Informa Delays Major Dubai Event as Middle East Conflict Threatens More Shows

Speaking to investors Thursday, Informa Chief Executive Stephen Carter said the company has begun shifting some Middle East events to later in 2026 as a precaution.

One of the first changes involves Middle East Energy 2026, originally scheduled for April 7–9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The show, expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees from 178 countries, has been moved to September 1–3.

“The military activity is creating conflict and disruptions, and in some instances, some distress,” Carter said during the investor meeting.

Still, Carter emphasized that the company expects demand for its events to return once conditions stabilize.

“Our fundamentals are strong,” he said. “When this passes, we are confident we can return to that market with punch and purpose.”

Regional Events Face Uncertainty

Carter said events in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are most likely to face disruptions depending on how the conflict evolves. Saudi Arabia “doesn’t fall neatly into either category,” he said.

Another major event that could be affected is LEAP, a large global technology event held in Riyadh. The 2026 edition is scheduled for April 13–16, but organizers have already secured space between September and December in case it needs to move.

A final decision on whether LEAP will proceed as planned is expected within the next week.

If the conflict continues for an extended period, Carter acknowledged that some events may need to be relocated or shifted into 2027, which would affect revenue.

Middle East Is a Key Growth Market

The region plays a major role in Informa’s global events strategy.

About a quarter of the company’s 2025 revenue came from its India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA) division. Carter said roughly 40% of the region’s 2026 revenue is already secured through bookings and contracts.

Informa has been expanding aggressively in the Middle East as part of a four-year global growth strategy launched late last year.

A major part of that expansion is a partnership with the Dubai World Trade Centre that combines their events operations into a new entity focused on large B2B exhibitions.

The venture — now called inD — will operate more than 40 major event brands across sectors including healthcare, aviation, food, technology, and energy.

Major shows within the portfolio include Gulfood, GITEX, GISEC, WHX, Middle East Energy, and the Dubai Airshow.

The portfolio is expected to generate more than $650 million in revenue in 2026.

Strong Global Demand for Flagship Shows

Despite the uncertainty in the Middle East, Informa told investors that global demand for its flagship exhibitions remains strong.

Early 2026 trading has been in line with expectations, supported by major events such as the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition, WHX Dubai, Natural Products Expo, and Gulfood.

The company’s B2B Live Events division — its largest business unit — generated $4 billion in revenue in 2025, with underlying growth of 9.5% and adjusted operating profit growth of 12.6%.

Overall, Informa reported record revenue of $5.39 billion in 2025, up 13.7% year over year. Adjusted operating profit rose 14.6% to $1.52 billion.

For 2026, the company is targeting around 6% underlying revenue growth, with B2B Live Events expected to grow more than 7%.

At press time, Informa shares were trading around 777 pence, below the 1,000-pence peak reached in November 2025 but roughly 22% above the stock’s 52-week low.