More than 1,200 exhibitors from over 50 participating countries are expected to take part in Automechanika Dubai, which returns from 10–12 November 2026 for its 23rd edition.
The event will bring the international automotive aftermarket community together for three days of sourcing, business, networking, knowledge exchange and industry discussion at its new home, Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai.
The move represents the next stage in the development of the exhibition, organised by Messe Frankfurt Middle East with government support from the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI). Following 22 editions at Dubai World Trade Centre, Automechanika Dubai will take place at DEC for the first time in 2026.
The exhibition will span 11 product sections across the automotive aftermarket value chain, including parts and components, electrics and electronics, tyres and wheels, batteries and technology, diagnostics and repair, vehicle care and detailing, and digital solutions and services.
The 2026 edition comes at a pivotal time for the Middle East and Africa automotive aftermarket. Glasgow Research and Consulting forecasts that the market will reach $87 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual growth rate of up to 7%. Expanding vehicle numbers and fleets, together with rising repair and maintenance requirements, are creating opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, workshop operators, technical specialists and investors.
The mix of vehicles operating across the region is also becoming more complex. Conventional vehicles continue to account for a substantial share of vehicles on the road, while hybrid, electric and connected vehicles are growing in prominence. The result is a wider range of requirements across parts availability, diagnostics, workshop equipment, technical skills, servicing and investment.
“What we are seeing across the region is a more varied aftermarket,” said Tommy Le, Show Manager, Automechanika Dubai. “Conventional vehicles remain a major part of the market, but hybrid, electric and connected vehicles are changing the products, skills and technical knowledge the industry needs. Automechanika Dubai 2026 will bring that evolving mix together, giving businesses the opportunity to understand where the market is heading and build the relationships they need as the show moves to Dubai Exhibition Centre for the first time.”
The exhibition floor will feature at least 20 content-led features and activations, including conferences, training, awards, live demonstrations, competitions, interactive experiences, and new launches. The programme is designed to help automotive professionals understand market developments and prepare for changing customer, vehicle and workshop requirements.
Platforms including Aftermarket Central, Innovation4Mobility, Fleet FWD, LABX and Modern Workshop will sit alongside Training & Development, AfriConnections, Grand Tour Challenges, the Automechanika Dubai Awards and the IBIS @ Automechanika Dubai conference. Together, they will examine emerging technologies and business models across mobility, fleets, logistics and workshops, while connecting decision-makers from across the aftermarket ecosystem.
Chris Lee, Portfolio Director, Mobility & Logistics, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “After more than two decades at Dubai World Trade Centre, moving to DEC feels like the right next step for Automechanika Dubai. The market is changing quickly, and the show needs the space and flexibility to keep changing with it. DEC will help us improve how people move through and connect at the event, while Dubai’s position between major international automotive markets keeps the show close to the opportunities emerging across the Middle East and Africa.” -TradeArabia News Service
