Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

UAE unveils packed September calendar of global events

ABU DHABI
UAE unveils packed September calendar of global events

The UAE is set to host a major programme of international summits, exhibitions and trade forums throughout September 2026, bringing together global leaders, investors, businesses and specialists across sectors including energy, technology, media, education, real estate and cybersecurity.

Abu Dhabi will open the month’s cultural programme with the 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, running from September 13 to 18 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Organised under the theme “Turn the Page, Read the World”, the event will feature exhibitors from 95 countries and around 1,500 events, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for culture and knowledge.

ADNEC will also host Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit Middle East & Africa on September 15-16, focusing on energy technology and digital transformation.

The Education Interface exhibition will follow on September 22-23, bringing together more than 600 universities and educational institutions to showcase academic programmes, scholarships and career opportunities.

In Al Ain, the inaugural Al Ain Future Business Forum on September 28-29 will focus on investment, economic development, talent, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, smart transportation and sustainable tourism.

Dubai will host several major international events, beginning with Middle East Energy 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre from September 1-3.

More than 1,900 exhibitors from over 150 countries are expected, alongside five specialist conferences.

The International Property Show and AIM Congress will take place from September 7-9, connecting investors, developers and policymakers around real estate, sustainable investment and economic diversification.

Dubai Derma, scheduled for September 8-10, will bring together healthcare specialists and companies focused on dermatology, aesthetics and laser technologies.

Media and technology will also feature prominently.

The Arab Media Summit, from September 15-17, is expected to attract more than 200 international media figures and around 10,000 professionals and industry stakeholders. GISEC GLOBAL 2026, running from September 16-18 at Dubai Exhibition Centre, will focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud security and infrastructure protection.

The month’s programme will also highlight heritage and publishing.

The 23rd Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will continue through September 6, featuring 15 sectors, more than 40 cultural and entertainment activities and eight falcon auctions.

Sharjah will host the fifth Sharjah Booksellers Conference on September 19-20, with distributors, booksellers and e-commerce platforms from 98 countries discussing global book distribution, supply chains, publisher partnerships and digital transformation.

Together, the events underscore the UAE’s role as a global platform for business, investment, knowledge exchange, innovation and cultural engagement, while showcasing its infrastructure and ability to attract international participation across diverse industries. -TradeArabia News Service