Dubai, UAE, 2 September 2026: Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has joined Entertainment & Leisure MENA (E&L MENA) 2027 as Destination Partner, supporting the event’s efforts to grow international participation and attract more exhibitors, buyers and investors to Dubai.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE)
Taking place from 18-20 January 2027 at Dubai World Trade Centre, E&L MENA will bring together businesses and decision-makers from across the entertainment, leisure, attractions and destination-development sectors.
The partnership will support E&L MENA’s outreach in key international markets, including through buyer engagement, industry content and destination promotion. It will also help connect participating companies with business opportunities in Dubai and across the wider region, while supporting the continued growth of the event’s international profile.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Dubai continues to attract events that bring together international industries, investors and decision-makers, creating opportunities for partnerships, knowledge exchange and business growth. The entertainment and leisure sector is an important part of the visitor economy, and E&L MENA provides a platform for businesses involved in its continued development to connect in Dubai. Through our support for the 2027 edition, we look forward to working with the organisers to grow international participation and welcome industry professionals from around the world.”
“We are pleased to welcome Dubai Business Events as Destination Partner for E&L MENA 2027. Their support comes at an important stage as we continue to expand the event’s international reach and attract a broader mix of industry stakeholders. Dubai has long connected businesses with opportunities across the Middle East and beyond, making it an ideal home for an event bringing together the entertainment, leisure and visitor attractions industries,” said Ashik Thomas Joseph, Exhibition Director , Entertainment & Leisure MENA
E&L MENA builds on more than three decades of industry heritage, having evolved from the long-established DEAL Dubai exhibition into a broader platform serving the visitor attractions, leisure and entertainment industries. The event brings together suppliers, operators, developers, investors and other industry stakeholders from across the Middle East and international markets.
The 2027 edition is expected to welcome more than 200 international exhibitors and over 8,000 trade visitors from more than 80 countries. Exhibitors will showcase products, technologies and developments across rides and attractions, family entertainment centres, waterparks, gaming, immersive technologies and entertainment infrastructure.
The partnership with DBE will support E&L MENA’s continued international growth and help participating businesses connect with industry stakeholders and opportunities in Dubai and the region. It also forms part of DBE’s wider efforts to attract and support business events that contribute to Dubai’s tourism and business economy.
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About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment
Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai’s retail, gastronomy, family entertainment and event sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination and the best place to live, work and visit.
About Dubai Business Events
Dubai Business Events (DBE) – the Official Convention Bureau, aims to further develop and increase Dubai’s share of the international business events market in order to grow economic development, jobs and knowledge creation in the emirate. DBE’s main goal, as a division of DET, is to establish the Emirate as a premier business event destination by helping organizers of international meetings, incentives, congresses and exhibitions plan and manage every aspect of their event. As a member of Best Cities Global Alliance DBE aim to deliver the world’s best service experience for the meeting industry.
For further information, please contact:
[email protected] | [+971] 600 55 5559
Iman Dawod – [email protected] | [+971] 50 775 3729