The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced it will host the inaugural M&I Expo in 2026, in partnership with events organizer Worldwide Events. Scheduled to take place April 14–16 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the expo will bring together 1,000 senior decision-makers from the global meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry.
The event marks a significant milestone in Abu Dhabi’s push to establish itself as a premier destination for international business events. The curated “MICE 1,000” group will include top-tier professionals from across the tourism, hospitality and events sectors, selected for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing and deal-making.
“M&I Expo 2026 is about connecting the very best in the global MICE industry,” said Richard Barnes, CEO of M&I. “We aim to deliver more valuable interactions than any event before it, by focusing on quality over quantity. For us, 1,000 is the sweet spot—not too big, not too small.”
The expo is an evolution of the company’s M&I Fest Global, a sold-out event held in 2024 and 2025. With the expanded format, Abu Dhabi will host immersive exhibition spaces, storytelling-driven booths and branded showcases. Exhibitors are expected to include tourism boards, convention bureaus, hotel groups, venue operators and technology providers.
Aligning with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Vision
According to DCT Abu Dhabi, the event aligns with the emirate’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to drive economic diversification by strengthening the cultural and business tourism sectors. The strategy also includes investments in infrastructure, event venues and service capacity to attract international organizers and attendees.
“Hosting the M&I Expo reflects our commitment to building a world-class MICE ecosystem, offering cutting-edge venues and hospitality rooted in our cultural values,” said Mubarak Al Shamsi, director of the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau. “Abu Dhabi is ready to show the world what our destination can offer.”
The event will be held at ADNEC, the region’s largest exhibition venue, and will include pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings, keynote presentations, and hosted networking events such as lunches and evening socials.
A Curated Experience for Industry Leaders
Organizers say one of the expo’s key differentiators is its immersive format, which allows buyers and delegates to experience Abu Dhabi firsthand. Site visits and cultural excursions are expected to be integrated into the program, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the emirate’s venues and attractions.
Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a MICE destination continues to grow. In the first quarter of 2025, the city recorded 1.4 million overnight visitors, an increase over the same period in 2024. International arrivals grew notably from key markets including India, China, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
World-Class Venues and Attractions
The M&I Expo adds to a calendar of high-profile events hosted in Abu Dhabi, which has recently invested in cultural destinations such as Qasr Al Watan and the immersive art space teamLab Phenomena. Other venues, including Yas Marina Circuit and the city’s luxury hotel portfolio, provide added draw for organizers and delegates.
MICE tourism is considered a critical part of Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to support business growth and attract global talent. DCT Abu Dhabi says the emirate is positioning itself as a hub for innovation, knowledge exchange and high-value tourism.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
The 2026 expo will further that effort by targeting senior decision-makers and focusing on personalized engagement. According to Barnes, M&I’s goal is to avoid the pitfalls of large, impersonal trade shows.
“We don’t want to become another big faceless exhibition,” he said. “We want to create an event where time is valued, connections are meaningful and the experience is memorable.”
The three-day event is expected to generate not only business opportunities but also increased visibility for Abu Dhabi as a global events destination. Organizers hope the inaugural edition will become a permanent fixture in the international MICE calendar.
