Dubai World Trade Centre Unveils First Half 2026 Calendar
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has released its H1 2026 events calendar, featuring 71 international exhibitions and conferences. The schedule highlights Dubai’s role as a global hub for business, trade, and investment. These events aim to bring together industry leaders, investors, and innovators from around the world.
Dubai: A Global Meeting Point for Industries
Throughout the first half of the year, Dubai will host flagship and mega events across diverse sectors, including security, healthcare, food and beverage, energy, mobility, tourism, technology, and culture. The calendar positions DWTC as a strategic driver of business engagement and economic growth, enhancing cross-sector collaboration and investment flows.
Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President of DWTC, stated:
“Our H1 2026 calendar reinforces Dubai’s position as a catalyst for business tourism and economic development. By expanding the Dubai Exhibition Centre alongside DWTC, we can host more international mega-events, creating long-term value across multiple sectors.”
Key Events in January 2026
The year begins with Intersec (12–14 January), the region’s leading platform for security, safety, and fire protection, held alongside Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, which attracts experts from smart building and lighting sectors.
Other highlights in January include:
-
FESPA Middle East (13–15 January): Specialty printing and signage exhibition.
-
World of Coffee Dubai (18–20 January): The Middle East’s premier specialty coffee event.
-
AEEDC Dubai (19–21 January): The world’s largest dental conference and exhibition.
-
Gulfood (26–30 January): The world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event, co-hosted at the expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre.
February 2026: Healthcare, Aviation, and Innovation
February emphasizes healthcare, aviation, logistics, and industry:
-
Aircraft Interiors Middle East & MRO Middle East (4–5 February)
-
Breakbulk Middle East & World Shisha Show (4–5 February)
-
Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition (4–8 February)
World Health Expo (WHX, 9–12 February), formerly Arab Health, brings together global healthcare professionals to explore innovations shaping the future of the industry. WHX Labs (10–13 February), formerly Medlab Middle East, focuses on medical laboratory science, diagnostics, and technology.
Other events include: Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Expo (10–12 February) and IFX Expo Dubai (11–12 February). During Ramadan (18 February–19 March), DWTC hosts The Majlis for Iftar gatherings.
March–April 2026: Pharmaceuticals, Energy, and Lifestyle
Post Eid Al Fitr, DWTC events continue with:
-
DUPHAT (24–26 March): Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference
-
Gulf Print & Gulf Pack and Dubai Derma (31 March–2 April)
April highlights include:
-
Middle East Energy: Global energy innovations and policies
-
DOMOTEX Middle East (7–9 April): Design and manufacturing
-
Lifestyle and property events like Petworld Arabia, International Property Show, Middle East Coatings Show, World Art Dubai, and The Baby Expo
May 2026: Travel, Education, and Infrastructure
May will focus on tourism, humanitarian aid, education, and digital commerce:
-
Arabian Travel Market (4–7 May)
-
DIHAD and International Emergency & Catastrophe Management Conference (5–7 May)
-
GETEX Spring (6–8 May): Education and workforce development
The second half of May features Seamless Middle East, Airport Show & Global Airport Leaders Forum (12–14 May), and concludes with International Apparel and Textiles Fair (18–20 May).
June 2026: Hospitality, Mobility, and Public Safety
June focuses on hospitality, design, mobility, and safety sectors:
-
The Hotel Show, INDEX, CABSAT (2–4 June)
-
Middle East Event Show (9–10 June): MICE industry
-
Middle East Rail, MOVE Middle East, EV Live, Solar & Storage Live
-
Closing events: China Home Life, International Appliance & Electronics Show (17–19 June) and World Police Summit (23–25 June)
Conclusion
DWTC’s H1 2026 calendar demonstrates Dubai’s global significance as a hub for business, trade, and investment. By hosting mega events across multiple sectors, the city is set to attract international investors, industry leaders, and innovators, driving sustainable economic growth and strengthening its position in the global events ecosystem.
