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WHX Dubai 2027 exhibitor guide: planning your stand for World Health Expo and WHX Labs
WHX Dubai runs 25–28 January 2027 at Expo City and Dubai World Trade Centre. A stand planning timeline, venue tips and checklist for healthcare and lab exhibitors.
WHX Dubai 2027 runs from 25 to 28 January 2027. The main exhibition moves to Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, and WHX Labs (formerly Medlab Middle East) stays at Dubai World Trade Centre. If you are exhibiting, approve your stand design by late November 2026 so drawings, approvals and production fit before build-up. This guide covers the timeline, the two venues and what a healthcare stand needs.
What is WHX Dubai?
WHX, World Health Expo, is the new name for the show that grew from Arab Health, now combined with WHX Labs, formerly Medlab Middle East. It draws hospital groups, distributors, governments and procurement teams from across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, which makes it one of the most important healthcare shows of the year for medical device, pharma, diagnostics and laboratory brands.
Two venues: Expo City and Dubai World Trade Centre
- Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai: the main WHX exhibition.
- Dubai World Trade Centre: WHX Labs, for laboratory and diagnostics companies.
The venues are about 30 to 40 minutes apart by road. If you exhibit at both, plan your team's schedule and stock early, and consider using the same stand builder for both so design, graphics and AV stay consistent and shared items can move between halls.
Stand planning timeline for WHX 2027
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| By early November 2026 | Confirm space number, size and open sides. Brief your stand builder with goals, products and budget. |
| By late November 2026 | Approve the 3D design. Drawings and structural calculations go to the organiser. |
| December 2026 | Production: joinery, graphics, LED and AV set-up, furniture booked. |
| Early January 2027 | Final artwork and video content delivered and tested. |
| Build-up days | On-site build and handover walk-through on the last build-up day. |
| 25–28 January 2027 | Show days, with a technician on call. |
Always check the official exhibitor manual for the exact drawing deadline and build-up dates for your hall.
What a healthcare or lab stand needs
- Clean, hygienic finishes. Smooth, wipeable surfaces in light tones look clinical and stay tidy over four busy days.
- Clear product zones. Group devices, consumables and software so visitors find their area at a glance.
- Live demo space. Analysers, imaging and surgical equipment need power, data, ventilation and enough room for small groups.
- Private meeting rooms. Distributor and procurement meetings drive most of the business at WHX.
- Secure storage. Samples, brochures and valuable devices need a lockable room.
- Screens with purpose. LED walls and touch displays work best for procedures, product animations and clinical results.
Five ways to stand out at WHX
- Lead with one clear message visible from the aisle, such as the problem your product solves.
- Use height. A hanging banner or tall feature wall helps visitors find you in large halls.
- Light it well. Good lighting makes medical products look precise and premium.
- Book meetings before the show. Use the show's matchmaking tools and email your key accounts in December.
- Plan follow-up. Scan badges, tag leads by interest and follow up within a week.
Build your WHX 2027 stand with DOT Exhibits
DOT Exhibits designs and builds custom exhibition stands in-house in Dubai, with production in Dubai, Riyadh and Milan. Healthcare, laboratory and life-science clients include Children's National, BMS, BioVendor, Sakura, SPL, Microwell and Smeg. We build at both Expo City and Dubai World Trade Centre.
See our WHX Dubai stand builder page, or send us your space details on WhatsApp for ideas and a budget range.
Frequently asked questions
What is WHX Dubai?
WHX (World Health Expo) Dubai is one of the world's largest healthcare trade shows. It brings together the former Arab Health and WHX Labs, formerly Medlab Middle East.
Where is WHX Dubai 2027 held?
The main exhibition is at Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai. WHX Labs is at Dubai World Trade Centre, near the metro station entrance.
When should I approve my WHX stand design?
Approve the design by late November 2026. Organisers usually need stand drawings 6 to 8 weeks before build-up, and production needs about four to six weeks after that.
What should a medical or laboratory stand include?
Clean, easy-to-wipe finishes, clear zones for each product family, demo space for devices and analysers, secure storage, power and data for live equipment, and at least one private meeting room for distributors and procurement teams.