From Gulfood to World Police Summit: DWTC’s busy start to 2026

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced an extensive calendar of 71 international exhibitions and conferences scheduled for the first half of 2026, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a leading global hub for business events.

According to Dubai World Trade Centre, the programme will span key sectors including security, healthcare, food, energy, mobility, tourism, technology and culture. Events will be hosted across DWTC’s main venue and the expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre, significantly boosting the city’s capacity to stage large-scale international gatherings.

Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC, said the packed calendar aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, supporting business tourism while encouraging cross-sector collaboration and international trade.

The calendar opens in January with flagship exhibitions such as Intersec, World of Coffee Dubai and AEEDC Dubai. Gulfood, one of the region’s largest food and beverage events, will be co-hosted at DWTC and the newly expanded DEC, marking the first mega event at the upgraded venue.

February will feature major healthcare, logistics and lifestyle exhibitions, including the World Health Expo (WHX), while Ramadan programming will include The Majlis, offering Iftar services throughout the holy month.

After Eid Al Fitr, the calendar resumes with pharmaceutical, printing, dermatology and energy-focused events, followed by a busy April and May that includes Arabian Travel Market, GISEC Global and Seamless Middle East.

June rounds out the first half of the year with events covering hospitality, media, rail, mobility, energy and security, culminating in the World Police Summit.

Strengthening Dubai’s Global Events Position

With dozens of international exhibitions scheduled across six months, DWTC said the 2026 programme underlines Dubai’s growing influence in global exhibitions and conferences, while supporting economic diversification and international partnerships.