Dubai to host largest global gathering of health professionals at World Health Expo 2026

UAE—The World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai, previously known as Arab Health, together with World Health Expo Labs, formerly Medlab Middle East, is set to attract the largest gathering of health professionals ever in 2026.

The event will transform Dubai into a major global healthcare hub from February 9 to 13, 2026.

This announcement follows the successful conclusion of WHX Nairobi 2025, which took place from October 20 to 22 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Kenya.

In 2026, both the Dubai WHX and WHX Labs will be held simultaneously, bringing over 270,000 professional attendees from 180 countries and featuring more than 4,800 exhibitors.

Visitors will explore WHX Dubai at its new home, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City Dubai, from February 9 to 12.

WHX Labs will celebrate its 25th anniversary and take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 10 to 13.

The global healthcare community has shown unprecedented interest in these events.

Countries including China, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Korea are expanding their presence with larger country pavilions compared to 2025.

This growth has led to a 12% increase in exhibition space across both WHX Dubai and WHX Labs.

Newcomers such as Croatia, Luxembourg, and Indonesia will debut their country pavilions, while India, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Taiwan will return to participate in 2026.

Leading industry players like Philips, GE Healthcare, Siemens, Draegerwerk, United Imaging, and American Hospital have confirmed their participation at WHX Dubai.

WHX Labs will showcase innovations from major market leaders, including Beckman Coulter, Pure Lab, Snibe, Sysmex, and Leader Healthcare.

This platform highlights the latest laboratory technologies and advancements.

Solenne Singer, Senior Vice President at Informa Markets, highlighted the strong global momentum driving WHX Dubai and WHX Labs.

She emphasized the diverse participation that brings together the worldwide healthcare community to exchange knowledge, connect ideas, and create partnerships influencing the sector’s future.

According to a report by Research and Markets, the global healthcare services market will reach an estimated US$9.25 trillion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.4%.

By 2029, this figure is expected to exceed US$11.2 trillion due to increasing demand for medical services, diagnostics, healthcare infrastructure, insurance, and regulatory support.

The healthcare analytics market is also expanding rapidly.

MarketsandMarkets projects its value to rise from about US$44.8 billion in 2024 to over US$133 billion by 2029, with growth rates above 20% annually, driven by the need for better data insights in labs, diagnostics, and hospital operations.

Under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, WHX Dubai will feature nine product sectors, including medical devices, imaging, diagnostics, and healthcare infrastructure.

The event will host six CME-accredited conferences, four certified boot camps, and three dedicated stages focusing on disruptive ideas, scientific breakthroughs, and global thought leadership.

WHX Labs will celebrate 25 years of laboratory innovation under the theme “Uniting Communities for Better Health.”

It will include eight product pillars, two new clinician conferences, and the 25th Annual Laboratory Management and Medicine Congress.

This congress will feature over 250 international speakers across eight CME-accredited scientific conference tracks.

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