Dubai,January 5, 2026: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has unveiled its H1 2026 events calendar, featuring 71 international exhibitions and conferences set to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for business, trade and investment.
Spanning the first half of the year, the diverse calendar brings together global industry leaders, investors and innovators across sectors including healthcare, food and beverage, energy, tourism, technology, mobility, security, manufacturing and culture. Several large-scale and co-located events will take place across Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), activating the city and amplifying economic impact.
Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, said the H1 line-up reflects DWTC’s role as a key driver of business tourism and economic growth in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33. “Our world-class exhibitions and conferences act as strategic drivers for business tourism, international investment and cross-sector collaboration. By hosting select mega events across DWTC and the expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre, we are doubling the city’s capacity to host global events, enabling further growth across industries and enhancing our contribution to the local economy,” Julfar said.
Strong Start to the Year with Global Mega Events
The year begins with Intersec (12–14 January), the region’s leading platform for security, safety and fire protection, running alongside Light + Intelligent Building Middle East. These will be followed by FESPA Middle East (13–15 January), catering to the specialty printing and signage industry.
January also sees the return of World of Coffee Dubai (18–20 January) and AEEDC Dubai (19–21 January), the world’s largest annual dental conference and exhibition. The month concludes with Gulfood (26–30 January), the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event, co-hosted at DWTC and DEC and marking the first mega event to be staged at the expanded DEC.
Healthcare, Aviation and Industrial Focus in February
February will spotlight healthcare, aviation and logistics with events including Aircraft Interiors Middle East, MRO Middle East, Breakbulk Middle East, and World Shisha Show (4–5 February). The Dubai 2026 World Stamp Exhibition (4–8 February) will also bring global collectors to the city. Healthcare takes centre stage with World Health Expo – WHX (9–12 February), formerly Arab Health, celebrating over 50 years of industry leadership, alongside WHX Labs (10–13 February), previously Medlab Middle East.
Ramadan, Then Momentum Continues Post-Eid
During Ramadan, DWTC will host The Majlis (18 February – 19 March), welcoming guests for Iftar throughout the holy month. Following Eid Al Fitr, the calendar resumes with DUPHAT (24–26 March), Dubai Derma (31 March – 2 April) and Gulf Print & Gulf Pack. April features Middle East Energy, DOMOTEX Middle East, and a mix of lifestyle and creative exhibitions including World Art Dubai, Petworld Arabia, Middle East Coatings Show, and The Baby Expo.
Travel, Technology and Infrastructure Lead May and June
May is led by Arabian Travel Market (4–7 May), alongside major global platforms such as DIHAD, GISEC Global, GETEX Spring, Seamless Middle East, and Airport Show & Global Airport Leaders Forum. The first half of the year concludes in June with a strong focus on hospitality, design, mobility and public safety, including The Hotel Show, INDEX, CABSAT, Middle East Rail, MOVE Middle East, Solar & Storage Live, China Home Life, and the World Police Summit (23–25 June).
With its expansive and strategically curated calendar, DWTC continues to play a pivotal role in driving international business engagement, trade growth and global investment, reinforcing Dubai’s standing as one of the world’s leading destinations for major events.
