Dubai is preparing to host the largest healthcare exhibition in its history as WHX Dubai 2026, formerly known as Arab Health, enters a new era defined by scale, global reach, and strategic ambition. Scheduled to take place from February 9 to 12, 2026, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai, the event is on track to become the biggest edition ever staged under the WHX banner.
Driven by a 15 percent year-on-year increase in exhibition space and a sharp rise in international participation, WHX Dubai 2026 reflects both the rapid evolution of the global healthcare sector and the UAE’s growing influence as a convening hub for medical innovation, policy leadership, and investment.
Strong Government Participation Reinforces Strategic Importance
A defining feature of WHX Dubai 2026 is the breadth of participation from UAE health authorities and public-sector institutions. Confirmed government participants include the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Dubai Health Authority, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, and the Sharjah Health Authority.
They are joined by Dubai Health, the Dubai Healthcare City Authority, Emirates Health Services, the Emirates Council for Integrative Medicine, and the Emirates Drug Establishment. Their presence underscores WHX Dubai’s role not just as a trade exhibition, but as a platform where national healthcare priorities, regulatory frameworks, and public-private collaboration converge.
This level of engagement highlights how WHX Dubai has evolved into a policy-facing event that supports healthcare system development across the region while maintaining strong international relevance.
Expanded Exhibition Space Meets Surging Global Demand
To accommodate rising demand from exhibitors and institutional partners, WHX Dubai 2026 will feature a 15 percent expansion in exhibition space compared to the previous year. Organisers expect approximately 4,300 exhibitors and more than 235,000 professional visits, representing healthcare professionals, decision-makers, and investors from over 180 countries.
This growth positions the event as a true global marketplace for healthcare solutions, procurement partnerships, and technology transfer. The scale of participation reflects confidence in Dubai as a neutral, connected, and business-friendly destination for international healthcare engagement.
Global Reach Strengthened by Country Pavilions
International participation remains a cornerstone of WHX Dubai’s success. For 2026, 32 country pavilions have already been confirmed, including first-time participation from Slovakia, Thailand, and Croatia. These new entrants will join established pavilions from leading healthcare markets across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
China, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Korea have all confirmed expanded presences, with larger national pavilions than in the previous edition. This expansion signals renewed global confidence and highlights WHX Dubai’s role as a gateway to Middle Eastern, African, and South Asian healthcare markets.
Industry Leaders Anchor the Exhibition Floor
The exhibition floor at WHX Dubai 2026 will host some of the largest and most prominent stands in the event’s history. Global and regional healthcare leaders such as GE Healthcare, United Imaging, Canon Medical, Siemens Healthineers, and Philips Healthcare will be joined by major regional providers including American Hospital, Saudi German Health, Almoosa Health Group, and Al Khayyat Investments.
Their participation reflects WHX Dubai’s importance as a commercial engine for healthcare innovation, large-scale procurement, and cross-border partnerships that shape care delivery models worldwide.
Three Flagship Stages Driving Healthcare Transformation
Beyond its physical scale, WHX Dubai 2026 places strong emphasis on future-focused content designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in healthcare transformation.
The Future X Stage will focus on disruptive ideas and scalable innovation. Featuring unicorn founders, venture capitalists, angel investors, digital health pioneers, and leading healthcare institutions, this stage is designed to bridge early-stage innovation with real-world healthcare deployment.
The Frontiers Stage will explore scientific and clinical breakthroughs shaping the future of medicine. Over four days, global experts will examine advances in biotechnology, oncology, women’s health, and longevity, with discussions spanning precision medicine, regenerative therapies, next-generation diagnostics, and proactive care models.
The Visionary Stage will bring together senior executives, policymakers, investors, and innovators to examine leadership and systemic transformation. Five dedicated tracks will cover artificial intelligence and digital health at scale, healthcare investment strategies, ESG integration, women in leadership, and governance of large health systems, linking boardroom strategy to operational impact.
Practical Learning Through Deep Dive Education
New for 2026, WHX Dubai will introduce the WHX Deep Dive Series, an education format designed to deliver targeted, practical learning. Combining hands-on bootcamps with executive-level masterclasses, the series will be led by global experts and leading healthcare institutions.
Topics will range from skills-based clinical training to strategic leadership insights focused on digital transformation, sustainability, and system-wide change. This initiative responds to growing demand for actionable education that supports both frontline professionals and senior decision-makers.
CME Conferences Support Professional Development
Complementing the strategic and innovation-focused content, WHX Dubai 2026 will continue to host Continuing Medical Education accredited conferences. These will cover General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urology, Total Radiology, Public Health, and Quality Management and Patient Safety.
From February 9 to 12, influential speakers from across medical disciplines will share the latest clinical insights, supporting professional development and career progression for healthcare practitioners attending the event.
Co-Timed Events Create a City-Wide Healthcare Experience
In 2026, WHX Dubai will be co-timed with WHX Labs Dubai, formerly Medlab Middle East. While WHX Dubai takes place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai from February 9 to 12, WHX Labs Dubai will continue at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 10 to 13.
Together, the two events are expected to attract more than 270,000 professional visits and 4,800 exhibitors, forming what organisers describe as the world’s largest healthcare event. This city-wide format allows attendees to engage with the full healthcare ecosystem, from diagnostics and laboratories to policy, innovation, and clinical care.
A Defining Moment for Global Healthcare Engagement
Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, WHX Dubai 2026 represents a defining moment in the evolution of global healthcare exhibitions. With record-breaking scale, strong government participation, and a content agenda focused on real-world impact, the event reflects both the maturity of the global healthcare industry and the UAE’s long-term vision for health system advancement.
As WHX Dubai prepares to welcome the world, its record growth signals not only the largest edition in its history, but also a renewed commitment to collaboration, innovation, and leadership in shaping the future of healthcare worldwide.
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