Exhibitors as well as visitors from Asia who typically travel to Düsseldorf via Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Doha may choose alternative flight routes—for example via Singapore, Istanbul, Zurich, Amsterdam, or Paris. The same applies to customers traveling from Europe to Messe Düsseldorf’s events in Asia. As a result, the situation in the Middle East is expected to have only limited impact on the operational execution of our leading trade fairs in Düsseldorf and other regions worldwide.
Messe Düsseldorf remains confident in the economic dynamism and long-term potential of the Gulf region and continues to pursue its new business initiatives in the Middle East without interruption. The region represents the fastest-growing exhibition market worldwide. Gulf countries continue to invest heavily in industrial diversification, infrastructure, innovation, and international partnerships. These transformation processes are generating sustainable growth momentum and will continue to make the Middle East an important market and strategic partner for the industries represented at our leading trade fairs.
Our first events on the Arabian Peninsula—Saudi Plastics & Petrochem and Saudi Print & Pack—will take place from June 21–24 in Riyadh. Messe Düsseldorf, together with its local partner Riyadh Exhibitions Company (REC), has decided to reschedule the event from its original dates of April 12–15, 2026 to June as a precautionary measure. This decision reflects the current dynamic situation in the region and the associated logistical challenges, including restricted flight connections and delays in shipments. The safety and planning reliability for exhibitors and visitors are the highest priority for both Messe Düsseldorf and Riyadh Exhibitions Company.
Preparations for our events in Dubai, scheduled from mid to late October, remain unaffected by current developments:
- OS+H Middle East (October 12–14, 2026)
- AccessAbilities Expo (October 19–21, 2026)
- EuroShop Middle East (October 26–28, 2026)
At present, we expect the situation in Dubai and the wider Gulf region to stabilize by the fall. We continue to monitor developments closely and remain in close coordination with our partners on the ground. All decisions are based on a careful overall assessment, taking into account security conditions, official regulations, and international travel and logistics frameworks.
Short-term geopolitical tensions do not change the region’s long-term strategic importance. Messe Düsseldorf remains a reliable partner to its international customers and continues to pursue its global growth strategy with diligence and responsibility.
