China Homelife UAE Expo Dubai returns 15-17 Dec 2026 to DWTC.
Dates
15–17 Dec 2026
City / country
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Venue
Dubai World Trade Centre
Time
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Event overview
China Homelife UAE Expo Dubai runs 15-17 December 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, connecting Middle East importers and wholesalers with Chinese manufacturers of home goods, gifts, furniture, building materials and appliances.
The three-day B2B sourcing show is the December edition of the long-running HOMELIFE UAE series, with free trade-buyer pre-registration and 10:00-18:00 opening hours.
TL;DR
Buyers can inspect homeware, gifts, furniture, building products and small appliances from hundreds of Chinese suppliers in one hall, compare quotes side by side, and use the organiser's matchmaking service to book meetings with factories that fit their price and volume requirements. Dubai's re-export routes also make it practical to consolidate orders for GCC and African distribution.
Chinese manufacturers and trading companies use the December Dubai edition to meet GCC distributors, retail chains and project buyers during the region's cooler high season. The show delivers pre-qualified buyer traffic, Arabic and English interpretation support, and a Dubai base from which orders can be shipped onward to the wider Middle East and Africa.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, PO Box 9292, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Entrances & gates
World Trade Centre Metro entrance
Red Line station is linked by covered walkway to the complex.
Food options
DWTC concourse cafes and food court
On-site diningParking: Multi-storey parking is available at the Dubai World Trade Centre complex; enter from Sheikh Zayed Road or the 2nd December Street side and allow extra time on show mornings.
Gate: Use the main DWTC entrance nearest World Trade Centre Metro station; bring your pre-registration QR code and photo ID for badge collection.
Attend
Event days & opening times
Trade buyer pre-registration
Free online pre-registration for verified trade buyers; no public day ticket is sold.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Pre-register online, then collect your badge at the visitor registration counters in the main DWTC concourse with photo ID.
Ticket notes
Trade-buyer pre-registration is free; no paid public ticket price is published. Visitors are advised to be 18 or older.
What's on
THE 20TH BDE PAVILION (UAE) 2026
Building and decoration pavilion covering sustainable materials, doors and windows, bathrooms, lighting, tools, marble and safety products.
Same venue and dates as the main show.
THE 20TH DEFU PAVILION (UAE) 2026
Furniture and soft-furnishing pavilion covering custom furniture, outdoor and hospitality furniture, office seating, lighting, carpets and upholstery.
Same venue and dates as the main show.
ABC&MOM Show UAE 2026
Baby, children and maternity products show co-located with the December HOMELIFE edition.
Same venue and dates as the main show.
Hangzhou Municipal People's Government
Host of the 18th edition · China
Dubai Chamber of Commerce
Supporting business chamber · United Arab Emirates
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
Visitors: 30,000
Exhibitors: 500
Floor area: 15,000 sqm
Edition #: 18
This edition
2026
Visitors: 250,000
Exhibitors: 3,000
Floor area: 50,000 sqm
Next edition
Not announced yet
Growth over time
New this edition
AI Smart Exhibition matchmaking
The organiser promotes an AI-assisted buyer-matching system and AI glasses for interpreting and recording meetings.
SourceCo-located pavilions
The December 2026 edition is promoted alongside the BDE building-materials pavilion, DEFU furniture pavilion and ABC&MOM baby-products show.
SourceImpact
Dubai's role as a re-export gateway makes this a practical sourcing stop for buyers who cannot justify a China trip. The show concentrates Chinese home, gift and building-product factories in one venue, shortening supplier discovery and sample comparison. Its main value is breadth and price comparison rather than premium design or high-end brands.
Audience quality
The audience is predominantly GCC and African importers, wholesalers and retail buyers, with project and hospitality specifiers in the building and furniture halls. The organiser's matchmaking programme targets large retail groups, but the room is broad, so exhibitors should qualify buyers by order volume and product fit rather than badge count.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on distributor recruitment rather than on-site retail sales. Exhibitors with Arabic-speaking staff, clear FOB pricing and realistic container minimums convert best; those seeking spot sales or premium retail listings will find the show less productive. Follow-up within 48 hours is the main determinant of pipeline quality.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
The UAE is China's largest Middle East trading partner and Dubai's Jebel Ali port re-exports goods across the GCC, Africa and South Asia. A Dubai show lowers the cost of meeting Chinese factories for buyers who cannot travel to China, while giving manufacturers a compact, visa-friendly market test in one of the world's busiest transit hubs.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Buyers consolidate around fewer, more reliable factories
Rising freight and financing costs are pushing importers to reduce their supplier base and negotiate larger, less frequent orders with factories that can document quality and delivery performance.
