Trade-only Dubai lift and escalator show, 23–25 March 2027 at DWTC Trade Centre Arena: around 120 exhibitors, free registration, first specialist forum.
Dates
23–25 Mar 2027
City / country
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Venue
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) – Trade Centre Arena
Event overview
The Elevator Show Dubai returns for its second edition at the Trade Centre Arena of the Dubai World Trade Centre on 23–25 March 2027. Co-organised by AFAG and Elevator World, it is the Middle East's dedicated meeting place for the international lift, escalator and component industry.
Around 120 exhibitors are expected to show drives, doors, cabins, control systems, components and installation services to manufacturers, suppliers, specifiers, developers and engineers. A first specialist forum adds technical discussion to the exhibition floor, while the free-to-attend, trade-only format keeps the audience focused on procurement, specification and regional project delivery.
TL;DR
Visit to compare complete lift systems, components and modernisation packages in one hall, and to meet the suppliers behind them. The 2027 edition adds a specialist forum for technical questions on controls, safety and energy use. Because the show is trade-only and free to register, the floor is built for specification conversations rather than consumer browsing. Dubai's project pipeline across towers, hotels, retail and transport makes this a practical place to shortlist partners for live MENA work.
Exhibit to reach international manufacturers, installers, specifiers and developers who travel to Dubai specifically for the lift and escalator sector. The second edition is expected to be larger than 2024, and the move to the Trade Centre Arena gives room for machinery, cabins and component displays. A trade-only audience shortens the path from a stand conversation to a technical or procurement follow-up, while the specialist forum adds visibility for products that need explanation.
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
Halls & areas
1Trade Centre Arena, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Food options
DWTC concourse cafés and food court
On-site diningParking: Use the DWTC multi-storey car parks off Sheikh Zayed Road; follow signs for the Trade Centre Arena. Allow extra time during morning build-up and on the first show morning.
Gate: Enter through the DWTC main concourse and follow Trade Centre Arena wayfinding. Have your advance-registration QR code ready at the visitor registration desk.
Attend
Trade visitor
Free of charge for the industry; advance registration required.
Ticket info
Badge collection
Register online before travel and bring the QR code plus passport or Emirates ID to the visitor registration desk in the DWTC concourse.
Ticket notes
Free for industry visitors; advance registration is required and the show is trade-only. No paid ticket tiers were published for 2027.
What's on
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2024
Visitors: 3,700
Exhibitors: 110
Edition #: 1
Exhibitor countries: 14
Visitor countries: 76
This edition
2027
Visitors: 4,500
Exhibitors: 120
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
The first edition in September 2024 brought 3,700 visitors from 76 countries to meet 110 exhibitors from 14 countries at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
New this edition
Specialist forum
The 2027 edition adds a specialist forum alongside the exhibition, giving exhibitors and visitors a technical programme for the first time.
SourceImpact
The first edition established the show as a genuinely international meeting point, with 76 visitor countries for a single-hall launch. The 2027 move to the Trade Centre Arena signals that the organiser expects a larger floor and more exhibitors. For buyers, that means a broader supplier comparison in one visit; for exhibitors, it means more regional project conversations and a stronger technical programme through the new specialist forum.
Audience quality
The audience is trade-only and weighted toward the lift and escalator supply chain rather than general construction visitors. The 2024 country mix points to strong MENA participation alongside European and Asian suppliers. Buyers should expect a compact, focused floor where stand conversations are technical and commercially relevant, with fewer casual visitors than a broad building show.
Exhibitor outcomes
ROI depends on targeting the right specification and procurement visitors rather than raw footfall. A nine-square-metre stand can work for component lead generation, while machinery or cabin displays need a larger raw-space build. The 2027 exhibitor forecast of around 120 companies is still small enough for a focused show, so exhibitors should prepare country-specific follow-up and book meetings in advance rather than relying on walk-ins.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Dubai sits at the centre of MENA construction, hospitality and transport investment, where tall buildings and high-throughput public projects depend on reliable vertical transport. A dedicated trade show gives regional buyers a single place to compare global component suppliers against local service and specification needs.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Modernisation of ageing installations
Owners of hotels, offices and residential towers are refreshing controls, drives and cabins rather than replacing entire shafts, creating demand for retrofit kits and fast installation.
What it changes: Suppliers with modular modernisation packages can win recurring work across the region.
