The countdown is officially on. The Gulf Bar Show (GBS) has confirmed new dates for its second edition, returning on Monday, November 30 and Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events Centre. Running daily from 12 PM to 9 PM, the region’s first and only dedicated bar and beverage trade show will bring together the bar industry and community across MENA for two days of talks, tastings, and trade.

Now in its second year, GBS has grown into far more than a two-day trade show. Working year-round with the region’s leading distributors and the world’s biggest drinks brands, it has become an ongoing platform for the MENA bar industry, built on the pillars of Culture, Craftsmanship, and Community, alongside this year’s theme, “The Bar Craft”. This edition is set to welcome more than 3,000 industry leaders and professionals and over 100 global and regional exhibitors, alongside an educational programme of more than 20 seminars and masterclasses, and over 12 guided tasting sessions.

Talks, workshops, and masterclasses will be led by respected names from across the global bar industry, including Ed Cottrell, Tristan Stephenson, David Rios, Ian Burrell, Marcio Silva, Renato Giovannoni, and Alex Resnik, with some of the region’s leading venues set to take over the show’s Tasting Bars.

This year, GBS will take place concurrently with Salon du Chocolat Dubai, bringing the region’s leading bar and beverage community together with the world of chocolate and pastry. Held simultaneously at the same venue, the two events create a unique cross-industry experience, offering visitors and industry professionals even more to discover under one roof.

“I’ve always believed that Dubai deserves to be right up there with the biggest names in the global bar industry. We have the talent, the creativity, and a community that’s ready to leave its mark,” said Sebouh Tato, Co-Founder of Gulf Bar Show. “Confirming our November dates is another step forward for GBS, but our ambition goes far beyond two days of an event. We want to build something that brings this industry together, opens doors, and gives the region a voice on the world stage,” he added. 

Bartenders can also take part in MENA’S first-ever cocktail storytelling competition, “Bonded by Craft”, powered by Jack Daniel’s Bonded Series and The Gulf Bar Show. This engaging competition will take place during the trade show, with the final stage on December 1, asking GBS guests to vote for the winning team. 

This year’s edition is supported by category sponsors Red Bull, Franklin & Sons, Surgiva, and Natural Ice, with partnerships delivered in collaboration with MMI and African + Eastern, reinforcing GBS’ commercial relevance and its role as a primary regional gateway for global beverage brands. 

Between editions, GBS keeps the conversation going, giving the region’s hospitality and bar communities a stage to both teach and learn from the people building these industries. “Great Bar Stories” is a short-form online series sharing the honest, insightful, and unexpected perspectives of both experts and day-to-day operators alike. Featured voices include 2026 World Class UAE Bartender of the Year Sharfin Auni and classic Tomatini creator Jimmy Barrat, plus many more voices from behind the bar and across the trade.

Exhibitors are still welcome to secure their spot. Industry professionals, bar teams, hospitality leaders, and beverage enthusiasts can purchase tickets via Platinum List. For registrations, exhibitor opportunities, and partnership enquiries, please contact exhibitors@gulfbarshow.com. For the latest updates, follow @gulfbarshow on Instagram and Gulf Bar Show on LinkedIn.

Visitors are encouraged to download the Gulf Bar Show app before the show for the exhibitor directory, venue map, agenda, speakers, and guest shifts. GBS also encourages all guests to enjoy every tasting smartly and drink responsibly. For more information on responsible drinking, visit drinkiq.com.