DWTC to Host 71 Events in H1 2026 Boosting Dubai’s Economy

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) reveals its exciting and action-packed H1 2026 events calendar, unveiling a significant line-up of 71 international conferences and exhibitions, all set to reflect the scale and global relevance of business events in Dubai’s ecosystem. The announcements place DWTC at the forefront of driving global business engagement, investment flows, and trade opportunities.

Throughout the first half of 2026, Dubai will act as a central hub for global industries, with flagship and mega events across technology, food and beverage, healthcare, tourism, energy, security, mobility, and culture convening decision-makers, investors, and innovators. The Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, Mahir Julfar, says:

“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 a strategic driver for Dubai business tourism, attracting international investment and generating sustained value across multiple sectors of the economy. By hosting select events across the 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.”

What to Expect in DWTC H1 2026 events

To kick off the anticipation, the year is set to open with Intersec, between January 12-14, the region’s flagship platform for security, safety, and fire protection. Set to bring global leaders together and shape the future of national and international security, the event will be held in parallel with Light + Intelligent Building Middle East during the same days, attracting professionals from the security, lighting, and smart building sectors globally.

Following closely is FESPA Middle East, between January 13-15, the region’s premier exhibition for speciality signage and printing. January has been revealed to hold three other events, with World of Coffee Dubai and UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition (AEEDC Dubai) held between January 18-20 and January 19-21, respectively.

The month is set to close with the return of the mega event Gulfood between January 26-30, which will be co-hosted at DWTC and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). This event will mark the first mega event to be hosted in the newly expanded DEC. Meanwhile, the Healthcare industry becomes the prime focus in the second week of February.

Between February 9 -12, the World Health Expo (WHX), formerly Arab Health, will celebrate more than 50 years of bringing together global healthcare professionals, innovators, and industry leaders to showcase solutions, exchange ideas, and explore the developments shaping the future of healthcare.

Around the same time, WHX Labs, formerly Medlab Middle East, will commence on February 10 and conclude on February 13, marking 25 years as a leading global forum for medical laboratory science, innovation, and diagnostics. The month will then conclude with Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure Expo between February 10-12 and IFX Expo Dubai between February 11-12, before the start of Ramadan.

From Trade and Healthcare to Culture and Entertainment

Mid-February will see the onset of the holy month of Ramadan, during which DWTC will host The Majlis, welcoming guests for Iftar throughout the month from February 18 to March 19. Following the festivities of Eid Al Fitr in March, the DWTC events calendar 2026 continues with renewed momentum in March and April.

To start, the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT) will take place between March 24-26, creating a space for active discussions focused on the future of healthcare manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. Then connecting March to April is Gulf Print & Gulf Pack, and Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition (Dubai Derma), taking place between March 31 and April 2.

April seems to be the busiest month yet with Middle East Energy, allowing the global energy community to convene in Dubai and examine the technologies, policies, and partnerships shaping the industry’s transition. Taking place in tandem is DOMOTEX Middle East between April 7-9, with a focus on design and manufacturing.

The month then opens up to a diverse mix of lifestyle, property, and creative events including Petworld Arabia between April 12-13, International Property Show between Aptil 13-15, Middle East Coatings Show between April 14-16 April, Dubai International Wood and Wood Machinery Show between April 21-23, World Art Dubai between April 22-26, and The Baby Expo between 30 April and 1 May.

Closing H1 With a Focus on Travel, Infrastructure, and Hospitality

As the year heads into the month of May, the UAE is set to feature global conversations around digital commerce, education, travel, and humanitarian response. Kicking off the month is the Arabian Travel Market, returning between May 4-7, as industry leaders flock to Dubai to network over collaboration, connectivity, and innovation and the power to reshape the future of tourism.

Following that is The Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD), The International Emergency and Catastrophe Management Conference and Exhibition, and GISEC Global, all set to take place between May 5-7 May, before all attention turns to GETEX Spring between May 6-8 May, shifting the focus to education, training and shaping tomorrow’s workforce.

The rest of May is set to pivot towards aviation, infrastructure, and digital economies, starting with Seamless Middle East and Airport Show & Global Airport Leaders Forum, both set for May 12-14, bringing together leaders from aviation and airport development, and payments and commerce. May will conclude with The International Apparel and Textiles Fair between May 18-20, connecting global buyers, designers, and manufacturers across the fashion and textile supply chain.

Finally, H1 hits its end in the month of June, where the focus is on events, design, hospitality, mobility, and public safety platforms. To begin, The Hotel Show, INDEX, and CABSAT are all scheduled for June 2-4, followed by Middle East Event Show between June 9-10, with its focus on the burgeoning MICE industry.

Next comes Middle East Rail on June 9 and 10, where infrastructure and future mobility take center stage, followed by MOVE Middle East, EV Live, and Solar & Storage Live. After this, the half-year calendar is set to close with China Home Life and International Appliance and Electronics Show taking place between June 17-19 and the World Police Summit running between June 23-25.

Indeed, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the UAE as its business, trade, and global investment industries prepare to grow alongside several other industries at an accelerated pace. For more information on DWTC’s events, please visit: DWTC Event Calendar.

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