From 3 to 5 November 2026, Dubai World Trade Centre will host the 19th edition of ISM Middle East, the international trade event dedicated to confectionery and snacks. The event will bring together brands, buyers, distributors and retailers from the Middle East, Africa, Asia and other markets, providing a meeting point to discover new products, identify suppliers and explore the trends shaping purchasing decisions across the sector.
The new edition comes at a time of continued change in the market, with growing interest in healthier options, premium offerings, bolder and more original flavours and products designed for convenient, on-the-go consumption.
Key product categories at ISM Middle East
The exhibition offering at ISM Middle East 2026 will cover the sector's main categories, from confectionery and chocolate to snacks and traditional sweets, biscuits and cakes, ice cream and desserts. Alongside established brands, the event will also feature emerging companies, giving trade professionals the opportunity to compare products across different segments, explore solutions to broaden their ranges and strengthen their offering, and consider new business partnerships.
International sourcing and new business opportunities
ISM Middle East 2026 takes place at a time when international sourcing is playing an increasingly strategic role for companies across the industry. By bringing together industry professionals and products from different markets in a single event, the exhibition can facilitate comparisons and provide a broader view of the opportunities available.
The event therefore provides a platform to connect buyers and suppliers, develop new contacts and support faster, better-informed business decisions.
Four events to expand networking opportunities
ISM Middle East will be co-located with three other events dedicated to complementary segments of the industry: Gulfood Manufacturing, Private Label Middle East and GulfHost.
The four events will allow trade visitors to extend their experience beyond the confectionery and snacks sector, exploring technologies and solutions for food production and packaging, private label and contract manufacturing, as well as equipment and technologies for hospitality and foodservice.
Together, the events will provide a broader view of the value chain, connecting production, sourcing, distribution and professional foodservice while creating new opportunities for interaction between professionals from different industry segments.
Information, programme and updates
ISM Middle East will take place from 3 to 5 November at Dubai World Trade Centre. To view the full event programme and find out more about attending the show, visit the website and follow the ISM Middle East 2026 social media channels.
