Gulf crisis
Industry digs deep into its resilience reserves as Gulf crisis engulfs events
EW surveys the scene and the implications for major events as black clouds of conflict cover the Gulf region
lobal conflicts are no
G longer local crises, as the fast-unfolding Iranian war situation is demonstrating. Aside from the 12 countries Iran has now attacked and the continuing US and Israeli bombardment, it is the disruption to air travel that has been, perhaps, the biggest factor causing postponement and cancellation of events in the region since the beginning of March.
From the UK to New Zealand, travel is disrupted and costs are rising. Even far-flung destinations are feeling the effects of geopolitical instability. A survey by the Tourism Export Council in New Zealand found that 77 % of tourism operators reported cancellations from UK and European travellers to New Zealand for March and April 2026. With airlines cancelling flights through key Middle Eastern hubs, long-haul travel has become far more difficult.
Airport hubs closed Airlines have been doing their best to reroute but the corridor across Iran, Iraq and the Gulf is effectively closed and alternatives are longer.
Dubai International Airport( DBX) is the busiest in the world for international travellers processing 92m passengers in 2024. It was hit by an Iranian drone attack on 16 March and if you add in Abu Dhabi and Doha airports, these three together handle more than 3,000 flights a day in normal times. That has been reduced to a trickle. The issue of fuel is also adding to the flames of war. Since Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, supplies of Gulf oil have been cut in a region that accounts for half of European jet fuel imports.
Left: Many organisers are now looking at August / September timeframes to reschedule their events in the Gulf
Show postponements and organisers and contractors update Informa, which runs several shows in the region, has admitted some disruption but is keen to point out that 40 % of its India Middle East and Africa( IMEA) revenue for the year has already traded.
Global event logistics group DSV says it has been closely coordinating with local authorities, partners, and carriers to ensure continuity of event logistics operations.
“ While certain transport routes in the region are experiencing disruption, our teams are actively implementing contingency measures to safeguard build-up and breakdown schedules wherever conditions allow,” the company tells EW.
“ We understand the time-sensitive nature of exhibitions and live events, and our dedicated Fairs & Events teams remain fully engaged to support shipments with tailored routing and operational solutions.”
Supplier of specialist exhibition booths, UK company-45dB set up an office in Dubai last year to serve the region and MD Jon Noonan tells EW:“ All international shows that we are working on have been either pushed back until later in the year or postponed until 2027. It would appear that many are looking at late August / September as a time-line there is some level of comfort around, albeit nobody really knows.”
The Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, run by RX, was postponed from its 4-7 May dates to a 17-20 August 2026 slot. Organisers explain the decision was taken due to the need to“ prioritise the safety and wellbeing” of participants and to provide“ greater
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