Dubai’s business events calendar turns to the 32nd edition of DEAL from Tuesday, 10 February 2026 to Thursday, 12 February 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 9292. For venue support, call 800 DWTC (3982) or +971 4 389 3999, and for organiser queries, contact International Expo-Consults L.L.C., P.O. Box 126530, Dubai on +971 4 343 5777 or +971 56 440 5484. Most trade visitors plan around approximately 10:00am to 6:00pm daily, and you should still confirm your final timings on your badge email. This is a trade-only exhibition, so you should register before you arrive.
A long-running trade show that grew with Dubai
DEAL has built its reputation over more than three decades, and it has tracked the region’s rapid expansion in leisure projects as Dubai scaled up. Since the mid-1990s, the show has shifted from a niche industry meet-up into a platform where investors, operators, and suppliers compare what actually works on the ground. Meanwhile, the 2026 edition keeps its B2B identity, so it focuses on sourcing, partnerships, and practical deployment rather than public entertainment. Therefore, you will see business-first conversations even when the products look playful. If you want a clear view of where MENA attractions projects are heading, DEAL offers a concentrated snapshot in three days.
Who gets the most value from attending
DEAL suits amusement park and FEC operators, real estate developers, mall teams, brand owners, government stakeholders, and supplier groups that support visitor experiences. Additionally, it works well for solo founders who want distribution conversations and quick market checks (suitable for solo). It also fits couples who work in the same sector, because you can split hall coverage and compare notes later (suitable for couples). However, the trade-only entry style means it does not suit families looking for a day out (not family-friendly, not designed for children). Bring a clear business goal, and you will leave with better leads and faster follow-ups.
What you will see on the floor in 2026
DEAL highlights the tools that shape attractions performance, so you can expect discussions around immersive experiences, edutainment, and tech-led engagement. Meanwhile, suppliers typically showcase concepts that influence dwell time and repeat visits, from interactive systems to operational tech that helps venues run smoother. Because Dubai’s wider entertainment sector moves fast, exhibitors often focus on scalable solutions, not just headline gimmicks. Therefore, you can compare “wow factor” ideas alongside practical deployment details like throughput, maintenance, and safety workflows. If you ask direct questions early, you can quickly separate showroom demos from real-world solutions.
A day-by-day plan that keeps you efficient
On Tuesday, 10 February 2026, use the first hours for a broad scan, because booths feel calmer before mid-day traffic builds. Then, keep short supplier conversations and collect the essentials, so you can revisit later with sharper questions. On Wednesday, 11 February 2026, schedule your priority meetings, because you will already know where you want to spend time, and you can move with purpose. However, keep buffer time between halls, because DWTC transitions can slow down during peak arrivals and coffee windows. On Thursday, 12 February 2026, close your loop with pricing, lead times, and distribution talk, and then leave space for one or two unexpected introductions that often turn into the best leads. When you treat Tuesday as discovery and Wednesday as depth, Thursday becomes an easy wrap-up day.
Networking options that go beyond booth visits
DEAL typically delivers its strongest value through direct face time, so you should plan for quick introductions followed by second meetings. Additionally, many companies use the show to test new partnership angles, because the crowd includes buyers, operators, and policy stakeholders in the same corridors. Therefore, you can move from product scouting into project discussions without leaving the venue. Meanwhile, if you attend as a supplier, you can use the show to validate pricing expectations and competitor positioning in real time. Keep your meeting cadence tight, and you will gain more than you would from long unplanned wandering.
Getting there from across the UAE
Dubai World Trade Centre sits right on Sheikh Zayed Road, so driving in from Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah feels straightforward. However, morning arrivals can tighten quickly near Trade Centre interchanges, especially on Tuesday and Wednesday, so leaving earlier protects your first meeting slots. Therefore, many visitors choose the Dubai Metro Red Line to World Trade Centre Station, because it avoids parking loops and keeps arrival times predictable. Meanwhile, taxis and ride-hailing work well for mid-day transfers, yet you can see slower pick-ups around the late afternoon exit wave. If you drive, aim for earlier parking and plan your return after the busiest exit window.
Practical February notes for weather, traffic, and entry
Early forecasts point to Tuesday, 10 February 2026 staying mostly clear at about 23°C daytime and 15°C at night, while Wednesday, 11 February 2026 shows a rain risk, so allow extra road time and watch for slick surfaces near car parks and drop-off zones. Then, Thursday, 12 February 2026 looks warmer and clearer at about 25°C daytime and 21°C at night, so light clothing works outside, although DWTC air-conditioning still feels cool indoors, so bring a thin layer. Because wet weather can slow Sheikh Zayed Road traffic, consider metro access on Wednesday, and arrive earlier than usual if you have time-sensitive meetings. Visitor entry often runs free with approved registration, yet policies can change, so treat any door requirements as approximately and stick to DEAL OFFICIAL VISITOR REGISTRATION through INTERNATIONAL EXPO-CONSULTS for the safest access route. Register before you travel, because trade-only checks can slow walk-in entry. According to the kind of event notes the editor at www.few.ae typically prioritises, the best DEAL visit comes from early arrivals, a simple hall route, and one clear goal per day.
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