In a landmark announcement, Informa has revealed plans to host the world’s largest healthcare event by holding two of its flagship exhibitions concurrently in 2026. From 9–13 February 2026, WHX Dubai (formerly Arab Health) and WHX Labs Dubai (previously Medlab Middle East) will converge in the UAE, drawing more than 270,000 healthcare professionals from 180 countries and over 4,800 exhibitors. This massive undertaking will transform Dubai into a global healthcare hub and an incubator for medical innovation.
A Historic Collaboration Under UAE Ministry Patronage
For decades, both events have placed Dubai at the forefront of international healthcare dialogue. In 2026, under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the co-timed events will mark a significant milestone, combining their reach and influence to create a city-wide platform for dealmaking, networking, and knowledge exchange. This united event will address both universal healthcare and laboratory challenges with greater impact and scale than ever before.
WHX Dubai Moves to Expo City for the First Time
From 9–12 February 2026, WHX Dubai will be hosted at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City Dubai—its first venue change in 50 years. The event will showcase innovations across nine product sectors, including medical devices, imaging and diagnostics, and healthcare infrastructure. Its 50th edition earlier this year generated a record $2.57 billion in business value, with each exhibitor experiencing an average impact of $2.14 million.
Looking ahead, WHX Dubai 2026 will push the boundaries of global healthcare with a forward-thinking programme featuring seven CME-accredited conferences and over 250 expert speakers. New additions will include four certified boot camps and three curated stages: the Future X Stage for next-gen innovations, the Frontiers Stage for scientific and wellness breakthroughs, and the Visionary Stage for insights on investment, leadership, AI, and ESG.
WHX Labs Dubai Celebrates 25 Years of Laboratory Excellence
Running from 10–13 February 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, WHX Labs Dubai will celebrate its 25th anniversary under the theme “25 Years of Laboratory Innovation: Uniting Communities for Better Health.” This event will spotlight global excellence in diagnostics, precision medicine, and lab technologies. Last year, WHX Labs generated $621 million in business, serving as a key connector for buyers, decision-makers, and health ministries advancing diagnostics in the Middle East.
As per the press release, the 2026 edition will feature eight product pillars and the 25th Annual Laboratory Management and Medicine Congress, which includes eight CME-accredited scientific tracks with 250 global thought leaders. In addition, attendees can join transformative discussions at WHX Labs Roundtables and participate in two new clinician-focused summits: the Precision Health Global Forum and the Antimicrobial Resistance Leadership Global Summit.
A Bold Step Toward Global Healthcare Transformation
Solenne Singer, Senior Vice President at Informa Markets, emphasized the significance of the 2026 collaboration:
“WHX Dubai and WHX Labs Dubai are both well-established events with a proven track record of advancing knowledge and trade at both regional and global levels. Hosting them concurrently will create the world’s largest healthcare event, transforming Dubai into a global hub for five enlightening days.”
She further highlighted Dubai’s strategic advantage:
“Dubai’s unique position will allow bold ideas and innovations to cross borders quickly, accelerating the spread of healthcare solutions across markets. This initiative will not only reinforce the UAE’s standing as a global healthcare leader but also enable attendees to contribute meaningfully to the future of medical excellence and innovation worldwide.”