Gulf crisis confidence and flexibility” for international attendees.
“ The decision to reschedule ATM 2026 to August reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate at this important industry gathering.” says Danielle Curtis, RX’ s exhibition director for the Middle East.
The new August date should mean more business for a traditionally quieter period for business in the Gulf. Organisers will be hoping the heat of battle will be off even if temperatures rise in August.
Revenues are also likely to be under normal levels when shows postpone.
The Emirates does have good experience of pivoting in times of crisis. The delayed Expo 2020 really forged the flexibility of local event professionals.
Show postponement at least takes out the risk of a last-minute disruption and gives exhibitors time to re-plan their logistics. F1 has done just that, postponing: the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix in April, while crypto conference TOKEN2049 also announced the Dubai edition will now move to 2027.
Other shows postponed include Affiliate World Global( the Dubai edition), scheduled for 4-5 March at DWTC. That has been pushed to spring 2027. Organisers iStack Conferences( managed by VCEGH( HK) Limited) confirmed all purchased booths and sponsorships would automatically transfer to the new 2027 dates.
Another, Mixed Game Festival XIII, has been cancelled, not because the venue itself would be impacted, but because the organiser was stuck in the Middle East and could not get to Resorts World in Las Vegas where that event was set to be held.
Some organisers may be rueing the timing of their launches. One example being International Live Music Conference( ILMC) and Pollstar’ s announcement of their launch in Abu Dhabi of Live Summit. At least that event is at the end of the year.
But others have spent big marketing budgets just to see late cancellation days before their show.
Clearly the situation is fluid and dmg events, which organises several major events in the region including Big 5 Construct Saudi in May and the Hotel Show in June in Dubai, tells EW things were moving by the day and therefore felt unable to offer any concrete insights at this stage. Its calendar in April includes the Middle East Coatings Show in Dubai and the Saudi Paper & Packaging Expo in Riyadh. The organiser also has several shows in May scheduled for Saudi, as well as the World Utilities Congress, 19-21 May in Abu Dhabi.
M & I Expo had been expecting to welcome a MICE delegation to Dubai in March but organisers cancelled under Force Majeure.“ It’ s one of those moments that reminds you just how fragile even the best-planned events can be,” said head of sales Duncan Custerson.
The UAE, and indeed other Gulf states’ hard-won image of safety and stability has taken a big hit. Kate Chambers, founder of The Gaming Boardroom and former managing director of Clarion’ s gaming events, tells EW organisers are very nervous because they’ re not insured for war or terrorism.“ It’ s a huge financial risk to get involved without some kind of insurance policy,” she warns.“ The main issue from an organiser’ s perspective is that visitors simply won’ t come. I think, actually, the real problem wouldn’ t be getting in – it would be getting out.”
She adds:“ My hunch is that organisers might be thinking they will be fine in six months’ time. But I’ m not so sure.”
The questions of reputational damage is another key challenge for the future clearly.
Rising costs With a global shortage of oil, energy and food is set to become more expensive.
Almost every cost an organiser faces is related to energy. From venue lighting, logistics and transport to refrigeration, almost all bills are tied in some way to the cost of energy.
Catering costs will go up for an additional reason. The Strait of Hormuz is not only a chokepoint for oil; one third of the world’ s supply of fertiliser also flows through the maritime route. With a shortage of fertiliser, the cost of food is likely to increase, meaning that catering costs will also rise.
And what of our industry associations’ reaction? Many have been slow to comment or advise, but the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services( IFES), executive director Gregor Bischkopf – IFES, told EW the association was“ very mindful” instability carries real human, economic and operational implications.
Regarding its own upcoming IFES World Summit 2026 in Dubai [ 16-19 June – ed ], preparations are continuing as planned, the association says.“ The safety and wellbeing of our members, partners and participants remains our highest priority. Should circumstances require us to adapt, we will do so transparently, responsibly and in accordance with official recommendations.”
Bischkopf added that it was essential to respond based on verified information rather than assumption.“ Our community is experienced in navigating uncertainty. Recent years have demonstrated the sector’ s resilience, adaptability and strong culture of collaboration.”
Looks like we are going to need all of that. EW www. exhibitionworld. co. uk Issue 2 2026 27