Dubai to host WHX, world’s largest healthcare event with record international exhibitors and visitors

World Health Expo (WHX) in Dubai, formerly Arab Health, and World Health Expo Labs in Dubai, previously Medlab Middle East, will welcome the largest international gathering of health professionals ever when the event returns to Dubai in 2026, making the city a global healthcare hub from February 9-13, 2026.

With both events taking place simultaneously in 2026, more than 270,000 professional visits from 180 countries and over 4,800 exhibitors will descend on Dubai, where they will have the opportunity to visit WHX in Dubai at its new Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) home in Expo City Dubai from February 9-12, as well as the chance to take part in WHX Labs in Dubai, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026 and will be held at the Dubai World Trade Center from February 10-13.

“The expansion we are witnessing from countries such as China, Germany, the U.S., the U.K. and Korea, each bringing their largest presence to date, together with the debut of pavilions from Croatia, Luxembourg and Indonesia, reflects the extraordinary global momentum behind WHX in Dubai and WHX Labs in Dubai, and the value exhibitors place on these events,” said Solenne Singer, senior vice president, Informa Markets.

Events witness a 12 percent expansion in floor space

WHX and World Health Expo Labs in Dubai have already attracted unprecedented interest from the global healthcare sector, with China, Germany, the U.S., the U.K. and Korea committed to expanding their presence by increasing the size of their country pavilions compared to 2025. This has resulted in a 12 percent year-over-year increase in floor space across both WHX in Dubai and WHX Labs in Dubai.

Alongside them will be Croatia, Luxembourg and Indonesia, which will be making their country pavilion debuts. Meanwhile, India, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Taiwan will make a welcome return in 2026. A host of leading companies have also confirmed their attendance at WHX in Dubai, including Philips, GE Healthcare, Siemens, Draegerwerk, United Imaging and American Hospital, amongst others.

From a WHX Labs in Dubai perspective, Beckman Coulter, Pure Lab, Snibe, Sysmex and Leader Healthcare are just some of the market leaders showcasing their latest innovations within the sector.

“This diversity of participation illustrates how the world’s healthcare community is converging in Dubai to connect ideas, exchange expertise and forge partnerships that will influence the industry for years to come. As Dubai becomes a city-wide stage for healthcare, the dialogue that takes place here will inform the future of our industry and inspire lasting impact on patient care and system transformation across continents,” added Singer.

Global healthcare services market to reach $11.2 trillion by 2029

According to recent reports by research firm Research and Markets, the global healthcare services market is experiencing strong growth, with an expected value of $9.25 trillion by 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 5.4 percent. That growth is projected to propel the market past $11.2 trillion by 2029, as demand for medical services, diagnostics, infrastructure, insurance and regulatory frameworks continues to increase.

Simultaneously, the healthcare analytics market, which is increasingly central to labs, diagnostics and hospital operations, is also expanding. Research from MarketsandMarkets outlines the value at approximately $44.8 billion in 2024 to over $133.1 billion by 2029, with growth rates exceeding 20 percent year-on-year as firms and institutions seek better data-driven insights.

Read: FII9 spotlights importance of scientific research and biotechnology in healthcare

WHX in Dubai to feature nine product sectors

Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, WHX in Dubai will feature nine product sectors spanning medical devices, imaging, diagnostics and healthcare infrastructure, alongside six CME-accredited conferences, four certified boot camps and three dedicated stages for disruptive ideas, scientific breakthroughs and global thought leadership.

Meanwhile, WHX Labs in Dubai will shine a spotlight on the latest laboratory innovations under the banner of ‘25 Years of Laboratory Innovation: Uniting Communities for Better Health’ and through eight product pillars, two new clinician conferences and the 25th Annual Laboratory Management and Medicine Congress, featuring more than 250 international speakers as part of eight CME-accredited scientific conference tracks.