Digital monitoring and predictive maintenance
Connected controllers and remote diagnostics are moving from premium options to expected features in new lifts and service contracts.
What it changes: Data capability is becoming part of the buying decision alongside price and lead time.
Energy efficiency and compact designs
Regulations and building certifications reward lower-energy drives, LED lighting and machine-room-less layouts that free up floor area.
What it changes: Efficiency claims need testable evidence, which makes technical forums and component demonstrations valuable.
Dubai is the MENA hub on a circuit of established lift exhibitions. Buyers often pair the Dubai show with a European or Asian event to compare global suppliers.
China International Elevator & Escalator Exhibition (CIEE) 2027
Shanghai, China
Indicative 2027 dates; confirm the official calendar before booking.
websiteinterlift 2027
Nuremberg, Germany
Indicative autumn 2027 dates; confirm with the organiser before booking travel.
websiteLift Expo Italia 2027
Milan, Italy
Indicative 2027 dates; confirm with the organiser before booking.
websiteCircuit dates are planning estimates; only the Dubai dates were confirmed on an official page.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Dubai International Airport
Closest major airport; Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are served by taxis and the Metro Red Line.
about 5 km
to venue
15–25 minutes
by car
Al Maktoum International Airport
South-west of the city; use a taxi or pre-booked transfer for the show.
about 45 km
to venue
45–60 minutes
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 70–130 / night
Good value and Metro access; allow 20–30 minutes to DWTC.
USD 150–260 / night
Walkable or one Metro stop from the venue; best balance for exhibitors.
USD 300–520 / night
Larger rooms and business facilities; 10–20 minutes by taxi.
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Dubai Metro
Nol card required; the station is a short covered walk from the DWTC concourse.
Taxi / ride-hail
Use the official RTA taxi rank or a ride-hail app; traffic is heaviest at peak hours.
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
| Type | Who needs it | Fee | Processing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business visit visa | Visitors whose nationality is not eligible for visa on arrival | $90.00 | 3–7 working days | |
| Visa on arrival | Eligible nationalities travelling for business meetings or a trade fair | — | On arrival |
Many GCC and Western nationalities receive a free visa on arrival; confirm your passport’s status on the official UAE portal.
The UAE accepts ATA Carnets for qualifying temporary imports; confirm the code and validity with UAE Customs before shipping.
Official visa pageWeather
March is warm and generally dry: daytime highs around 27–31°C, cooler evenings near 19–22°C, with a small chance of rain.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Airport and hotel Wi-Fi is widely available; buy a local eSIM or a du/Etisalat tourist SIM for reliable data. The venue may charge for high-bandwidth exhibitor connections.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business etiquette
Handshakes are common in business settings; use titles and family names until invited otherwise. Dress neatly for meetings and modestly in public buildings.
Getting around
Friday and Saturday form the weekend in the UAE. Plan meetings around prayer times and allow extra time on Thursday afternoons.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Book 6–10 weeks ahead for March; direct flights to DXB are plentiful, and DWC is a secondary option.
Book flightsMost visitors need a visa or visa on arrival; eligibility depends on nationality. Apply before travel if you are not on the visa-on-arrival list.
Estimated cost: USD 0–120
Processing: 3–7 working days for an advance visa
Carry a passport valid for at least six months and a printed hotel booking or invitation letter.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Take an RTA taxi from DXB (about 15–25 minutes) or the Metro Red Line to World Trade Centre station.
Hotel → venue: Most Sheikh Zayed Road hotels are walkable; elsewhere use the Metro or a short taxi ride.
Ride-hail: Careem and Uber operate in Dubai; use the app’s official pickup points at the airport and venue.
Public transit: The Red Line connects DXB terminals, Downtown and DWTC; a Nol card works across Metro, tram and buses.
Parking: Paid multi-storey parking is available at DWTC; arrive early on the first show morning.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March
Temperature: 19–31°C
Seasonality: Warm and mostly dry; occasional short rain showers.
Packing: Light business clothing, a jacket for air-conditioned halls, sunglasses and a refillable water bottle.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Day 2 – 24 March 2027
The middle day usually has the fullest exhibitor staffing and programme schedule, while the first morning is lost to registration and the last day to pack-down.
Register for a free trade badge and check the visa route — Use the official visitor page and save the QR code.
Book flights and a refundable hotel near DWTC — Aim for check-in on 22 March.
