A major shift is happening in Dubai's event landscape. The World Health Expo (WHX), known for decades as Arab Health, is moving to a new home. In a landmark deal with Expo City Dubai, the massive healthcare event will relocate from its long-time base at the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC).

Starting with its February 9–12, 2026 edition, the expo’s primary location will be the Dubai Exhibition Center (DEC) right inside Expo City. This is more than just a change of address; it’s a strategic move that reinforces Dubai’s position as a global center for healthcare innovation.

What's Behind the Move?

The switch to the DEC brings a massive boost in floor space, adding over 11,300 square meters for a total of nearly 74,500 sqm. This isn't just about fitting in more booths for the 4,300-plus exhibitors. It’s about creating a completely different kind of experience for the 235,000 professionals expected to attend.

Think of it as a blank canvas for the future of health. The extra space will likely become:

Immersive tech pavilions: Showcasing real breakthroughs in AI diagnostics, surgical robotics, and personalized medicine.
Dynamic collaboration zones: Spaces designed for innovators and investors to connect.
Startup incubators: Giving new ideas the platform they need to find funding and support.

It’s a clear signal that the event is evolving from a traditional trade show into a living ecosystem for health technology.

A Tale of Two Venues

Here’s the clever part of the plan: the event isn’t completely leaving its old neighborhood. While the main WHX takes over Expo City, its partner event, WHX Labs in Dubai (formerly Medlab Middle East), will stay at the Dubai World Trade Center from February 10-13.

This creates an enormous, city-wide healthcare event. Projections show the two venues will attract a combined total of over 270,000 professional visits and 4,800 exhibitors. Pulling this off is a huge logistical challenge, something few cities could handle.

"Splitting such a large-scale event across two distinct, high-capacity venues like DEC and DWTC is a bold logistical play, one that few other global cities could manage without significant visitor friction," notes a Senior Analyst at Event Dynamics Research. "Dubai's infrastructure is uniquely positioned for this challenge."

The Economic Ripple Effect

So, what does this reshuffle mean for business and real estate in Dubai? The impact will be felt directly in two key zones.

Expo City and South Dubai

The arrival of WHX is a huge economic shot in the arm for the area. The flood of high-level professionals will drive intense demand for hotels, restaurants, and local services. This move will almost certainly spark a new wave of interest in both residential and commercial real estate as investors look to get in on the district's rising profile.

DWTC and the Financial District

The area around the World Trade Center is not being left behind. By keeping the specialized WHX Labs event, DWTC cements its position as a hub for focused, high-tech industry gatherings. This strategy ensures both districts benefit, creating a powerful dual-engine for economic activity that strengthens Dubai’s reputation as the ultimate place to do business.