What it changes: Exhibitors need clear certifications, production capacity evidence and realistic lead times to win consolidated contracts.
Gulf retail shifts toward value and private label
Discount chains and hypermarkets across the GCC are expanding private-label homeware and gift ranges, creating demand for flexible factories that can handle smaller custom runs and Arabic packaging.
What it changes: Factories that offer private label, mixed-container loading and local labelling can win retail programmes rather than one-off orders.
Dubai strengthens its re-export and free-zone role
Free-zone storage and onward shipping let distributors hold stock in Dubai and serve Africa and the wider Middle East faster, making the city a planning base rather than only a sales stop.
What it changes: Exhibitors should discuss free-zone warehousing and regional distribution partnerships, not just direct shipment from China.
Latest updates from across the market.
18th HOMELIFE UAE closes with almost 30,000 buyer visits
ReadThe December Dubai edition sits inside a twice-yearly HOMELIFE UAE rhythm and a wider Gulf sourcing calendar. Buyers often pair it with Saudi and wider Middle East shows, while exhibitors use Dubai as a base for Riyadh and other GCC stops.
HOMELIFE UAE - June 2026 edition
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
June dates per the organiser's 2026 calendar; confirm final hall allocation with the organiser.
websiteHOMELIFE Indonesia
Jakarta, Indonesia
Circuit-calendar estimate; the 2025 edition occupied the late-November slot.
websiteHOMELIFE Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Circuit-calendar estimate based on the December Saudi slot; confirm dates before booking.
websiteDecember Gulf sourcing window
Back-to-back December shows let exhibitors combine a Dubai and Riyadh trip.
Dates for sister editions are circuit estimates unless confirmed on the organiser's current calendar.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Dubai International Airport
Busiest option, with direct metro access to the venue via the Red Line after a short transfer.
About 12 km
to venue
20-30 minutes by taxi
by car
Al Maktoum International Airport
Used by some regional and cargo carriers; allow extra time for the drive from Dubai South.
About 45 km
to venue
45-60 minutes by taxi
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 90–140 / night
Simple business hotels within a short taxi or metro ride of the halls; rates rise during December.
USD 170–260 / night
Best balance of walkability and price; book 8-10 weeks ahead for show week.
USD 320–520 / night
Full-service hotels with meeting space and airport transfers, 10-20 minutes from the venue.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Metro
Fastest option during peak traffic; buy a Nol card at the station.
Taxi / ride-hail
Use the official taxi rank or a ride-hail app; surcharges apply during peak hours.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE visit visa (sponsored or e-visa) | Nationals without UAE visa-free or visa-on-arrival access | $90.00 | 3-7 working days |
Many GCC, EU, UK and Asian passports receive visa-free entry or a visa on arrival; check the UAE government portal for your nationality before booking.
The UAE generally accepts ATA carnets for temporary exhibition goods and professional equipment; confirm with the customs broker.
Official visa pageWeather
December is mild and pleasant: daytime highs around 26-28C, nights near 17-19C and low rainfall. Air conditioning is strong indoors, so bring a light layer.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is usually available in the venue concourse; buy a local eSIM or tourist SIM for reliable mobile data and taxi apps.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Modest dress in public buildings
Cover shoulders and knees in government buildings and mosques; smart-casual business dress is appropriate at the venue.
Friday and Saturday weekend
The UAE weekend is Saturday-Sunday for most businesses, with Friday a shorter working day; allow for different response times from local partners.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: DXB (Dubai International)
Book 6-10 weeks ahead for December; direct flights to DXB are plentiful, and DWC serves selected carriers.
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry for many passports; others need a sponsored UAE e-visa before travel.
Estimated cost: USD 90 for a typical e-visa
Processing: 3-7 working days
Check your nationality's status and passport validity of at least six months before booking.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Taxi from DXB takes 20-30 minutes and costs about AED 50-80; the Metro Red Line connects the airport to World Trade Centre station.
Hotel → venue: Use the Metro Red Line or a short taxi; allow 20-30 minutes at peak times.
Ride-hail: Uber and Careem operate across Dubai; pick-up points are signposted at the venue.
Public transit: The Red Line serves World Trade Centre station, linked to the complex by covered walkway.
Parking: Paid multi-storey parking at DWTC; arrive early during show week.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December
Temperature: 17-28C
Seasonality: Mild, low rainfall, occasional breezy evenings.
