ADNEC Group, a Modon company, is heading into the second half of 2026 with one of its busiest event schedules to date, with more than 290 events planned across its venues in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
The packed calendar reflects the growing demand for the UAE capital as a destination for major international gatherings, while also highlighting the role of ADNEC’s venues in supporting business, tourism, culture, and community activities.
At ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the programme covers a wide range of industries, including energy, artificial intelligence, defence, healthcare, education, food security, finance, fashion, marine lifestyle, wellness,s and sustainability.
The centre will also welcome several events and international associations making their Middle East debut, adding to Abu Dhabi’s growing profile as a meeting point for international industries and organisations.
Meanwhile, ADNEC Centre Al Ain will continue to focus strongly on events that engage the local community. Its schedule includes cultural exhibitions, sporting activities, graduations, celebrations, corporate gatherings, and public events, giving residents a varied programme throughout the remainder of the year.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said the upcoming season demonstrates continued confidence in Abu Dhabi as an international destination for major events. He noted that the group’s venues bring together business leaders, innovators, policymakers, investors, and communities from around the world.
Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer of ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, said the second-half programme reflects the breadth of activity taking place across the two venues, ranging from international congresses and major exhibitions to cultural programmes and community events.
The busy schedule began during the summer, when Abu Dhabi Summer Sports 2026 brought indoor sporting activities to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The venue also hosted the Money Expo for the first time in July, connecting financial professionals, investors, and institutions on developments in banking, investment, trading, and fintech.
In Al Ain, the ADNEC Centre hosted several school graduation ceremonies. At the same time, the fourth edition of Al Ain Summer Sports ran through August, combining fitness and recreation with family and community activities.
August also saw the return of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX). Running from 28 August to 6 September, the 2026 edition is the largest in the exhibition’s history, bringing together exhibitors and visitors interested in heritage, falconry, equestrianism, hunting, and outdoor pursuits.
A busy September
September brings another major wave of events to the ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi.
The month begins with Middle East Film and Comic Con, running from 11 to 13 September and bringing together fans of film, television, gaming, comics, collectibles, and wider pop culture.
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair takes place from 13 to 18 September, with publishers, writers, and cultural organisations gathering for one of the region’s leading literary events.
The Ajban Defence Industry & Technology Exhibition is scheduled for 21 and 22 September, focusing on developments in defence manufacturing and supply chains, followed by the Education Interface from 22 to 23 September.
Later in the month, Teeb Al Hazm will bring together fragrance brands, perfumers, retailers, and enthusiasts from 25 September to 5 October.
Two major international gatherings will also take place towards the end of the month. The United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice will run from 26 September to 1 October, while the LiveX Exhibition will take place from 29 September to 1 October, focusing on sustainable living and the ideas shaping Abu Dhabi’s future.
ADNEC Centre Al Ain will also host the Shamma Al Marar event from 24 to 27 September, followed by a Candle Light Concert on 25 September.
Technology, food, and healthcare take centre stage in October
October is set to be another particularly active month at the ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi.
AI Everything Abu Dhabi begins on 6 October, with the AI Summit and AI Expo bringing together technology leaders and organisations exploring developments in artificial intelligence.
Running alongside it, Global Food Week will take place from 6 to 8 October. The programme will include the Abu Dhabi International Date Palm Exhibition, highlighting the agricultural, cultural, and economic importance of the date palm.
The Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders’ Summit will return from 19 to 20 October, while Najah Abu Dhabi, running from 18 to 21 October, will focus on education, training, and career opportunities for students and young professionals.
The healthcare sector will also have a strong presence. The Drug Information Association Middle East and Africa Conference will take place from 19 to 22 October, followed by the Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit from 20 to 22 October.
The month will also feature the Arabian AI & Agentic Summit on 26 October, bringing together technology specialists, government representatives, and enterprise leaders.
In Al Ain, the Sajaya Royal Fashion exhibition will run from 1 to 4 October, while the Al Ain Bride Show is scheduled from 28 October to 1 November.
Major international events in November
November will bring several of ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi’s biggest annual gatherings.
ADIPEC will return from 2 to 5 November, bringing together the international energy sector for one of the world’s largest industry events.
The 46th ICMM World Congress of Military Medicine will take place from 9 to 13 November, attracting military medical professionals, researchers, academics, and industry representatives.
Other major events include the International Real Estate and Investment Show from 10 to 12 November and the Jewellery and Watch Show Abu Dhabi, which will feature international and regional brands.
Revive ME 2026 will take place from 11 to 12 November, focusing on longevity and health technology, while Tawdheef x Zaheb will run from 17 to 19 November, connecting Emirati jobseekers with companies supporting national workforce development.
The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show will close out the month’s major programme from 19 to 22 November, showcasing boats, marine technology, water sports, and leisure products.
In Al Ain, the second edition of the Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will take place from 25 to 29 November.
Calendar continues into December
The year’s major programme will continue into December, with the 2026 UN Water Conference taking place in the UAE from 8 to 10 December.
With events covering business, technology, healthcare, culture, education, sport, and entertainment, ADNEC’s second-half calendar demonstrates the breadth of activity taking place across its Abu Dhabi and Al Ain venues.
The group’s extensive programme is also expected to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s wider ambitions in business tourism and international events, while creating platforms for knowledge sharing, investment, industry collaboration, and community engagement.
