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UAE business events: entrepreneur's notebook

UAE business events: Entrepreneur's notebook
Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Feb 17, 2026
UAE ranks #1 in Global Entrepreneurship Rankings for Third Year Running in 2025. This is why it is the best place to make new business contacts. The UAE hosts many events and exhibitions where you can showcase your business and learn what others offer.

We have compiled a list of major business events, divided by industry. We are sure you will find something useful in this list. At the end of this article, we have a bonus for you!

Games and Entertainment

Dubai GameExpo Summit

Dates: 20-21 May 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: AED 150 - AED 2830
Link

This conference is a must-attend event for game developers, investors, publishers, and anyone involved in the industry.

This B2B event is a part of the Dubai Esports and Games Festival. It will feature 100 notable game industry speakers from around the world. Industry professionals can explore new technologies here learn about best practices and discuss pressing topics facing the games industry:
  • advantages of AI and Web3 technologies
  • trends in game development and monetization
  • potential of the Middle East and North Africa market and more

Tech & Startups

GITEX GLOBAL

Dates: 07-11 December 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: from AED 100 up to AED 1100
Yearly: yes
Link

The world's largest technology event, held annually in Dubai. More than 1800 startups and 1000+ investors gather together to discuss and showcase the latest innovations in AI, future mobility, the digital economy, as well as the future of businesses, the economy, society, and culture.

GITEX GLOBAL

Hedge Fund COO Summit | Middle East

Dates: 06-07 May 2026
Place: DIFC, Dubai
Link

This summit is a unique platform for hedge fund managers dedicated to achieving success and growth in one of the world's leading financial hubs. It is designed for senior executives who are responsible for operations and strategy, bringing together companies already active in the region or looking to expand their presence.
HFM Middle East Summit
Participants gain valuable insights into how their peers are growing their businesses, optimizing their operations, and managing regulatory, commercial, and talent-related challenges in order to achieve long-term success in the Middle East.

6th Digital Marketing, Advertising and Technology Confex

Dates: 11 December 2025
Place: Dubai
Yearly: no
Link

The event is a top-tier gathering that unites experts, scholars, and enthusiasts worldwide to investigate and exchange ideas on the most recent developments and trends in digital marketing, advertising, and technology.
6th Digital Marketing, Advertising and Technology Confex

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF)

Dates: 31 January - 01 February 2026
Place: SPARK, Sharjah
Link

This is one of the largest celebrations of entrepreneurship in the Sharjah region. It brings together founders and startups with knowledge, inspiration, and skills development, showcasing the vibrancy of the entrepreneurial community within Sharjah, the region and beyond. The event featured workshops facilitated by industry experts and organizations such as Linkedin, PwC, Sukoun, and the School of Humanity, and others.
Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF)

TECHSPO Dubai 2026

Dates: 22-23 September 2026
Place: Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Link

This is one of the largest celebrations of entrepreneurship in the Sharjah region. It brings together founders and startups with knowledge, inspiration, and skills development, showcasing the vibrancy of the entrepreneurial community within Sharjah, the region and beyond. The event featured workshops facilitated by industry experts and organizations such as Linkedin, PwC, Sukoun, and the School of Humanity, and others.
TECHSPO Dubai 2026

7th World ESG Summit

Dates: 14-15 April 2026
Place: Metropolitan Hotel Dubai
Yearly: no
Link

The World ESG Summit in Dubai is a place for innovation, where leaders from different industries will come together to discuss integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into their businesses. People from all sorts of industries, from energy to finance, will share their experiences and ideas about making their businesses more sustainable.
The World ESG Summit in Dubai
A big focus will be on making ESG work seamlessly in all aspects of business because it's crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. The goal is to cut emissions and become carbon neutral by 2050, so we can all live in a better world.

There will be a packed program: plenary sessions with world leaders, panels, workshops, an exhibition of innovation, and opportunities to network. Some key topics will be how to integrate ESG into strategies, how to use green finance, how to achieve carbon neutrality, how the circular economy works, and how companies can be more socially responsible.

DDX Dubai

Dates: 07-08 February 2026
Place: Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis Dubai
Tickets cost: AED 1065 - AED 4290
Link

The DDX Conference is a global event focusing on innovation, design, and user experience. It brings together people from the Middle East, Africa, and other parts of the world to discuss how new technologies are shaping the future of digital experiences.
The DDX Conference
The DDX is a collaboration between Designdrives, a popular podcast about design leadership and innovation, and Digital Product School, an educational program by UnternehmerTUM that focuses on training digital innovators.

STEP Conference

Dates: 11-12February 2026
Place: Dubai Internet City
Tickets cost: AED 382 - AED 2489
Yearly: yes
Link

Step is Dubai's annual tech festival featuring global startups, speakers, and investors. 400+ global startups, 100+ participating companies, 8000+ attendees, and $8.2+ billion in funding.