Packing: Light business clothing, a jacket for air-conditioned halls and comfortable shoes for the exhibition floor.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: 15 December 2026
Opening day has the fullest exhibitor attendance and the best chance of meeting senior sales staff before samples and catalogues run low. Buyers with tight schedules should book meetings for the morning and use day two for follow-ups.
Confirm registration and travel dates — Check which December edition your badge covers and book flights before hotel rates rise.
Book hotel and airport transfer — Stay near the Trade Centre or a Red Line station.
Build a target exhibitor shortlist — Use the exhibitor list and matchmaking portal to request meetings.
Prepare documents and payment cards — Passport, visa, business cards, company profile and a folder for quotations.
Check hall access and metro route — Plan arrival for 10:00 opening and allow 30 minutes for badge collection.
Arrive, collect badge and collect show guide
DWTC main concourseWalk the homeware and kitchen halls
Main exhibition hallsLunch and supplier follow-up
DWTC food courtPre-booked matchmaking meetings
Matchmaking loungeSecond-pass visits and sample collection
Furniture and building pavilionsBurj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
City Landmark
15-20 minutes by taxi or metro
Combine an evening view with retail benchmarking in one of the world's largest malls.
Al Fahidi Historical District
Culture
20-25 minutes by taxi
See traditional wind-tower architecture, the textile souk and Dubai Creek.
DWTC business lounge
Quiet seating for follow-up calls and one-to-one meetings between hall visits.
Rove Trade Centre lobby
Informal coffee meetings within walking distance of the venue.
Dubai buyers move quickly and often visit several shows in the same week. A same-week follow-up with clear pricing and samples keeps your factory in the shortlist; waiting until after the New Year usually loses the opportunity.
Budget
Shell scheme
AED 1500–2200 / m²
Raw space
AED 900–1400 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Indicative Dubai exhibition rates; the organiser did not publish a 2026 tariff. Confirm with the official sales agent.
sourceAdjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
booth
exhibitor · shell
AED 13500–19800 / 9 sqm stand
hotel
both · mid
USD 630–960 / 3 nights
flight
both · economy
USD 320–700 / return
per_diem
both · standard
USD 50–80 / per day
visa
both · e-visa
USD 90–120 / per person
freight
exhibitor · air
USD 800–1800 / per shipment
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth | exhibitor | shell | AED 13500–19800 / 9 sqm stand | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | both | mid | USD 630–960 / 3 nights | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| flight | both | economy | USD 320–700 / return | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| per_diem | both | standard | USD 50–80 / per day | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | both | e-visa | USD 90–120 / per person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| freight | exhibitor | air | USD 800–1800 / per shipment | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions to decide whether to visit, exhibit or skip this edition.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your sourcing budget for this trip?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You need to compare suppliers and can travel in December.
Best for
Importers and retail buyers sourcing home, gift and building products
Min. budget
$800.00
Timeline
2-4 weeks
Risks
Crowded halls
Supplier quality varies
exhibit
You have export-ready products and Arabic-capable sales support.
Best for
Chinese manufacturers seeking GCC distributors
Min. budget
$6,000.00
Timeline
3-4 months
Risks
High stand and freight cost
Long sales cycle
skip
Your products or budget do not fit the GCC market this cycle.
Best for
Buyers with no Middle East plans or urgent needs
Timeline
None
Risks
Missing market intelligence
Book with
Dubai World Trade Centre
The exhibition complex on Sheikh Zayed Road hosts the show and provides halls, registration and metro access.
Venue named on the event page and organiser recap.
Emirates
Dubai's home carrier connects the venue city to China, South Asia, Europe and Africa.
Airline serving Dubai; not a confirmed show sponsor.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce
Dubai's business chamber supports trade missions and buyer delegations to local exhibitions.
Named as a supporter of the 18th edition in the organiser recap.
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism
The emirate's trade and tourism authority publishes business-travel and exhibition guidance.
Public body for Dubai business travel; not a confirmed partner.
Recommended providers
Official visa eligibility and e-visa guidance by nationality.
Compare Trade Centre and Sheikh Zayed Road hotels; book a refundable rate early for December.
Direct services to Dubai International from major Chinese, South Asian and European cities.
International exhibition freight and customs clearance; request an ATA carnet quote.
Travel and exhibitor liability cover; confirm the venue's insurance requirements.
Book Burj Khalifa, desert and creek tours around show days.
Badge scanning and lead-capture forms that export to CRM.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
5 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
4
References
3
Publishers
4
Date checked
ABC M Expo
HOMELIFE Expo
TradeChina
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
