Heading to the Gulf in 2026? Here’s What to Know
- Norman Smith
- Aug 6
- 3 min read

Dear Nomads,
If Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, or Doha is on your travel list for 2026, here’s something worth knowing: the Gulf region will be buzzing with global activity.
With over 80 confirmed trade fairs and major events, 2026 won’t just be event season — it’ll be a full year of innovation, ideas, and international networking.
Whether you're traveling for business, visiting friends, or just passing through — your trip might align with something big.
January
Intersec | Jan 12–14, DubaiSecurity, Fire Protection, Cyber
SteelFab | Jan 12–15, SharjahMachinery, Industrial Tools
WFES | Jan 13–15, Abu DhabiFuture Energy, Smart Cities
Future Minerals Forum | Jan 13–15, RiyadhMining, Investment
THIMUN Qatar | Jan 13–16, DohaYouth, Education, MUN Conference
DIMDEX | Jan 19–22, DohaMaritime Defense
DOMOTEX Middle East | Jan 19–22, DubaiFlooring & Interior Design
Gulfood | Jan 26–30, Dubai & Expo CityGlobal Food & Beverage Innovation
Real Estate Future Forum | Jan 26–28, RiyadhUrban Development & Real Estate
Sidra Research Forum | Jan 27–28, DohaMedical Research & Innovation
WCO Tech Conference | Jan 28–30, Abu DhabiCustoms Technology, Border Security
February
LNG2026 | Feb 2–5, DohaGlobal LNG Industry
Breakbulk Middle East | Feb 4–5, DubaiHeavy Cargo & Logistics
World Stamp Exhibition | Feb 4–8, DubaiPhilately & Collectibles
Global AI Show | Feb 9–10, RiyadhArtificial Intelligence
WHX Dubai (formerly Arab Health) | Feb 9–12, Expo CityHealthcare & MedTech
DEAL Expo | Feb 9–11, DubaiAmusement & Attractions
Jeddah Interiors Show | Feb 9–11Interior Design & Architecture
GTR MENA | Feb 10–11, DubaiTrade & Finance
iFX EXPO | Feb 10–12, DubaiFinTech & Forex
Fintech Week | Feb 17–18, DubaiFinance Innovation & Startups
DJWE | Late February, DohaLuxury Jewellery & Watches
March – April
IAAPA Expo | Mar 30 – Apr 2, Abu DhabiTheme Parks & Attractions
Paper & Tissue Show | Mar 31 – Apr 2, Abu DhabiPaper & Hygiene Industry
Real Estate Supply Chain Forum | Apr 6–7, RiyadhLogistics for Real Estate & Construction
Abu Dhabi Global Health Week | Apr 7–9Healthcare Innovation
Middle East Energy + Intersolar | Apr 7–9, DubaiEnergy & Solar Solutions
Industry Week | Apr 12–15, RiyadhIndustrial Transformation
LEAP + DeepFest | Apr 13–16, RiyadhTech, AI, Startups
MICE Expo | Apr 14–16, Abu DhabiMeetings, Incentives, Conferences, Events
Middle East Coatings Show | Apr 14–16, DubaiPaints, Coatings, Chemicals
Automechanika Riyadh | Apr 20–22Automotive Services & Technologies
WPC Energy Congress | Apr 26–30, RiyadhGlobal Energy Industry
May – June
SEA Expo | May 4–6, RiyadhTheme Parks, Leisure & Entertainment
Make it in the Emirates | May 4–7, Abu DhabiManufacturing & Local Industry
QMED | May 6–8, DohaDigital Healthcare
CPHI Middle East | May 11–13, RiyadhPharma & Biotech
AI Everything Summit | May 11–13, Abu DhabiArtificial Intelligence & Innovation
CABSAT | May 20–22, DubaiBroadcast, Content & Satellite Tech
INDEX Dubai | Jun 2–4Interior Design
Big 5 Construct Saudi | Jun 6–9, RiyadhConstruction & Infrastructure
Middle East Event Show | Jun 9–10, DubaiEvent Management & Production
FSB Riyadh | Jun 15–17Sports Facilities & Leisure
Hardware Fair Saudi | Jun 15–17Tools & Industrial Supplies
Later in 2026 (Dates TBC)
ConteQ Expo | DohaConstruction & Robotics
Hotel Expo Saudi | Sep 13–15, RiyadhHospitality & Hotel Management
Jeddah Trade Exhibition | Sep 27–30Retail & Consumer Goods
Quantum.Tech Qatar | NovemberQuantum Technology
ADIPEC | Nov 3–6, Abu DhabiGlobal Energy Leaders
GITEX Global | Dec 7–11, DubaiTechnology & Digital Innovation
MEBAA Show | Dec 8–10, DubaiBusiness Aviation
Automechanika Dubai | Dec 9–11Automotive Industry
AutoMadness | December, DubaiSupercars & Motorsport
eFIBA World Finals | DohaEsports Basketball Championship
✈️ Let’s Talk Travel – Gulf 2026?
We take care of flights, hotels, transfers, and venues – whether you're traveling solo, in a group, or on business.
Contact UsEmail: book@nomad-travel.de
Phone: +49 1520 7526625
Website: nomad-travel-connect.com
Based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany



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