcast and digital media sectors.
The Middle East Event Show follows from 9 to 10 June, focusing on the MICE industry, while Middle East Rail takes place on the same dates, addressing rail infrastructure and transport development.
MOVE Middle East runs alongside EV Live, Solar & Storage Live, highlighting future mobility, electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions.
The H1 2026 calendar concludes with China Home Life and the International Appliance and Electronics Show from 17 to 19 June, before the World Police Summit takes place from 23 to 25 June, bringing together law enforcement leaders and security experts from around the world.