Abu Dhabi Chosen as Host City for IAAPA Expo Middle East 2026

Abu Dhabi will host the IAAPA Expo Middle East 2026 for the first time, a move seen as a major boost for the United Arab Emirates and its rapidly growing entertainment and attractions industry.

The decision highlights Abu Dhabi’s long-term ambitions to strengthen its position as a leading destination for tourism and leisure investment. Speaking in an interview with Gulf News, Jakob Wahl said the choice of Abu Dhabi reflects a clear strategic vision centered on sustainable destination development.

He explained that Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030 places strong emphasis on attractions, culture and entertainment as key pillars of growth, not only at a national level but also across the wider region and internationally. Hosting IAAPA Expo Middle East aligns closely with these goals, positioning the emirate as a focal point for global industry collaboration.

Wahl also pointed to Abu Dhabi’s diverse mix of attractions and experiences, which appeal to a wide range of audiences and allow industry professionals to engage directly with projects on the ground. Combined with world-class infrastructure, strong international connectivity and a solid track record of delivering major global events, these factors made Abu Dhabi a natural choice for the Expo’s Middle East debut.

Interest in the inaugural edition has been strong, with organizers confirming that exhibition space has already sold out. More than 325 companies are set to take part across an exhibition area of 7,854 square metres, underlining the scale of the event and its international appeal as it prepares to launch in the UAE capital.