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Heading to the Gulf in 2026? Here’s What to Know

  • Writer: Norman Smith
    Norman Smith
  • Aug 6
  • 3 min read

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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

Based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany

 
 
 

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