The calendar puts DWTC at the forefront of driving global business engagement, trade opportunities and investment flows, as Dubai continues to strengthen its role as a meeting point for decision makers, investors and innovators from around the world.
Throughout the first half of the year, Dubai will host major and mega events covering security, healthcare, food and beverage, energy, travel, tourism, technology and culture, strengthening the city’s position as a meeting point for global industries.
Dubai World Trade Center events
Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “DWTC’s H1 2026 calendar of events reinforces Dubai’s role as a catalyst for economic growth, business tourism and cross-sectoral collaboration, in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33.
“Our range of world-class exhibitions and conferences act as a driver for business tourism, attracting international investment and generating sustainable benefits for many sectors of the economy.
By hosting select events across the Dubai World Trade Center and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre, we double the city’s capacity to host major international events. This helps the growth of events and industries, and improves our contribution to the local economy.”
January opens with the best international forums
The year starts with Intersec (January 12-14), the region’s top platform for safety, security and fire protection, which runs alongside Light + Intelligent Building Middle East (January 12-14), bringing together experts from the fields of security, intelligent building and lighting.
These events will be followed by FESPA Middle East (January 13-15), the region’s leading exhibition for specialty 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 the Arab Dental Exhibition – AEEDC Dubai (January 19–21), the 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 the Dubai World Trade Center and the Dubai Exhibition Center (DEC). Gulfood will be the first major event hosted at the newly expanded DEC.
Healthcare, aviation and industry dominate in February
February will see a strong focus on healthcare, aviation, transport and industry, with Aircraft Interiors Middle East and MRO Middle East taking place alongside Breakbulk Middle East and the World Shisha Show (February 4-5). This month will also host the Dubai World Stamp Show 2026 (February 4-8), which brings together collectors from all over the world.
Healthcare comes into sharp focus in the second week of February with the World Health Expo – WHX (February 9-12), formerly Arab Health, which marks more than 50 years of convening global health professionals, industry leaders and innovators. WHX Labs (10–13 February), formerly known as Medlab Middle East, marks 25 years as a global platform for medical laboratory science, diagnostics and innovation.
Events in February conclude with the 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 Iftar guests throughout Ramadan.
March and April start afresh with the pharmaceutical, energy and creative industries
After 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 pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare.
This is followed by Gulf Print and Gulf Pack, and the 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 explore technologies, policies and partnerships that are shaping change in the sector. Running concurrently, DOMOTEX Middle East (April 7-9) highlights design and manufacturing, before the month begins 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–Expo (April 23) and April 23
Tourism, infrastructure and the digital economy start in May
May opens with the Arabian Travel Market (May 4-7), as global travel leaders explore how communication, 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 to infrastructure, aviation and the digital economy, with the Seamless Middle East and Airport Show and the Global Airport Leaders Forum both running from May 12-14.
The month ends with the International Apparel and Textiles Fair (May 18-20), which connects manufacturers, designers and consumers throughout the global fashion supply chain.
June closes H1 with treatment, travel and public safety
June covers the first half of the year with a strong focus on the hospitality, design, events, travel and public safety fields. The Hotel Show, INDEX and CABSAT are scheduled for June 2–4, followed by the Middle East Event Show (June 9–10) focusing on the MICE sector.
Infrastructure and future mobility will focus on Middle East Rail (June 9–10), MOVE Middle East, EV Live, and Solar and Storage Live, before the H1 calendar concludes with the China Home Life and International Appliance and Electronics Show (June 17–19), and the World Police Conference (June 23–25).
