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, slated for April 14-16, 2026.
M&I, an events provider within the portfolio of Worldwide Events, will bring to Abu Dhabi the “MICE 1,000”, a curated group of the most senior, influential decision-makers in the global business events industry for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and business development.
The event, to be hosted at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will feature immersive booths, compelling branded spaces, and storytelling-driven showcases attracting global exhibitors, including tourism boards, CVB’s, major hotel brands, conference centres, DMCs, and technology providers.
The M&I Expo programme will feature one-to-one pre-scheduled meeting format alongside a fully inclusive networking programme with hosted lunches, evening socials, and keynote speakers. In addition to the exhibition programme, 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.
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 UK, and US.
