The ISM Middle East 2026 is a confectionery and snacks trade event that brings together the world's leading brands with buyers, distributors, and decision-makers shaping demand across APMEA. The event is held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 15-17, 2026, and features over 700 exhibitors and 25,033 visitors from 140 countries. The event showcases the confectionery, chocolate, snack foods, traditional sweets, biscuits and cakes, ice cream and desserts sectors. The confectionery sector features global favourites and rising innovations, including sugar-free and vegan options, ethically sourced ingredients, and bold flavour pairings. The chocolate sector brings together the world's finest chocolatiers, high-volume producers, and premium exporters, with a focus on plant-based formats, bean-to-bar storytelling, functional infusions, and clean-label innovations. The snack foods sector curates dynamic global innovations in salty, crunchy, and functional snacks, including protein-rich bites, baked chips, and ancient grain-based formats. The traditional sweets sector features Middle Eastern favourites, Asian mithai, and European nougats, with a focus on nostalgic tastes with modern packaging and ingredient upgrades. The biscuits and cakes segment continues to evolve, with demand surging for clean-label, gluten-free, and fortified formats. The ice cream and desserts sector showcases premium gelatos, vegan sorbets, and low-sugar desserts, as well as innovative formats like frozen mochi and single-serve pots. The event features expert voices discussing the most important shifts impacting the industry, including evolving consumer behaviour, product development, supply chains, reformulation, and market expansion strategies. The ISM Middle East Awards honour the most groundbreaking ideas and revolutionary products shaping the sweets and snacks industry. The event also features the ISM Middle East Festive Showcase, which brings brands together to present their newest and most enticing offerings for all cultural and celebratory occasions. The event's strategic networking programme connects exhibitors with key buyers, ensuring meaningful engagements that drive real business growth.