Notable speakers and partners include individuals from LinkedIn, Replit, Facebook (Meta), and organizations such as MBC and Sequoia Capital.
STEP Conference

Seamless Digital Commerce

Dates: 12-14 May 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free for Visitor Pass and $3000 for Premium Pass
Yearly: yes
Link

Seamless Digital Commerce is where all things digital marketing, e-commerce and payment processing come together. It's a place where payment providers and merchants, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), can meet and find innovative solutions.

It's place where retail and e-commerce leaders come together to network, share ideas, and work on the latest trends in the industry.
Seamless Digital Commerce

Home Delivery Middle East

Dates: 12-14 May 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free for Visitor Pass and $3000 for Premium Pass
Link

Home Delivery Middle East covers every aspect of retail logistics and the supply chain, from managing inventory and fulfilling orders in the warehouse to delivering them to the final destination and providing a great customer experience.

5000+ attendees and 200+ speakers from all over the world are waiting for you.
Home Delivery Middle East

Seamless Fintech

Dates: 20-22 May 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free for Visitor Pass and $3000 for Premium Pass
Yearly: yes
Link

The Middle East's big fintech event, Seamless Fintech, is back for its 25th year. If you're into the Middle East fintech and payment scene, this is the place to be. You'll get to explore the ever-changing ecosystem, meet with top players and innovators in the industry, and check out our Identity Showcase for some cutting-edge solutions.
Seamless Fintech

MOBILITY LIVE MIDDLE EAST

Dates: 09-10 June 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free for Visitor Pass and $3000 for Premium Pass
Yearly: yes
Link

Mobility Live is the biggest mobility event in the region, where innovative technology is driving much-needed changes. It brings together innovators, their technologies, and stakeholders from all modes and industries to discuss, create new ideas, and promote collaboration.
Seamless Fintech

Expand North Star

Dates: 08-10 December 2026
Place: Expo City Dubai
Tickets cost: Free for Visitor Pass with other paid options
Yearly: yes
Link

The biggest event for start-ups and investors is taking place alongside the GITEX Global tech expo in Dubai. Called Expand North Star, it's all about connecting global start-ups with venture investors. The event will showcase the excellent opportunities available in the UAE for scaling up innovative projects, thanks to the country's competitive advantages.
Seamless Fintech
GITEX boasts over 40 exhibition halls, where tech giants and start-ups will be showcasing their AI, cybersecurity and fintech solutions, among others.

Leadership & Management

WE CONVENTION| Women's Empowerment Convention

Dates: 27–29 November 2026
Place: Dubai
Tickets cost: from AED 1800 up to AED 18000
Yearly: yes
Link

This event is a gathering of successful women leaders from all over the world, who are setting new standards and breaking down barriers. It's more than just an event - it's a vibrant community where we come together to challenge the status quo, celebrate achievements, and support each other on our journey to greatness.
WE CONVENTION | Women's Empowerment Convention

SHRM GCC HR Summit26

Dates: 15-17 September 2026
Place: Dubai
Tickets cost: $1850 - $3000
Yearly: no
Link

HR event by SHRM platform. The event will highlight the future of HR in the GCC region, the role of technology in transforming the workplace, and the importance of forward-thinking HR strategies.

The summit includes 200+ exclusively invited Senior HR Leaders & Decision-makers, 25+ Global Speakers, 50+ CXOs, 150+ Unique organizations, and 16+ Partners & Exhibitors.
SHRM GCC HR Summit26

Gulf Business Awards 2026

Dates: 8-10 December 2026
Place: Dubai
Link

The prestigious award is an annual event that recognizes the achievements of businesses and entrepreneurs in the Gulf region. It's a chance for business leaders, innovators, and executives to come together to celebrate great projects in fields like banking, real estate, healthcare, tech, tourism, and more.
Gulf Business Awards 2026

World Entrepreneur Summit 2026

Dates: 07-08 October 2026
Place: Dubai
Tickets cost: AED 578
Yearly: yes
Link

This business event will have some really inspiring speakers, lots of interesting panel discussions, meetings with investors, startup pitches, and exclusive product launches. There will be tons of opportunities to network with investors and other entrepreneurs.
World Entrepreneur Summit 2026
With over 1,000 entrepreneurs and more than 500 investors from over 20 countries worldwide, this is an excellent opportunity to expand your network and attract investment for your business.

Finance & Crypto

TOKEN2049 Dubai

Dates: 29-30 April 2026
Place: Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events Centre, Dubai
Tickets cost: from US$699 up to US$5 999
Yearly: yes

Link
TOKEN2049 Dubai
TOKEN2049 is a global conference series that brings together leaders from the crypto ecosystem to share ideas, network and influence the industry. It is the premier gathering for entrepreneurs, institutions, industry experts, investors, and enthusiasts in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. Over 4000 companies, 200+ speakers, and more than 200 exhibitors.

