Dubai’s growing role as a global business events hub was reinforced at EPEX 2026, where 56% of exhibitors and stakeholders were from Dubai, highlighting the strength and depth of the city’s MICE ecosystem.
Held on 2–3 September at The Meydan Hotel under the theme “Where Leaders Reconnect,” the 11th edition brought together 686 attendees, 120 exhibiting brands from 21 destinations, 230 hosted buyers and 122 trade visitors. The strong local participation reflected Dubai’s importance as both a destination and a regional hub connecting buyers, hospitality brands, venues and industry partners.
“Dubai Business Events has been a destination partner of EPEX for the past six years. It is a crucial platform to showcase the destination to our proximity markets as well as the far East markets. It is even more important in the current time when we need to be closer to our hosted buyers, planners and our Dubai Business Events ecosystem.”
Karina Lance
Associate Vice President
Dubai Business Events
With the MICE sector navigating a shifting geopolitical landscape, EPEX’s emphasis on face-to-face engagement, business connections and collaboration has become increasingly significant. The strong Dubai representation underscored the value of bringing the industry together to maintain relationships, create new opportunities and strengthen confidence across the region.
