The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Worldwide Events have signed a strategic partnership to host the M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi from April 14–16, 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
M&I will bring to Abu Dhabi the “MICE 1,000,” a curated group of senior influential decision-makers in the global MICE industry for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing and business development. Building on the previous success of M&I’s sold-out M&I Fest Global, M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi will host tourism boards, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), major hotel brands, conference centers, destination management companies (DMCs) and technology providers.
Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global MICE destination is complemented by a diverse, value-added offering across heritage, entertainment, adventure and beyond, and driven by the strategic vision of DCT Abu Dhabi to enhance infrastructure and support event organizers and industry partners.
The M&I Expo program will include one-to-one pre-scheduled meeting format alongside a fully inclusive networking program with hosted lunches, evening socials and keynote speakers. In addition to the exhibition program, buyers will have the opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi firsthand, engaging with its unique venues, culture, and hospitality offering.
Hosting the M&I Expo aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to establish the emirate as a global leader in culture and tourism, while serving as a catalyst for diversified economic growth. Business events such as M&I Expo are instrumental in advancing this vision, contributing to tourism sector development, promoting knowledge exchange, fostering innovation and creating lasting benefits for all stakeholders.
This announcement comes as Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector continues to grow in 2025, welcoming 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter alone. International visitation increased compared to the same period in 2024, with strong performance from key source markets including India, China, Russia, the U.K. and the United States.
For more information, visit www.dct.gov.ae.
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