The Qatar Event Show (QES) will return to the Doha Exhibition & Convention Center from 1–3 September 2026 with a significantly expanded format, including an exhibition floor almost 80% larger than its 2025 debut and the launch of the country’s first dedicated awards for the events sector.
Organised by Mangusteen, the second edition is expected to welcome more than 5,000 delegates. The growth follows a strong inaugural outing in 2025 and comes at a time of wider regional uncertainty, signalling continued investment in Qatar’s events and MICE economy.
Malik Shishtawi, CEO of Mangusteen Middle East, said: “Growing the show floor by nearly 80% in a single cycle, in the current regional climate, says a great deal about the strength and ambition of Qatar’s events industry. QES was created to give this sector a home of its own, and the response from exhibitors — in Qatar, across the Gulf and internationally — has been well beyond what we projected for a second edition.”
New additions for 2026
The inaugural QES Awards will take place on 2 September, covering 26 categories across events, suppliers, venues and individual talent.
The exhibition floor will feature a broader mix of regional and international companies across AV and production, staging, technology, logistics and audience engagement.
QES 2026 is supported by UFI, ICCA and IAEE MENA, giving the show a level of international association backing unusual for a second‑edition event.
The three‑day conference programme has been restructured around themed days covering the event economy, technology and experience innovation, and workforce, regulation and future industry models. Sessions will address topics including bid strategy, ESG delivery, mega‑event logistics, Vision AI, GCC EventTech adoption, workforce retention and compliance across the region.
Speakers confirmed include Chris Skeith (UFI), Anju Gomes (ICCA), Nizar Zaitoun (IAEE MENA), Mahir Julfar (Dubai World Trade Centre), Thomas Reiser (GainingEdge), Jose Vicente (DECC), Said Al Shanfari (OCEC), Malik Shishtawi (Mangusteen Middle East) and Khalid Al Hammadi (DXBLIVE).
Event details
QES 2026 runs 1–3 September at DECC. More than 50 exhibitors are expected. Registration and the full conference agenda are available at qatareventshow.com.
The first edition took place from 2–4 September 2025.
