Nineteenth Year of ISM Middle East

The "ISM Middle East" Sweets and Snacks Exhibition will be held from Tuesday, November 3 to Thursday, November 5, 2026, corresponding to Aban 12 to 14, 1405, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This event, now in its nineteenth year, is one of the most important specialized trade exhibitions for sweets, chocolates, and snacks in the Middle East and North Africa, bringing together manufacturers, brands, buyers, distributors, and retail industry professionals.

From Chocolate and Candy to Snacks, Cakes, and Desserts

ISM Middle East covers various sectors of the sweets and snacks market; from different types of chocolate, pralines, and cocoa products to candies and gummies, savory snacks, nuts, and healthy snacks, traditional sweets, biscuits and cakes, ice cream, and various desserts. In 2026, over 250 companies active in the sweets and snacks industry from more than 40 countries will participate in the exhibition.

This event will be held concurrently with the "Gulfood Manufacturing", "GulfHost", and "Private Label Middle East" exhibitions, allowing visitors to access a broader range of the food industry, from raw materials and production and packaging to private brands, equipment, and related technologies.

Specialized Sessions, Innovation, and ISM Awards

The ISM Middle East programs include sessions and panels on market trends in sweets and snacks, consumer behavior, product innovation, sustainability, responsible sourcing, waste reduction, environmentally friendly packaging, and the application of artificial intelligence in food product development. For 2026, more than 120 sessions and panels featuring industry experts are anticipated.

The "ISM Middle East Awards" section is dedicated to introducing and honoring innovative products in the industry; from new chocolates and sweets to health-oriented products, fresh flavors, and packaging design. The winners of the 2026 awards will be announced during the exhibition.

Date and Time of the Event

• Gregorian Date: November 3 to 5, 2026

• Jalali Date: Aban 12 to 14, 1405

• Days of the Event: Tuesday to Thursday

• Visiting Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Thursday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Dubai time.

Ticket Price and Entry Conditions

• Ticket Price: Entry is free for qualified industry professionals and business visitors.

• Entry Conditions: The exhibition is strictly "Trade Only" and is not open to the general public; visitors must be professionals, specialists, or buyers from related fields.

• Age Restriction: In the current visitor registration form, age verification of 21 years or older is mandatory; however, the Terms & Conditions page states the minimum entry age is 18 years. Due to this discrepancy in official sources, individuals aged 18 to 20 are advised to confirm entry conditions directly with the organizer before attending.

• Registration Method: Online registration for entry is mandatory. After registration confirmation, an entry card will be issued for the visitor. A photo ID may also be requested upon entry.

• Accompaniment Restriction: Entry of luggage and wheeled bags into the exhibition halls is not permitted.

Venue and Address

• Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre

• Halls: Za'abeel Halls 4 and 5

• Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Metro Access: World Trade Centre Station on the Dubai Metro Red Line; approximately a five-minute walk to the exhibition venue.

Organizer and Contact Information

Organizer: Kaoun International; the ISM Middle East brand has also been developed in collaboration with Dubai World Trade Centre and Koelnmesse.
Email: ismme-Marketing@dwtc.com
Contact Number: +971 4 332 1000.

Website and Free Registration

Official ISM Middle East Website

Visitor Registration for ISM Middle East 2026