Build a shortlist of exhibitors and product categories — Use the exhibitor search and note stand numbers.
Plan meetings and download the floor plan — Leave buffers between halls and the specialist forum.
Pack business cards, passport, adapters and comfortable shoes — Check the Metro route and weather.
Registration and badge collection
DWTC main concourseComponent and drive supplier meetings
Trade Centre ArenaLunch and informal networking
DWTC food courtSpecialist forum and controls demonstrations
Trade Centre Arena forum areaOld Dubai and the Creek
Half-Day Culture
20–30 minutes by Metro or taxi
See the Al Fahidi historic district, abra crossing and gold and spice souks.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Full-Day Culture
about 1.5–2 hours by road
World-class museum and a contrast to Dubai’s skyline; book a day tour or drive.
DWTC concourse cafés
venue
Easy between-session meetings; busiest at midday.
Downtown Dubai hotel lounges
evening
Quieter settings for supplier dinners, 15–20 minutes by taxi.
Dubai’s trade audience expects fast, specific follow-up. A generic brochure email will not stand out after a compact, technical show; a dated next step does.
Budget
Shell scheme
AED 1800–2500 / m²
Raw space
AED 1200–1800 / m²
Standard booth
9 m²
Indicative Dubai exhibition rates. Final tariffs depend on hall, location and the official exhibitor manual.
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_rental
exhibitor · standard
AED 10800–22500 / 9 sqm shell scheme
booth_rental
exhibitor · raw_space
AED 43200–64800 / 36 sqm raw space
hotel
visitor · mid
AED 550–950 / per night
flight
visitor · economy
AED 1300–3200 / return
visa
visitor · standard
AED 450 / per person
insurance
both · standard
AED 150–450 / per trip
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| booth_rental | exhibitor | standard | AED 10800–22500 / 9 sqm shell scheme | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| booth_rental | exhibitor | raw_space | AED 43200–64800 / 36 sqm raw space | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| hotel | visitor | mid | AED 550–950 / per night | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| flight | visitor | economy | AED 1300–3200 / return | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| visa | visitor | standard | AED 450 / per person | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
| insurance | both | standard | AED 150–450 / per trip | estimate | 2026-10-31 |
Decision
Six quick questions will point you to visit, exhibit or skip The Elevator Show Dubai 2027.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your main objective for the show?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You have a live project, a specification to write or suppliers to benchmark.
Best for
Developers, specifiers, installers and buyers comparing suppliers
Min. budget
$1,500.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks to register, book travel and arrange meetings
Risks
Crowded first morning
Limited time to cover every hall
exhibit
You want qualified regional leads, distribution partners or a product launch.
Best for
Manufacturers, component suppliers and service firms selling into MENA
Min. budget
$12,000.00
Timeline
3–6 months for space, stand build and freight
Risks
Higher upfront cost
Lead quality depends on pre-show promotion
skip
No relevant products, projects or travel budget are available this cycle.
Best for
Companies with no lift, building-mobility or MENA commercial interest
Timeline
Not applicable
Risks
Missing a focused regional industry gathering
Book with
Dubai World Trade Centre
The DWTC complex hosts the Trade Centre Arena and provides the exhibition infrastructure for the show.
Venue operator of the confirmed show location.
Emirates
Dubai’s international airline, with direct connections from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas into DXB.
Convenient airline for inbound visitors; not named as an official show partner.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce
Dubai’s chamber of commerce supports trade, investment and business networking across the emirate.
Useful public body for market-entry and business-networking support; not a confirmed show sponsor.
VFA-Interlift e.V.
German industry association for the lift and escalator sector, linked to the interlift trade-fair community.
Industry association relevant to the show’s organiser network; not named as a 2027 partner.
Recommended providers
Check nationality-specific visa and visa-on-arrival rules before booking.
Compare refundable rates near DWTC and Downtown Dubai.
Direct flights to DXB from major hubs; book 6–8 weeks ahead for March.
Use the organiser’s official handler once named; otherwise request a door-to-stand quote.
Choose a policy covering business travel, medical care and exhibition equipment.
Book Old Dubai or Louvre Abu Dhabi tours for the days around the show.
Badge-scanning and lead-capture tools with CSV export; test before the show.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
6 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
3
References
1
Publishers
3
Date checked
The Elevator Show Dubai
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.
