Associations are being forced to postpone and cancel scheduled
events in the Middle East as the Iran conflict continues to cause serious disruption
across the region.
IAAPA, the international association for
the attractions industry, was due to run its inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle
East Abu Dhabi from today (30 March) to 2 April.
However, IAAPA president and CEO Jakob Wahl announced earlier
this month that the event at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) would
not be going ahead following a meeting with its board of directors.
Wahl said: “This was not an easy decision. We recognise the
time, investment, and commitment of our members and partners dedicated to what
would have been the inaugural IAAPA Expo Middle East. We are grateful for their
support and understanding as we prioritise the safety and best interests of our
global community.”
The association said it ‘looked forward to bringing the
community together’ at IAAPA Expo Middle East in April 2027.
People first
Elsewhere The UITP Summit 2026 Edition in Dubai, originally scheduled for 21–23 April 2026, has been officially cancelled due to safety concerns amid the evolving security situation in the Gulf region. UITP cited the need to prioritize delegate safety, noting recommendations to avoid non-essential travel.
In a statement, the organisation said: "As an organisation that always puts people first, the safety and wellbeing of our delegates, partners, and colleagues is our main responsibility. With many national authorities recommending to avoid non-essential travel to the region, the decision to cancel the 2026 edition has come after careful consideration by UITP’s Executive Board.
Many other business events slated for April 2026 have been postponed
or cancelled, including Informa’s 50,000-attendee Middle East Energy 2026 expo at
the Dubai World Trade Centre (7-9 April) and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) at the
same venue (4-7 May).
Informa announced earlier this month that it would be moving
MEE 2026 to September at the Dubai World Trade Centre while ATM said it would
move its 33rd edition of the show which ‘connects destinations, travel
suppliers, hospitality brands, airlines, technology providers and industry
professionals from across the travel ecosystem’ to August 2026.
The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Collaboration and
Growth Meeting, originally set for 22-23 April in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has
also been postponed.
A WEF statement said: “We remain committed to facilitating a
forward-looking agenda for the region and beyond and will provide updates about
the rescheduled meeting in due course.”
Associations
with events scheduled to take place in the region later this year said they
were monitoring the situation.
UFI, the
global association of the exhibition industry, told AMI it was in ‘constant
co-ordination’ with its host in Bahrain ahead of its Global Congress, which is
due to take place from 2-5 November 2026.
“Until now, the Congress is scheduled to be held
in Bahrain on the same dates,” a spokesperson said.
Dubai Business Events meanwhile has insisted the country is safe and rallied chamber of commerce groups from around the world - including the UK, Belgian, Austria, Sri Lanka and Pakistan - to make the case.
In a statement, the organisation, said: "For global
associations and business event organisers, the message is clear: Dubai remains
open, prepared and well positioned to host international gatherings with
continuity and confidence."
Katy Keenan, CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (British Business Group), said the Dubai government was applying learning from the Covid-19 pandemic to the current situation.
She said: “The ability to maintain growth momentum amidst this regional crisis will depend on continued investment in infrastructure and steady foreign direct investment, together with Dubai’s established and strong trade relationships. These are challenging times for businesses, but there is confidence and a record of resilience and recovery that should support growth momentum.”
Adding: "Stakeholder engagement and clarity in communications are key in any crisis and the Dubai Government continues to serve as an effective role model by providing authoritative and compassionate updates with a feedback loop for businesses in the form of the Business Continuity Survey.”
Emma has been a journalist for over 20 years, with experience working in both local and trade media. After reporting on the fast-paced world of hospitality for many years, Emma is enjoying this transition into the equally exciting world of events to cover Holly Patrick’s role on AMI and M&IT while she takes her maternity leave.
