Abu Dhabi to Host Inaugural M&I Expo 2026, Targeting ‘MICE 1,000’ Elite

# tags: Events , Exhibitions , Meetings Industry , IMEX Frankfurt

Hot off the press from IMEX Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi has been confirmed as the host city for the inaugural edition of the M&I Expo, taking place from 14–16 April 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The strategic partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Worldwide Events marks a significant development for the global MICE sector, as the emirate sharpens its focus on high-value business events.

Designed exclusively for senior decision-makers in the MICE industry, the M&I Expo will convene the ‘MICE 1,000’ a curated community of the most influential global buyers and suppliers across three days of pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings, immersive showcases, and destination experiences.

For Worldwide Events, this seismic move builds on the momentum of M&I Fest Global in Marrakech, a sold-out event in 2024 and 2025, which blended a larger format exhibition-style event with the personalised, high quality meetings, in-destination experiences and networking that M&I has become renowned for.

For Abu Dhabi’s this partnership will help elevate their standing as a strategic player in the business events landscape.

“Hosting the M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi reinforces the emirate’s strength and sustained growth as a premier destination for business events and incentive travel,” said Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau at DCT Abu Dhabi. “Our latest achievement reflects our strategic commitment to building a world-class MICE ecosystem offering cutting-edge event venues and exceptional hospitality rooted in our core cultural values. With iconic venues such as Qasr Al Watan and Yas Marina Circuit, complemented by Abu Dhabi’s diverse leisure attractions such as the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, we are confident this event will showcase the very best of what our destination has to offer.”

The expo will feature immersive booths, branded storytelling spaces, and a fully hosted programme that includes keynote speakers, networking lunches, and evening socials. Global exhibitors including CVBs, hotel chains, DMCs, and event tech providers will present to a highly targeted, invitation-only buyer audience.

“Following the success of two incredible editions of M&I Fest in 2024 and 2025, the event has naturally evolved into something bigger and bolder,” said Richard Barnes, CEO of M&I. “M&I Expo aims to deliver more valuable connections than any show that’s previously existed. We don’t want to become another big faceless exhibition where quality is diluted, time is wasted, and people are lost; our focus is on quality over quantity. We aim to attract the right level of delegates: M&I Expo caters exclusively to the elite of the MICE industry, the 1,000 most influential players in the sector: the MICE 1,000. We believe that 1,000 is the sweet spot — not too big, not too small. It’s just the right size.”

The event will also offer hosted buyers the opportunity to engage with Abu Dhabi firsthand through cultural site visits and hospitality experiences, showcasing the city’s value proposition for high-end incentive and conference travel.

Aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, the M&I Expo supports the emirate’s vision to become a global cultural and tourism leader while contributing to diversified economic growth. Business events are positioned as a key driver in this transformation.

Abu Dhabi’s MICE infrastructure has seen significant investment, complemented by a 2025 tourism performance that saw 1.4 million overnight guests in Q1 alone, reflecting a year-on-year increase boosted by growth from key markets including India, China, Russia, the UK, and the USA.

For MICE professionals seeking deeper connections, exclusive access, and a focused platform for growth, M&I Expo 2026 is set to become an unmissable event on the global meetings calendar.