Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum opened the World Health Expo Dubai 2026 on February 9 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre. The event features 4,800 healthcare organisations from 180 countries and is set to attract more than 235,000 specialised visitors. Accompanying the exhibition are specialised conferences focusing on intensive care, medical imaging, digital health, biotechnology and medical quality management, according to the Emirates News Agency.
In a post on X, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated, “During today’s opening of the health exhibition, which features 4,800 healthcare organisations from 180 countries. The exhibition is visited by 235,000 specialists and ranks among the largest in the world.” He went on to note that specialised medical conferences are being held presenting new solutions in intensive care, medical imaging, digital health, biotechnology, medical quality management and more. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum added, “I am proud of every national achievement, proud of every global event, and proud of a nation that hosts the world, and adds something new to the world every day.”
The World Health Expo evolved from the Arab Health exhibition whose 50th edition took place in January 2025. Hospitals Magazine reported that His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially opened the 2025 Arab Health Exhibition and Congress on January 27. Organisers described the rebranded 2026 event as combining two co-timed components to create the world’s largest healthcare gathering for an entire week.
The main WHX Dubai portion runs from February 9 to 12 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre. WHX Labs Dubai takes place from February 10 to 13 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The official World Health Expo website indicated that the dual-venue format supports a comprehensive program across healthcare innovation and laboratory advancements.
Organisers reported that the expo connects policy leaders, thought leaders and healthcare professionals from more than 180 countries. The event includes displays of the latest technologies in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and related services. WAM data places the expected specialist visitor count at more than 235,000 for the week-long program.
Attendance figures for the predecessor Arab Health event grew steadily in recent years prior to the rebranding. The 2026 edition follows directly from the 50th anniversary celebrations held in 2025. Organisers of the World Health Expo provided the updated participant and exhibitor projections for the current gathering.
