The UAE’s business events season has gathered pace in H2 2026, following a relatively quiet first half to the year. The events calendar is becoming increasingly busy bringing together companies, investors and industry leaders from across sectors for renowned industry events.
The momentum is reflected in recent major gatherings such as Arabian Travel Market, GISEC Global, Ai Everything Global, LIVEX and Investopia, and more. With several significant events still to come before year-end, Sherpa Communications has compiled a list of seven major gatherings to add to your calendar, along with ways to make your participation count.
1. World Green Economy Summit 2026
Dates: 21–22 October 2026
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai
The World Green Economy Summit brings together government representatives, business leaders, investors and sustainability experts to discuss the transition towards a greener economy. The agenda spans areas such as clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, green finance and climate action, making it relevant to businesses working across energy, construction, technology and environmental solutions.
For companies focused on sustainability, the summit offers an opportunity to engage with organisations shaping the region’s green economy and explore developments influencing investment and business priorities.
2. ADIPEC 2026
Dates: 2–5 November 2026
Location: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
ADIPEC is one of the region’s major gatherings for the energy industry, bringing together energy companies, policymakers, investors, technology providers and service businesses. Discussions cover energy security, investment, infrastructure, decarbonisation and technologies shaping the sector’s future.
With more than 2,250 exhibitors expected, ADIPEC offers businesses across energy, engineering, industrial technology and logistics a platform to connect with industry stakeholders and explore opportunities across the energy value chain.
3. Dubai FinTech Summit 2026
Dates: 2–3 November 2026
Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Organised by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the Dubai FinTech Summit explores how emerging technologies are transforming the financial services sector. Key areas of focus include artificial intelligence, digital payments, digital assets and financial regulation, with an emphasis on the opportunities these developments create for businesses and investors. The summit provides a platform for financial institutions, fintech firms and regulators to examine new business models, investment prospects and the future direction of finance.
4. Dubai Future Week 2026
Dates: 18–21 November 2026
Location: Emirates Towers and the Museum of the Future, Dubai
Dubai Future Week, organised by the Dubai Future Foundation, brings together government leaders, business executives, scientists and innovators to explore emerging technologies and trends shaping the future. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops and innovation showcases, the programme covers areas including AI, technology, business, policy and future cities, offering businesses opportunities to exchange ideas, discover new developments and connect with leaders shaping their industries.
5. Big 5 Global 2026
Dates: 23–26 November 2026
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai
Big 5 Global brings together the construction and built-environment industries, connecting contractors, developers, architects, engineers, manufacturers and suppliers from across international markets. Alongside its major trade exhibition, the event features industry summits, panel discussions, expert talks and networking sessions with programme including the Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, LiveableCitiesX Summit and Big 5 FutureTech Summit, alongside Big 5 Talks, which explore topics such as AI in construction, smart buildings, sustainability and the future of the built environment. For companies operating across the construction supply chain, Big 5 Global offers opportunities to meet prospective partners and customers, showcase new products, exchange industry insights and follow developments influencing the region’s built environment.
6. Abu Dhabi Finance Week 2026
Dates: 7–10 December 2026
Location: Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Finance Week brings together investors, financial institutions, policymakers, business leaders and financial technology companies to discuss developments shaping global capital markets and the wider financial sector. Its 2026 theme, The Capital Community, Powered by Partnerships, places collaboration and connections at the centre of the programme.
The event is relevant to banks, asset managers, fintech companies, investment firms and businesses exploring funding or strategic partnerships. It also provides a platform to engage with the financial community and understand the trends influencing investment decisions across the region.
7. GITEX Global 2026
Dates: 7–11 December 2026
Location: Dubai, UAE
GITEX Global remains a major international meeting point for technology companies, startups, investors, government representatives and enterprise leaders. The event brings together businesses working across artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies.
For technology providers, GITEX offers a platform to showcase developments and connect with potential customers and partners. Businesses in other sectors can also use the event to explore technologies relevant to their operations and understand how digital transformation is influencing their industries.
How to Make Your Event Participation Count
Businesses should consider how they will engage their target audiences before the event, secure media attention during it and maintain visibility once it concludes.
Which is why PR plays an important role in this process. A clear communications strategy can help businesses identify relevant media opportunities and prepare spokespeople for industry discussions to extend the reach of their participation beyond the event itself.
For businesses planning their 2026 event calendar, Sherpa Communications can support the development of PR strategies that align event participation with wider business objectives, from pre-event media engagement to post-event coverage.