Moving to Dubai in 2026: Benefit from a job market fueled by international events

Dubai continues to cement its status as a global economic hub. The latest figures on international business events send a strong signal to prospective expats considering the emirate as their next destination: the job market is booming, and opportunities abound. If you’ve always dreamed of relocating there, Magellan tells you everything you need to know.

An unprecedented events calendar

Dubai hosted no fewer than 504 international business events in 2025, reflecting a 15% increase over the previous year. Conferences, congresses, corporate seminars, incentive programs… The emirate captured some of the most prestigious gatherings in the global business world, and this momentum is carrying into 2026. These events are expected to draw more than 272,000 delegates by 2029, a 29% jump compared to 2024 figures.

Behind these results is Dubai Business Events, the city’s official conventions bureau, operating under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The organization submitted 747 bids over the past year, an 11% year-on-year increase, demonstrating an aggressive, methodical strategy to secure major global events.

High-growth sectors for prospective expats in Dubai

What makes this announcement particularly compelling for future expatriates is the diversity of sectors involved. The events will span engineering, healthcare, finance, energy, and technology, fields that are actively recruiting in Dubai.

Among the major upcoming events are the Africa Energy Forum and UNLEASH Middle East, both taking place in Dubai this year and set to attract senior executives and decision-makers from around the world. These will be followed by the World Engineers Congress 2027, the SICOT World Congress (orthopedics), and the World Ophthalmology Congress 2028. On the finance side, the SWIFT/SIBOS conference is expected in 2029 with approximately 12,000 delegates.

For a prospective expat, this sectoral diversity is excellent news. It reflects a genuine need for a wide range of skills, both among event organizers and among the companies based in Dubai that leverage these major gatherings to recruit and expand their local teams.

A ripple effect across the entire Dubai economy

The massive influx of international delegates isn’t only profitable for the events sector. Hospitality, aviation, retail, food and beverage, and business services all directly benefit from this momentum. Dubai International Airport had already recorded its busiest half-year in history during the first half of 2025, and passenger numbers continue to climb in 2026.

For expats working in hospitality, event logistics, consulting, marketing, or professional services, this trend represents a concrete pool of opportunities. Local companies, facing a growing flow of business visitors, need talent capable of meeting international standards.

Dubai and the D33 Strategy: A long-term vision

These achievements are part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the emirate’s economic roadmap aiming to double the size of its economy by 2033 and position it among the world’s top four economic cities. Business events are a central pillar of this strategy, generating not only direct revenue but also knowledge transfer, investment opportunities, and the international visibility that attracts new businesses.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, emphasized that these results reflect the confidence that international associations, corporations, and incentive program organizers place in Dubai as a destination capable of delivering excellence, scale, and impact.

For a prospective expat, understanding this long-term vision is essential. Moving to Dubai isn’t betting on a passing bubble; it’s joining a structured ecosystem backed by massive public investment and close coordination between the public and private sectors.

What this concretely means for future expats in Dubai

If you’re considering relocating to Dubai in 2026, here are the key takeaways.

First, the job market remains dynamic and diversified. Healthcare, engineering, finance, tech, and energy sectors continue to grow, driven by an international events calendar that keeps Dubai in the global spotlight.

Second, careers in event management and business tourism offer particularly strong prospects. In 2025, Dubai hosted 481 events supported by Dubai Business Events (up from 429 in 2024), and the trend is accelerating into 2026. The demand for qualified professionals in this field is only growing.

Third, Dubai’s exceptional air connectivity makes both the initial move and return trips to your home country seamless. Dubai International Airport continues to break passenger records, with expanding routes to virtually every major city in the world.

Finally, Dubai’s business environment comes with an attractive tax framework and a quality of life that continues to appeal to international professionals. The emirate isn’t just attracting events—it’s building a complete ecosystem to retain talent.

Plan your expatriation to Dubai with Magellan

Whether you’re an engineer, healthcare professional, financial expert, digital marketing specialist, or event project manager, Dubai offers particularly fertile ground in 2026 for building an international career.

But turning these opportunities into a concrete plan requires structured preparation: choosing the right visa, understanding the job market, navigating the legal framework, taxation, housing, schooling, or structuring an investment.

Magellan supports you at every stage of your move to Dubai. From a personalized assessment of your project to on-the-ground settlement, including administrative procedures and strategic advice, our team helps you secure your transition and optimize your relocation. Contact us now to structure your project and move forward with clarity and confidence toward your new life in the United Arab Emirates.