World Health Expo relocates to Dubai Exhibition Centre with increased government participation

UAE—The World Health Expo (WHX), previously known as Arab Health, is set to make its debut at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) from February 9-12, 2026, bringing together the UAE’s health authorities and premier healthcare sector organizations for an unprecedented gathering of industry leaders.

Government participation has reached new heights, with confirmation from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP), Dubai Health Authority, Department of Health Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Health Authority.

These entities will join Dubai Health, Dubai Healthcare City Authority, Emirates Health Services, Emirates Council for Integrative Medicine, and Emirates Drug Establishment, establishing the event as a vital platform for policy dialogue, public-private collaboration, and healthcare system advancement throughout the region.

The exhibition has experienced remarkable growth to accommodate the surge in participation from government entities and exhibitors.

WHX in Dubai has expanded its exhibition space by 15% compared to the previous year, preparing to welcome 4,300 exhibitors and attract 235,000 professional visits from representatives across more than 180 countries.

International representation continues to strengthen, with 32 country pavilions confirmed for the 2026 edition.

Slovakia, Thailand, and Croatia will make their debut appearances, joining returning national pavilions from major healthcare markets spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.

China, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Korea have also committed to enlarged country pavilions, demonstrating increased investment compared to their 2025 presence.

The exhibition floor will showcase some of the most impressive displays in WHX Dubai’s history.

Global and regional healthcare giants, including GE Healthcare, United Imaging, American Hospital, Saudi German Health, Canon, Siemens, Philips, Almoosa Health Group, and Al Khayyat Investments, have secured prominent stands, reflecting the event’s significance as a marketplace for innovation, procurement, and large-scale partnerships.

Ross Williams, Commercial Director at Informa Markets Healthcare, emphasized that the substantial engagement from government health authorities across the UAE demonstrates WHX in Dubai’s critical role as a platform for healthcare leadership, policy dialogue, and system-wide collaboration.

He noted that bringing these entities together highlights the strategic importance of WHX in Dubai as a space where public and private sector leaders align on healthcare’s future direction.

Williams added that as regional governments continue prioritizing innovation, resilience, and sustainable health systems, WHX provides a global platform to support that ambition.

The relocation to the Dubai Exhibition Centre enables organizers to host this unprecedented level of participation at scale, creating an environment where policy, investment, and innovation converge to drive tangible impact for healthcare systems both locally and internationally.

Beyond the expanded show floor, WHX in Dubai will emphasize a future-focused content programme through three flagship stages dedicated to healthcare transformation.

The Future X Stage, previously known as the Transformation Zone, will focus on disruptive ideas and scalable innovation, featuring unicorn founders, venture capitalists, angel investors, digital health pioneers, and leading healthcare institutions.

The Frontiers Stage will spotlight scientific and clinical breakthroughs shaping tomorrow’s healthcare landscape.

Over four dynamic days, global pioneers will explore advances in biotechnology, oncology, women’s health, wellness, and longevity, spanning precision medicine and regenerative therapies to next-generation diagnostics and proactive care models.

The Visionary Stage will unite senior executives, policymakers, investors, and innovators to discuss leadership, capital, and systemic transformation.

Covering five dedicated tracks, the agenda will address AI and digital health at scale, healthcare investment, ESG initiatives, women in leadership, and the governance of large health systems, seamlessly connecting boardroom strategy with real-world impact.

The exhibition will introduce the WHX Deep Dive Series, a new educational format combining hands-on Bootcamps and executive-level Masterclasses.

Leading healthcare institutions and global experts will deliver focused, practical learning experiences, from skills-based clinical training to strategic insights for leaders driving digital transformation, sustainability, and system-wide change.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) accredited conferences will cover General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Urology, Total Radiology, Public Health, and Quality Management & Patient Safety.

From February 9 to 12, influential speakers from all major medical disciplines will showcase the latest insights, enabling healthcare professionals to advance their careers.

In 2026, WHX in Dubai will run concurrently with WHX Labs in Dubai (formerly Medlab Middle East), the region’s premier laboratory and diagnostics event.

While WHX in Dubai moves to Expo City Dubai, WHX Labs in Dubai will continue at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from February 10 to 13, creating a city-wide experience across two landmark venues.

Together, the co-timed events will attract more than 270,000 professional visits and 4,800 exhibitors, forming the world’s largest healthcare event.

Both WHX in Dubai and WHX Labs in Dubai are held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.