Expo Centre Sharjah Strengthens Business Tourism with Record 350,000 Visitors in Q1 2026
Sharjah: Expo Centre Sharjah has reported a significant achievement in its strategy to foster sustainable growth in the exhibitions and business tourism sector, welcoming over 350,000 visitors during the first quarter of 2026. This surge in attendance was driven by 12 major international and local exhibitions and events, showcasing the Centre’s expanding global influence.
Record Participation and Diverse Exhibitions
The events held at Expo Centre Sharjah attracted more than 1,500 exhibitors from 40 countries, underscoring the Centre’s extensive reach within its annual portfolio of 95 exhibitions. The quarter kicked off with SteelFab 2026, recognized as the largest trade show for metalworking and steel fabrication in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This event hosted over 350 exhibitors, representing more than 600 leading local and international brands across a sprawling 25,000 square meters. Notably, SteelFab 2026 was the first exhibition to implement fully integrated, AI-powered digital exhibition technologies.
The introduction of AetherEx, a digital twin platform, marked a significant innovation at SteelFab. This platform allows exhibitors to maintain market visibility and connect with global audiences long after the physical event concludes. It facilitates the creation and management of sustainable virtual pavilions, showcasing products and technical solutions through interactive formats.
Technological Advancements and Strategic Collaborations
SteelFab 2026 also featured live demonstrations of cutting-edge technological advancements, including cost-effective laser systems, CNC machinery, and AI-powered robots designed for complex steel manufacturing processes. In alignment with its international expansion strategy, Expo Centre Sharjah has initiated strategic partnerships with prominent global exhibition organizers. This includes a collaboration with Germany’s Messe Essen, the organizer of SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN, a leading European trade fair for the welding and joining industries.
Discussions during the German delegation’s visit to SteelFab focused on developing smart solutions to empower steel manufacturers, facilitate knowledge transfer, and support technology localization. Sharjah, accounting for approximately 35% of the UAE’s manufacturing facilities, plays a pivotal role in these initiatives.
Enhancing Global Competitiveness
The Centre has also engaged in high-level meetings with industry counterparts to share best practices in the exhibitions and conferences sector. These efforts aim to attract more major international events to Sharjah, thereby enhancing the emirate’s global competitiveness. H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and Expo Centre Sharjah, emphasized the importance of strategic investment in exhibition infrastructure and smart technologies to bolster Sharjah’s competitive edge.
H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, noted that the Centre’s Q1 performance reflects its adaptable operating model, which integrates advanced technologies, including AI and digital twins, into core exhibition workflows. This approach positions the Centre as a regional leader in redefining the experiences of both exhibitors and visitors.
Notable Events and Initiatives
During the first quarter, Expo Centre Sharjah hosted the Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition “ACRES 2026,” which saw participation from over 120 entities, including major real estate development and investment firms. The event showcased more than 200 newly launched property projects across various segments, marking the introduction of Sharjah’s first escrow account system for real estate projects. This system aims to protect buyer funds and enhance governance and transparency in the emirate’s property market.
Additionally, visitors benefited from government incentives, including a 50% reduction in real estate registration fees for transactions conducted during the exhibition, as approved by the Sharjah Executive Council.
The quarter also featured the Jewels of Emirates Show 2026, which attracted a large audience over its five-day duration. Spanning 12,000 square meters, the exhibition included over 180 jewellery makers and more than 500 top local and global brands, presenting a diverse array of gold, silver, and diamond jewellery, as well as luxury watches.
Community Engagement and Future Events
Expo Centre Sharjah demonstrated strong operational performance in the consumer retail sector, with Ramadan Nights 2026 drawing over 150,000 visitors in just 13 days. This event featured more than 210 exhibitors and 700 leading international and local brands, offering significant discounts and promotional deals. The exhibition supported the UAE’s ‘Year of Family’ initiative by integrating retail with cultural and entertainment activities.
The Centre’s activities extended to Sharjah’s Central and Eastern regions, with the Al Dhaid Agricultural Exhibition showcasing innovations in agricultural systems and irrigation technologies. Expo Khorfakkan also contributed to community engagement through a series of commercial and entertainment exhibitions aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead, Expo Centre Sharjah is set to host a diverse lineup of economic events and exhibitions, including seasonal shopping festivals and specialized events in sectors such as automotive, industry, and future mobility.
For further information, please contact:
Ali Elgendy
Misbar Communications
ali@misbar-me.com
Ahmad Aldwairi
Misbar Communications
ahmad.aldwairi@misbar-me.com
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-04-05 16:50:00 • By the Editorial Desk
