Ajban 2026 will bring global defence suppliers, manufacturers and buyers to Abu Dhabi on September 21 and 22 for sourcing, technology showcases and business meetings.
ABU DHABI: Ajban 2026 will bring international and regional defence industry suppliers, manufacturers and procurement professionals to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on September 21 and 22, 2026. The invitation-only exhibition will focus on supply-chain sourcing, industrial capabilities, advanced technology and direct business connections.
The event is expected to feature 200 exhibitors, 1,500 visiting buyers and 100 hosted buyers, alongside a programme designed to generate one-to-one business connections. Organisers are targeting 10,000 individual meetings during the two-day exhibition, placing direct interaction between suppliers and procurement teams at the centre of the event.
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Ajban has developed as a specialised sourcing platform as defence manufacturing capabilities expand across the Gulf and wider region. The exhibition aims to help manufacturers identify new procurement partners and explore technologies and services needed to support their industrial requirements.
International participation will be a major feature of Ajban 2026. Around half of the exhibitors are expected to come from outside the UAE, with suppliers from Germany, India and Turkey among those represented. More than 40 Chinese exhibitors are also expected, with organisers saying many will be exhibiting in the region for the first time.
The exhibition will be divided into specialised areas covering different parts of the industrial supply chain. Its Industry Zone will include suppliers involved in steel, aluminium, plastics, composites, fabrication, coatings, industrial engineering and precision machining.
An Advanced Tech Zone will focus on electronics, automation, semiconductors, data storage, 3D printing, artificial intelligence services and related technologies. A dedicated Service Zone will bring together companies offering specialist services to manufacturers and industry participants.
Beyond exhibition stands, the programme will include conferences, talks and workshops. Exhibitors will also have opportunities to present products and services directly to groups of visitors through dedicated sessions.
Business matchmaking is another major element. The event’s online platform allows registered visitors and exhibitors to connect before arriving in Abu Dhabi and arrange meetings for the exhibition.
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The hosted buyer programme will bring selected buyers from across the region to the event, while networking lunches, a networking café and a gala dinner will provide additional opportunities for professional connections.
When: September, 21-22 2026
Where: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi. UAE
Ajban is not open to the general public, with visitors admitted by invitation, reinforcing its focus on manufacturers, suppliers, buyers and other industry professionals. For more details click here.
Impact to expect
The return of Ajban this year could strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for specialised industrial sourcing by connecting manufacturers with international suppliers, emerging technologies and new procurement opportunities.
