GITEX Global, one of the world’s largest technology events, returns to Dubai from 7 to 11 December 2026. For its 46th edition it is moving most of the event to a new venue: Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. That changes the travel plan for many delegates, since DEC is in the south of the city, much closer to Al Maktoum International (DWC) than to the hotels around the World Trade Centre. This guide explains the venues, dates and the ways to get there, based on the GITEX visitor information.
GITEX Global 2026 at a glance
| Item | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | 7 to 11 December 2026 | GITEX |
| GITEX Summit | Monday 7 December, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) | GITEX |
| Expo and conferences | Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 December, Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai | Dubai Exhibition Centre |
| Edition | 46th; first year at Dubai Exhibition Centre | DEC |
Check your badge type and the session schedule on the official site, as access and timings vary by pass.
Two venues, two journeys
On Monday the Summit is at DWTC, on Sheikh Zayed Road in the centre of the city. From Tuesday the action moves to DEC at Expo City Dubai, a long drive south along Sheikh Zayed Road towards Jebel Ali and DWC. If you are staying near DWTC or Downtown, plan for a longer daily commute from Tuesday, and expect heavy traffic around the venue at opening and closing times.
How to get to Dubai Exhibition Centre
- Metro: the Red Line runs to Expo 2020 Metro Station, about 5 to 10 minutes’ walk from the venue according to GITEX. Make sure you board a train going to Expo 2020, as the Red Line has two branches. GITEX also lists direct DWTC to DEC event shuttles.
- Driving: DEC has visitor and overflow car parks, according to GITEX. Allow extra time for parking at peak hours.
- Taxi or app ride: easy to book, but demand peaks at the end of each day. See Uber, Careem and taxis in Dubai.
- Pre-booked car: a driver drops you at the entrance and collects you at a set time or on request.
How to get to DWTC
DWTC has its own Metro station on the Red Line and taxi ranks at the halls. Our DWTC event transfers page covers drop-off points and timing for events there.
Arriving for GITEX: DXB or DWC?
Most international delegates land at Dubai International (DXB). Al Maktoum International (DWC) is much closer to Expo City, so if your airline flies there it can save time on the way to DEC. Our DXB or DWC guide, DXB transfers and DWC transfers pages explain the differences.
Transport for teams and exhibitors
Companies bringing teams, clients or speakers often book cars for the whole week rather than individual rides. Typical set-ups include airport meet and greet on arrival, a daily shuttle between the hotel and DEC, and a car on standby for meetings in the city. Our corporate transfers page explains how we plan event transport, with business-class sedans for executives and Sprinter minibuses for teams. The hourly chauffeur option suits days with several meetings.
Tips for GITEX week
- Book hotels and transport early: December is peak season, and the Dubai in December guide explains why.
- Leave earlier than you think on the first expo day while everyone learns the new route.
- Agree a clear pickup point at DEC with your driver. GITEX says private vehicle drop-offs are only allowed at designated locations, including the South Drop-Off area, and that routes can change on the day.
- Carry your badge, a power bank and water.
- If you have meetings in the city, group them on one day to cut down on cross-town trips.
A typical GITEX week transport plan
| Day | Where | Transport tip |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 6 December | Arrival | Pre-book an airport pickup; check the GITEX site for badge collection |
| Monday 7 December | GITEX Summit, DWTC | Short trip from central hotels; Metro or car |
| Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 December | Expo and conferences, DEC, Expo City Dubai | Leave early; agree a pickup point and time |
| Evenings | Dinners and side events across the city | Hourly car or app rides |
The table is a guide only. Your own schedule depends on your pass, stand build-up and meeting plans.
Exhibitors: build-up and breakdown
Exhibitors often need transport before the event opens and after it closes, outside public hours. Plan for early starts during build-up and late finishes on the final day. If you are moving display material, check with the organiser about vehicle access and loading rules; a passenger car is not the right vehicle for freight. For staff, a Sprinter minibus on a fixed schedule is usually the most efficient option.
Where to stay
From 8 December, hotels in the south of the city, around Expo City, Jebel Ali and Dubai Marina, are closer to DEC than central hotels. If you have meetings in Downtown or the financial district, a central hotel with a car for the commute can still make sense. Compare the journey times for your actual schedule rather than choosing on distance alone. Our hotels near Dubai Airport guide is useful if you arrive late on the first night.
Other big December events
December is busy in Dubai. The Dubai Shopping Festival starts on 4 December 2026, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend is earlier in the month; see our Yas Island guide. Expect more traffic and higher demand for cars, so book early.
Getting from the airport to your hotel
If you land on the Sunday before GITEX, expect a busy arrivals hall. Pre-booking a pickup means a driver is waiting in arrivals with a name sign, rather than you joining the taxi queue. Our meet and greet page explains how that works, and airport transfer cost explains how quotes are prepared. For larger delegations, send us the full arrivals list and we will plan the vehicles.
Request a quote
Use our quote request form, or email info@belgraviatransfers.com, with your arrival flight, hotel, team size and the GITEX days you need transport for. We reply with availability and a quote. Nothing is booked until you accept.
Frequently asked questions
When is GITEX 2026?
GITEX Global 2026 runs from 7 to 11 December 2026.
Where is GITEX 2026 held?
The GITEX Summit is at Dubai World Trade Centre on 7 December. The expo and conferences run from 8 to 11 December at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai.
How do I get to Dubai Exhibition Centre by Metro?
Take the Red Line to Expo 2020 station at Expo City Dubai.
Is there parking at Dubai Exhibition Centre?
Yes. GITEX lists visitor and overflow parking at DEC.
Can you provide transport for a GITEX team?
Yes. We can plan airport pickups, daily hotel-to-venue transfers and cars for meetings. Request a quote with your dates and team size.
Facts on this page were checked against the sources linked above on 20 October 2026. Dates, prices and opening hours can change, so confirm them with the official source before you travel.
