Skip to content
atndr

What's on in Dubai

United Arab Emirates · 103 events coming up

Next up in Dubai

  1. Sat14Nov
  2. Mon16Nov
103 events coming upSee all

Business events in Dubai

Dubai runs one of the densest business event calendars in the world, built around international trade exhibitions that draw buyers from across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Flagship series include GITEX Global and Expand North Star for technology, Gulfood for food and beverage, Big 5 Global for construction, World Health Expo and AEEDC for healthcare, Arabian Travel Market, Automechanika Dubai and the biennial Dubai Airshow. Two venues carry most of the load: Dubai World Trade Centre, next to Sheikh Zayed Road and the financial district, and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai near Dubai World Central, now home to some of the largest shows. Finance and investment conferences favour Madinat Jumeirah, DIFC and the city's hotels. The season runs from October to May, with November, January and spring especially full, and very little in the summer. Both main venues are on the Dubai Metro Red Line, but the journey between them takes the better part of an hour, so pick a hotel near your show. Rates jump during the biggest weeks; book early.

Last updated

Frequently asked questions about events in Dubai

What are the main exhibition centres in Dubai?
Dubai World Trade Centre, on Sheikh Zayed Road, is the city's long-standing exhibition and convention hub and hosts shows such as Gulfood, Big 5 Global, AEEDC and Arabian Travel Market. The Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, in the south near Al Maktoum International Airport, now hosts major events including GITEX Global. Madinat Jumeirah and DIFC are popular for finance and leadership conferences.
When is conference season in Dubai?
October to May carries most of the calendar. November and the first months of the year are usually the busiest stretches, with another strong run in spring. June to September is hot and much quieter, with mostly indoor seminars and online events. During Ramadan, which moves about eleven days earlier each year, schedules thin out and hours shorten.
Do I need a visa to attend a conference in the UAE?
Citizens of GCC countries need no visa, and visitors from many other countries, including the UK, the US and most of Europe, receive a free visit visa on arrival. Others need a visit visa arranged before travel, usually through an airline, a hotel, a UAE company or the event organizer. Rules and eligible nationalities change, so check the official ICP or GDRFA Dubai websites before you book.
How do I get between Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City Dubai?
Both are on the Dubai Metro Red Line, and the ride between them takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes. By taxi it is a similar time outside rush hour and longer at peak times on Sheikh Zayed Road. Large shows often add shuttle buses from partner hotels. If you are attending a show at Expo City, a hotel in Dubai South, Jebel Ali or Dubai Marina cuts the commute.
Do I need to register in advance for trade shows in Dubai?
Almost always. Most trade exhibitions require online registration, and many offer free or discounted trade visitor passes before a deadline, with higher prices or no walk-ins on the day. Conference passes are sold separately. Every event page here links to the organizer's official registration page, so register there and bring the confirmation and your ID.

Guides to Dubai

Events in Dubai by month

Browse Dubai by industry

More cities in United Arab Emirates