It's more than just a business conference. Lavish, free-flowing food and coffee, along with live DJ sets, create an electrifying atmosphere. Recharge with massages, shisha lounges, live music performances, and non-stop entertainment. Take part in quests and activities to make the most of your experience.

Crypto Expo Dubai

Dates: 09-10 December 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: $99.00 - $2499
Yearly: yes
Link

The largest crypto expo in Dubai with top investors and leaders in the cryptocurrency industry. You can learn more about the cryptocurrency industry and altcoins. This B2C event can provide the cryptocurrency community with high-quality educational resources and networking opportunities. 80+ companies and over 60 speakers from more than 30 countries.
Crypto Expo Dubai

Forex Traders Summit Dubai 2026

Dates: 13-14 May 2026
Place: Dubai Festival Arena
Tickets cost: Free
Yearly: yes
Link

The Forex Traders Summit Dubai 2024 is an event designed to provide a platform for professionals and enthusiasts in investment, financial markets, trading and Forex. This summit offers a unique opportunity to interact with industry experts, gain valuable insights and explore the latest trends and opportunities in the financial arena.
Forex Traders Summit Dubai 2025

GITEX Future Digital Assets Forum | FDX by GITEX

Dates: 08-10 December 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Yearly: yes
Link

FDX by GITEX brings together key players from the banking, finance, investment, and technology sectors. You explore the impact of emerging ideas such as digital payments, tokenization, and decentralized finance (DeFi) on global markets. FDX provides groundbreaking insights, showcases innovative product developments, and facilitates deal-making between regulators, investors, businesses, and startups.
GITEX Future Digital Assets Forum | FDX by GITEX

Global Blockchain Congress

Dates: 26-27 March 2026
Place: Dubai
Tickets cost: Free
Yearly: yes
Link

The Global Blockchain Congress in Dubai is an exclusive event where blockchain projects can connect with investors. It's not like a regular conference with a big open space; instead, it's a networking and deal-making event for the top level.
Here you'll find over 1,600 investors and over 360 blockchain startups, and we've been able to raise millions for our participating projects.
Global Blockchain Congress

Travel & Hospitality

Arabian Travel Market 2026

Dates: 04-07 May 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: from AED 240
Yearly: yes
Link

The Arabian Travel Market is a game-changer for the travel industry, driving growth and creating opportunities. It's more than just an event; it's a gathering of visionaries who come together to shape the future of travel. Leisure, luxury, business, and corporate events converge here, sparking new ideas.
Arabian Travel Market 2026

The Hotel Show Dubai

Dates: 02-04 June 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free
Yearly: yes
Link

Trade show where you can discover the latest trends, network with industry experts, and explore cutting-edge solutions for the hospitality industry. Ideal for hoteliers, buyers, or just anyone with a passion for hospitality.
The Hotel Show Dubai

Gulfood 2026

Dates: 26-30 January 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: From AED 495
Yearly: yes
Link

Gulfood is the world's biggest platform for food innovation and brand power. It all started in 1987 and has grown to become the most powerful trading hub on the planet. The event attracts billions of dollars worth of trade deals every year, accounting for 1% of the global food and beverage industry, all in just 5 days.
Gulfood 2026

Medicine

AccessAbilities Expo

Dates: 19-21 October 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free
Yearly: yes
Link
AccessAbilities Expo
This expo is the leading trade and consumer show dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities in the Middle East region. It is the ideal platform to showcase the latest solutions in this field and network with key buyers, industry professionals, and end-users worldwide. 300+ companies from over 50 countries present their products for the improvement of mobility, treatment, rehabilitation, and medication.

ARABLAB LIVE

Dates: 26-28 October 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free
Yearly: yes
Link

ARABLAB LIVE is the longest-running and biggest show in the region for the lab and analytical industry. It's a free 3-day conference with over 350 speakers covering the latest trends in laboratories and analytics. There's also a multi-brand exhibition featuring over 1000 leading organizations from around the world showcasing their latest lab solutions and technologies.
AccessAbilities Expo

Building & Energy

INDEX Dubai

Dates: 2-04 June 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free
Yearly: yes
Link

INDEX is the industry's gathering place, where a diverse array of global brands showcase the latest innovations and cutting-edge technologies shaping the field of interior design and architecture.
400+ exhibitors and more than 85 industry experts as part of the global interior design and furnishings hub for buyers to connect with global brands and suppliers of furniture, flooring, lighting, textiles and more.
INDEX Dubai

Workspace

Dates: 02-04 June 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free
Yearly: yes
Link

