Breakbulk Middle East celebrates 10 years, Global Supply Chain proud media partner
The 10th edition of Breakbulk ME will bring industry leaders together on 4-5 February for in-depth discussions and insights
Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Breakbulk Middle East will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre on 4–5 February 2026 for its 10th anniversary edition. As the region’s only dedicated event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry, Breakbulk Middle East has grown faster than any other event in the global Breakbulk portfolio, driven by rising project activity across the Gulf and the expanding role of the UAE as a logistics hub for the world.
Global Supply Chain is a proud media partner at the event and is moderating an important session on the GCC Rail Network Revolution on 5th February.
The 2025 event exceeded expectations by a wide margin. Attendance climbed to more than 10,500 industry professionals, surpassing the original projection by more than 3,000 participants, and underscoring the momentum behind the region’s infrastructure, energy and industrial sectors.
“Breakbulk Middle East serves as an essential forum connecting stakeholders across the UAE’s infrastructure, logistics and energy sectors, reflecting our national agenda to enhance the UAE’s role as a global trade and project cargo hub,” H.E. Eng. Mohammed Al Mansoori, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE, said. “This event supports our drive to advance more efficient, digitally enabled and sustainable supply chains that contribute to long-term economic growth and the achievement of our net-zero by 2050 goals.”
DP World has hosted Breakbulk Middle East since its move to Dubai in 2019, a period during which the event’s attendance grew 206%.
“Breakbulk Middle East has become a key platform for companies looking to tap into the opportunities created by the UAE’s continued rise as a global logistics hub,” said Shahab Al Jassmi, Chief Commercial Officer – Ports & Terminals, DP World GCC. “DP World is proud to support an event that attracts the full breadth of the project cargo community and connects our ports and partners with fast-growing markets across the Middle East, Africa and beyond.”
Ben Blamire, Event Director for Breakbulk Middle East, added: “The growth of this event has been phenomenal, but it is never enough. We want to keep expanding Breakbulk Middle East so more industry players can be part of the transformation underway across the region.”
A Focus on Innovation
The 10th anniversary edition will continue to deliver the connections and insights that attendees expect, with a stronger emphasis on future-focused content, including:
- The launch of Breakbulk Future Thinkers, a new initiative exploring what the project cargo and maritime sectors will look like in 2045
- The 2026 Breakbulk Middle East Innovation Awards, the first awards program at this event
- Live Innovation Pitches on the new Breakbulk Voices Stage, where companies introduce ideas aimed at solving industry challenges
“The UAE is at the forefront of innovation, from infrastructure to advanced technology initiatives,” said Leslie Meredith, Product and Editorial Director, Breakbulk Events and Media. “Launching our future-forward programs here is a natural fit. Breakbulk Middle East brings together the companies and leaders shaping what comes next, and that’s why it’s a must-attend event for the region and the world.”
This year’s Main Stage will examine the regions and sectors driving project demand, including:
- Project activity across the Middle East, including GCC giga-projects and new corridors into Iraq
- Africa’s growing role in critical minerals and port development
- A fleet under pressure, covering new fuels, vessel renewal and crew shortages
- Energy transition strategies across oil, gas, LNG, solar and emerging nuclear
- Practical applications of AI in logistics and project operations
“Sponsoring the Main Stage allows us to support the conversations that matter as the region moves through rapid industrial and economic growth,” Arnoud Dekkers, Head of Business Development, DHL Industrial Projects Middle East and Africa, said. “The agenda at Breakbulk Middle East aligns with DHL’s significant investment plan, which includes more than €500 million for the Middle East and an additional €300 million earmarked specifically for Africa, to expand sustainable logistics infrastructure across the region. This includes a €130 million investment by DHL Supply Chain in a new warehouse located in the KSA Special Integrated Logistics Zone, and the recent announcement of a €120 million commitment for a carbon-neutral multi-user facility in Dubai South.”
Breakbulk Middle East 2026 will also feature:
- Three technical workshops covering chartering, heavy-lift operations and practical applications of AI
- Women in Breakbulk luncheon focused on AI implementation and exhibition floor lounge
- An executive summit for senior leaders
- Breakbulk Education Day for students and young professionals entering the industry
Registration for Breakbulk Middle East 2026 is open at https://middleeast.breakbulk.com/home.
