Abu Dhabi has confirmed that it will be hosting the first-ever M&I Expo from 14th to 16th April 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The result of a strategic partnership between The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Worldwide Events, M&I Expo is set to draw in the MICE 1,000, a select community of the most influential global buyers and suppliers in the MICE industry, for a high-powered three days of curated one-to-one meetings and networking on top of numerous immersive destination experiences.
Building on the success of M&I Fest Global 2024 & 2025 in Marrakech, the new expo format promises to combine the energy of large-scale exhibitions with M&I’s trademark focus on meaningful, high-value business connections and relationships that endure.
According to Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau director Mubarak Al Shamsi: “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. With iconic venues like Qasr Al Watan and Yas Marina Circuit, plus new attractions like teamLab Phenomena, this event will showcase the very best of Abu Dhabi.”
M&I chief executive Richard Barnes added: “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. Our focus is on quality over quantity. M&I Expo caters exclusively to the elite of the MICE industry, the 1,000 most influential players. We believe that 1,000 is the sweet spot: not too big, not too small.”
What’ll be up in Abu Dhabi?
Attendees are in for a one-to-one pre-scheduled meeting format, alongside immersive brand activations, expert keynote speakers, and a premium networking experience all within a fully hosted environment.
Buyers also have the opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi through tailored cultural and hospitality experiences.
This upcoming event is aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which positions business events as a key economic growth pillar.
The emirate welcomed 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter of this year, showing strong international growth from key markets including India, China, Russia, the UK, and the USA.
ADNEC and destination Abu Dhabi will create the framework to attract global exhibitors, including tourism boards, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), major hotel brands, conference centres, destination management companies (DMCs), and technology providers to present their offerings to an audience of high-calibre industry professionals.
With all that in mind, M&I Expo 2026 is set to become a new benchmark in the global MICE calendar, where exclusivity, experience, and business intersect.
