The UAE is set to host the world's most prominent events in October 2025.
The UAE is preparing to host and organize a large number of major international events next October, enhancing its status as a global center for business and tourism in all its forms.
The events hosted by the state show wide attendance and participation at both the regional and international levels, embodying its active role in shaping the future of many vital sectors on both the regional and global scales.
World Conservation Congress
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi are organizing the 2025 World Conservation Congress of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Abu Dhabi from October 9 to 15, 2025, as part of international efforts to protect the environment and biodiversity.Here are some of the major events happening in the UAE in October 2025 — a mix of sports, culture, business, and entertainment that make the UAE a really vibrant destination this month. Radiation Protection
The conference is expected to witness the launch of high-quality international initiatives that will receive widespread global attention, due to their pivotal role in shaping the future of environmental work and enhancing efforts to protect nature at the international level.
Radiation protection
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation announced the hosting of the eighth international conference on the radiation protection system in the capital, Abu Dhabi, from October 7 to 9, in collaboration with the International Commission on Radiological Protection.
The conference brings together around 500 experts and researchers from all over the world, marking the second time the United Arab Emirates has hosted this high-level international conference, which underscores the country's growing role in the field of nuclear safety and radiation protection.
Expand North Star
Dubai will host the tenth edition of the "Expand North Star" exhibition, the largest event for startups and investors worldwide, from October 12 to 15, 2025.The list of new events in the exhibition agenda includes the "ScaleX platform" for the launch of startups, the "Consumer Technology Zone," the "North Star Green Impact," the "Deep Tech Summit in the Middle East and Africa," and the "Digital Assets Forum."
The UAE and Africa for Tourism Investment
The country is preparing to host the "UAE and Africa for Tourism Investment" summit on October 27 in Dubai, as part of the "Global Hospitality Future Summit," with the participation of tourism ministers and senior officials from 53 African countries. This summit represents a prominent platform for enhancing strategic partnerships and exploring joint investment opportunities in the fields of tourism infrastructure, sustainable hospitality, and the development of specialized tourism products.The Global Forum on Sustainability
The 13th edition of the Global Forum on Sustainability and Social Responsibility will kick off under the theme "Sustainable Growth: Leading Global Change," from October 8 to 9 in Dubai.The forum aims to establish its position as a global platform for dialogue and the exchange of visions on innovative solutions to address sustainability challenges.\
Accessible tourism
Dubai will host the fifth edition of the International Conference on Accessible Travel and Tourism on October 7 and 8, which aims to enhance legislation, policies, infrastructure, and services, particularly in the fields of air, land, and sea mobility, as well as accommodation and hospitality services, to meet the needs of people of determination who seek to enjoy the pleasures of life and explore the world with ease and comfort.Big Events/Highlights
| Event | Date(s) | Location | What & Why It’s Big |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF) 2025 & the 29th World Investment Conference (WIC) | October 22-23, 2025 | Sharjah | Over 10,000 delegates from 142 countries. Focus on aligning global investment with sustainability goals. |
| FIFA Unites: Women’s Series (Afghan Women’s Refugee Team, UAE, Chad, Libya) | October 23-29, 2025 | Dubai | first historic international competition involving the Afghan women’s refugee team. Symbolic and socially important. |
| UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit | October 27, 2025 | Dubai | A forum designed to boost tourism & hospitality investment with African nations; part of FHS World 2025. |
| UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane | October 25, 2025 | Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi | Major MMA event, heavyweight title fight. Adds to the UAE’s growing appeal for big sports spectacles. |
| GITEX GLOBAL 2025 | October 13-17, 2025 | Dubai World Trade Centre | One of the biggest tech expos in the region draws global attention in AI, fintech, smart cities, etc. |