Middle East Crisis Threatens Abu Dhabi Attractions Expo  

Airspace shutdowns and safety advisories are impacting Middle East business events, prompting cancellations and postponements across the Gulf and pressuring upcoming trade shows.

Uncertainty looms over IAAPA Expo Middle East, scheduled for March 31–April 2 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

The show’s exhibition floor is fully sold out, with more than 325 confirmed exhibitors showcasing rides, water park equipment, themed entertainment, technology, and more. 

Billions of dollars have been invested in the region’s leisure and attractions sector over the past decade. On February 24, IAAPA announced plans to open a new regional office in Dubai in July to launch IAAPA MENA in partnership with MENALAC, a signal of its long-term commitment to the market.

But that optimism is now colliding with operational realities.

In multiple public statements, IAAPA said it is “closely monitoring the current situation” and remains in communication with members and stakeholders. The association emphasized that the safety and well-being of exhibitors and attendees is its highest priority, noting that the IAAPA board of directors is expected to meet to determine next steps.

“Given the scale of such an expo, this isn’t something you can just turn on and off like a light switch,” Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA, wrote on LinkedIn.

Skift reached out to IAAPA but has yet to hear back. 

Exhibitors Voice Safety Concerns

Exhibitors have responded, calling for a faster decision, citing imminent airfreight deadlines and concerns over staff safety.

Philip Hernandez, CEO of Gantom Lighting and Controls, said that his team does not feel safe attending and that several customers have already canceled their participation.

“We as professionals must understand that perception matters in tourism,” he said, calling for decisive leadership.

Other exhibitors echoed similar concerns, noting that booth shipments are scheduled to depart in the coming days and that international attendees have begun canceling meetings.

With air cargo logistics already in motion, companies must decide whether to move freight worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or risk being unable to exhibit if the show proceeds.

Megacampus Summit Postpones

Megacampus Summit 2026, which was expected to draw roughly 13,000 participants from 75 countries to the Coca-Cola Arena on March 6–7, announced it will be postponed until September 19–20. In a statement posted to Instagram, organizers cited regional airspace closures and flight disruptions as the primary reason for the delay.

“We have made the difficult decision to postpone the event until this fall. This decision was not easy for us, but the safety of our participants and partners is our top priority,” Gregory Avetov, founder of the Megacampus IT company and creator/CEO of the Megacampus Summit, posted on Instagram, adding that new speakers and additional programming enhancements are planned for the rescheduled dates.

In Qatar, the government has suspended all public events, gatherings, and entertainment activities at hotels and tourism establishments until further notice, citing public safety concerns, Reuters reported. 

As a result, the Doha leg of the Longines Global Champions Tour, scheduled for March 4–7 at Al Shaqab Equestrian Centre, has been canceled.

Informa, one of the biggest event players in the Middle East, said that none of its events are scheduled to run this month due to Ramadan. In addition, preparations for events scheduled for Q2 continue, subject to ongoing review in consultation with relevant authorities. 

“We are following all government guidance closely, including teams currently working from home in the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. We’re in continuous contact with colleagues and providing guidance and individual support wherever needed,” Informa said.