Abu Dhabi has prepared a packed events calendar for the second half of 2026, ranging from Comic Con and major artificial intelligence summits to ADIPEC, international exhibitions and United Nations conferences at ADNEC Group venues.

ADNEC Group, part of Modon, announced that ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and ADNEC Centre Al Ain will host a combined 297 events during the second half of 2026. The events will cover sectors including energy, artificial intelligence, defence, healthcare, education, food security, finance, fashion, marine lifestyle, health and wellness, and sustainability.

Of the exhibitions scheduled, 21 per cent will be held in the Middle East for the first time, while four international associations will make their regional debut.

Abu Dhabi events in September 2026

Activity at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi will increase significantly in September, beginning with the Middle East Film and Comic Con from September 11 to 13.

The event will bring together enthusiasts of popular culture, film, television, video games, comics, collectibles and entertainment.

It will be followed by the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair from September 13 to 18, bringing together figures from the worlds of literature, publishing, creativity and intellectual exchange.

IREIS will also provide a specialised property platform for investors and consumers, targeting property developers, investors, homebuyers and industry professionals.

The Ajban Defence Industry and Technology Exhibition will take place from September 21 to 22, addressing supply chain and manufacturing challenges in the defence sector and exploring opportunities to develop local and regional defence capabilities.

Education Interface will run from September 22 to 23, focusing on university disciplines and educational pathways aligned with the evolving needs of the Abu Dhabi and UAE labour markets.

Teeb Al Hazm will be held from September 25 to October 5, bringing together fragrance brands, perfumers, retailers and enthusiasts.

Abu Dhabi will also host the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice from September 26 to October 1.

Hosted by the UAE Government and being held in the region for the first time, the congress will bring together representatives of governments, civil society, academia and experts to examine ways to support security, justice and well-being.

LiveX will also take place from September 29 to October 1, focusing on the people, ideas and projects helping to shape sustainable living in Abu Dhabi.

At ADNEC Centre Al Ain, Shamma Al Marar will run from September 24 to 27, showcasing fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands. A Candlelight concert will also be held on September 25.

AI summits and Global Food Week in Abu Dhabi

October will be one of the busiest months of the year at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

AI Everything Abu Dhabi will begin on October 6 with the AI Summit, focusing on policy, power and strategy in artificial intelligence. The AI Expo will also be held from October 6 to 7 as a platform for innovation, collaboration and industry development.

Global Food Week will run alongside the AI events from October 6 to 8, bringing together sectors involved in shaping the future of the food industry.

The Abu Dhabi International Date Palm Exhibition will form part of Global Food Week, highlighting the cultural, agricultural and economic importance of dates in the region.

Najah Abu Dhabi will take place from October 18 to 21, providing students, parents, graduates and young professionals with guidance on higher education, training programmes and career opportunities.

The Drug Information Association Middle East and Africa Conference will be held from October 19 to 22 for professionals in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, clinical research and regulatory affairs.

The Abu Dhabi Future Health Summit will run from October 20 to 22, bringing together leaders from government, science, technology, policymaking, healthcare and investment to examine the future of health systems.

The Arabian AI & Agentic Summit will take place on October 26, bringing together corporate innovators, government officials and technology pioneers to explore artificial intelligence and agentic systems.

Meanwhile, ADNEC Centre Al Ain will host the Sajaya Royal Fashion exhibition from October 1 to 4 and the Al Ain Bride Show from October 28 to November 1.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, said the upcoming events season at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and ADNEC Centre Al Ain reflected the resilience of the events industry and continued international confidence in the emirate of Abu Dhabi as a leading hub for global gatherings. He added that the venues remained among the region’s foremost destinations for hosting world-class events, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, policymakers, investors and communities from around the world.

ADIPEC and Abu Dhabi International Boat Show return in November

Several of ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi’s most important annual events will take place in November.

ADIPEC, described as the world’s largest energy event, will return from November 2 to 5, bringing together tens of thousands of professionals from across the global energy industry.

The 46th ICMM World Congress on Military Medicine Abu Dhabi 2026 will also be held from November 9 to 13, bringing together senior military medical leaders, healthcare professionals, researchers, academics and industry partners.

The International Real Estate and Investment Show will take place from November 10 to 12.

The Jewellery and Watch Show Abu Dhabi will also be held in November, showcasing collections from regional and international jewellery and watch brands.

Revive ME 2026 will run from November 11 to 12 as an exhibition and conference focused on longevity and health technology.

Tawdheef x Zaheb will take place from November 17 to 19, connecting more than 100 companies with Emirati talent and supporting the development of the national workforce.

The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show will return from November 19 to 22 and, according to ADNEC Group, will be the largest edition to date. The exhibition will focus on marine lifestyle, boating, water sports and leisure.

ADNEC Centre Al Ain will also host the second Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition from November 25 to 29.

UAE to host UN Water Conference in December

The 2026 United Nations Water Conference will be held in the UAE from December 8 to 10.

The conference aims to strengthen global water governance and raise the profile of water-related issues on the international agenda.

The event will conclude a six-month period in which ADNEC Group’s two UAE venues are scheduled to host a combined 297 events.

Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chief Commercial Officer of ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, said the second half of 2026 would demonstrate the strength, diversity and scale of the events calendar at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and ADNEC Centre Al Ain. He added that, from major global congresses and flagship exhibitions to cultural festivals, specialised industry gatherings and community events, the venues provide a platform to support business growth, knowledge exchange and Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading international events destination.