2026 Highlights
The 10th edition of Breakbulk Middle East is finished!
Bringing together hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of attendees, and countless meetings taking place across the exhibition floor, the event has proven its status as a must-attend industry milestone.
From the Women in Breakbulk Luncheon and expert-led conference sessions to interactive workshops, the programme has delivered insight, innovation, and hands-on learning.
With vibrant networking across the exhibition floor and the DP World Golf Day adding to the energy, it was a landmark edition.
Today's highlights
Keynote Highlight: MENA Projects Driving Global Growth
Led by Ryan McPherson, Director for the Middle East, Africa, Russia & CIS at EICUK Middle East, this keynote delivered a strategic overview of the region’s evolving project landscape. The session highlighted how major infrastructure investment, industrial diversification, and new trade corridors are driving global trade and demand for breakbulk and project logistics, setting the stage for discussions on the Middle East’s growing role in global cargo flows.
Empowering Connections at the Women in Breakbulk Luncheon
The Women in Breakbulk Luncheon brought together industry professionals for an inspiring afternoon of networking, insight, and interaction. Two engaging panels explored AI in the workplace, from practical applications and common pitfalls to overcoming hesitancy and embedding AI into everyday workflows.A hands-on Mindful Tea Lab, hosted by Stressie and Kattya & Co, added a creative and wellness-focused networking experience to the afternoon.
NEW FOR 2026: Breakbulk Voices Stage
The Breakbulk Voices Stage delivered a day of engaging, high-impact sessions, bringing focused conversations and fresh perspectives to Breakbulk Middle East.
From sanctions and compliance to the fuel dilemma and growth opportunities across the Middle East, today’s discussions tackled real industry challenges, sparked meaningful dialogue, and offered practical insight - reinforcing the stage’s value as a hub for ideas, expertise, and connection.
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Key sessions
Fleet Under Pressure: Capacity, Costs, and the Crew Crisis
This session examines how these pressures are reshaping vessel supply, crew dynamics, and project cargo flows, with a regional lens on the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, tariff shocks, and political instability.
Intra-GCC Mega Projects: Unlocking Iraq and Beyond
This session explores the strategic role of mega and giga projects, and what they mean for Gulf connectivity. It will also address constraints including dredger shortages, rising project costs, and global heavy-lift shipping demands.
Women in Logistics: Breaking Barriers, Building Careers
This session will focus on how soon – and how far – rail can support the scale and complexity of project logistics across the region, and will examine the operational hurdles around financing, interoperability, wagons, and terminals.
Powering the Gulf: Oil, Gas & Nuclear in the Age of Energy Transition
This session examines the practical realities behind the demand for transition – where oil and gas remain central, how renewables are scaling, and why nuclear small modular reactors (SMRs) are gaining traction for powering data centers and industry.
Project Cargo Market Outlook: Through the Shipper’s Lens
Panelists will explore how digital innovations, market entrants, and changing business priorities are transforming strategies and shaping tomorrow’s logistics landscape.
AI in Action: From Pilot to Performance
This session goes beyond hype to showcase real-world use cases, exploring where AI is delivering real impact, including predictive logistics, workflow transformation and cargo visibility.
Women in Logistics: Breaking Barriers, Building Careers
Showcasing successful initiatives and career pathways increasing the participation of women across logistics and maritime, through personal reflections and insight into training, coaching, and mentoring.
Who we heard from
The Journey to 2027 Starts Now
Breakbulk Middle East will be back in 2027. Register your interest to stay ahead with the latest news and priority updates.
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