This exhibition is a meeting place for professionals from various sectors with leaders in the interior design and furniture manufacturing industries. Here you can create entirely new work environments with expert help.
Workspace

WORLD UTILITIES CONGRESS

Dates: 19-21 May 2025
Place: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Tickets cost: Free
Yearly: yes
Link

The World Utilities Congress is an international event that brings together energy leaders, policy makers, innovators and industry professionals to discuss major trends and challenges in the energy industry. It's a platform for utilities around the world to share their experiences and ideas on how to provide secure, sustainable and affordable energy for everyone.
WORLD UTILITIES CONGRESS
In three days, this event will bring together more than 12,000 utility professionals, over 160 global exhibitors, more than 280 industry experts as speakers, and 1,400 conference attendees. There are also host more than 70 sessions on strategic and technical topics.

ADIPEC 2026

Dates: 02-05 November 2026
Place: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Tickets cost: Free
Yearly: yes
Link

For almost 40 years now, ADIPEC has been a platform for energy industry leaders to come together and work on accelerating the energy transition through innovative solutions.


ADIPEC 2026
More than 350 events will focus on solving some of the biggest issues facing the energy industry. More than 1,600 experts will share their ideas and experiences to create a cleaner and more secure energy future. More than 2,200 companies will showcase their products and services in 16 exhibition halls at ADIPEC, fostering collaboration and new partnerships.

Big 5 Global

Dates: 23-26 November 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Link

The Big 5 is the biggest and most influential event for buildings and construction in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MENA). It's also the annual gathering place for the global construction industry, bringing together 85,000 people from over 165 different countries, all under one roof in the UAE. There are also 2.300+ exhibitors there.
Big 5 Global
The Big 5 Global event covers the entire construction project life cycle across various sectors and has five specialized events: Heavy, Totally Concrete, HVAC R Expo, Marble & Stone World, and Urban Design & Landscape.

LiveableCitiesX

Dates: 23-26 November 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Link

LiveableCitiesX is a global platform accelerating urban development and investment. For three days, the exhibition brings together the entire global urban transformation ecosystem to tackle the biggest challenges of our time and inspire collective action that will shape the future of cities.
LiveableCitiesX

Future FM

Dates: 23-26 November 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Link

FutureFM is all about innovation and using cutting-edge technology to make facilities more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. It's also about improving life for residents and visitors in the area. The event is co-located with LiveableCitiesX and GeoWorld, and it gives FM (facilities management) professionals the chance to optimize resources, automate tasks, and be more effective in managing their facilities.
Future FM

GeoWorld

Dates: 23-26 November 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Link

GeoWorld, the one-of-a-kind event in the MEASA (Middle East, Africa, South Asia) region, celebrates the rapid growth of the geospatial industry, thanks to a bunch of big projects in various sectors like construction, oil and gas, e-commerce, and agriculture.


GeoWorld
GeoWorld gives industry professionals the chance to network with the big names shaping the geo-spatial industry. You can attend workshops and learn about the latest and greatest from product launches. The event even has a GeoWorld Summit where leaders gather to talk about GIS, mapping, and spatial analytics strategies.

Solar & Storage Live Dubai

Dates: 09-10 June 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free for Visitor Pass and $3000 for Premium Pass
Yearly: yes
Link

Solar & Storage Live Dubai is a show all about solar power and energy storage, celebrating the latest and greatest technologies in the move towards a greener and smarter energy system that's more decentralized.
Solar & Storage Live Dubai
It brings together all the players - utilities, independent power producers, financiers, governments, and regulators - who are working to make the energy sector in the region more sustainable and future-proof.

World Future Energy Summit

Dates: 12-14 January 2027
Place: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Yearly: yes
Link

The World Future Energy Summit is a global gathering of some of the brightest minds in the industry, bringing together innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries to create a blueprint for a more sustainable future. We're powered by global collaboration, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with cutting-edge technologies and groundbreaking ideas.
World Future Energy Summit

Transport

Middle East Rail 2026

Dates: 09-10 June 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free for Visitor Pass and $3000 for Premium Pass
Yearly: yes
Link

The Middle East Rail Conference is the region's top event for rail innovation and technology. It's a two-day event that will have over 250 speakers from around the region and beyond. The sessions will be led by some of the industry's biggest names, forward-thinkers, and key decision-makers.
Middle East Rail 2026

EVCharge Live Middle East

Dates: 09-10 June 2026
Place: Dubai World Trade Centre
Tickets cost: Free for Visitor Pass and $3000 for Premium Pass
Yearly: yes
Link

EVCharge Live Middle East is a multi-faceted conference with over 150 speakers covering all the latest and greatest in electric vehicle technology. A free-to-attended, multi-brand exhibition with pavilions from multiple countries and over 250 exhibitors showing off the latest and greatest solutions from the area.
EVCharge Live Middle East

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