DUBAI, UAE — The world’s digital infrastructure ecosystem will converge at the Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference & Exhibition Centre for Capacity Middle East 2026, scheduled for 10–12 February 2026, with a pre-event, Iraq Connect, on 9 February 2026. This year’s theme, “One Global Platform. Unlimited Opportunity,” highlights the event’s growing role as a global nexus for connectivity, investment, and digital transformation.
Now in its latest edition, Capacity Middle East continues to be the region’s most influential digital infrastructure gathering. It unites more than 3,500 executives from over 90 countries across telecommunications, data centers, cloud, investment, and technology sectors — making it the leading event where digital infrastructure and connectivity deals get done.
A Global Meeting Point for Digital Transformation
The 2026 event will host an expanded program that includes Datacloud Middle East and infraXchange Middle East, ensuring deeper engagement from every layer of the connectivity ecosystem — from fibre operators and carriers to hyperscalers, tower companies, and mobile network operators.
Delegates can expect three days of visionary panels, fireside chats, deal-making opportunities, and investment sessions designed to unlock the value of AI, cloud expansion, and cross-border digital growth. Capacity Middle East has evolved beyond a carrier conference into a comprehensive ecosystem event that empowers innovation, collaboration, and capital flow across the Middle East and beyond.
Industry Leaders Set to Speak in 2026
A stellar lineup of industry pioneers will lead discussions, including:
- Nabil Baccouche, Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer, e&
- Sohail Qadir, CEO, ZOI
- Julian Barratt-Due, Managing Director, Real Assets, Private Equity, Credit Middle East, KKR
- Marco Brandstätter, Global Program Manager, DE-CIX
- Simon Young, Sub-Regional Lead – Energy, Location & Strategy, Middle East & Africa, Google
- Dan Thompson, Principal Research Analyst, Datacenter Services & Infrastructure, S&P Global
- Pete Hall, Regional Managing Director, Ciena
- Amjad A. Hafez, Chairman, NourGlobal
- Antonia Maier, Regional Head – Telecommunications, Media & Technology, EBRD
Their sessions will focus on cross-border connectivity, AI-driven transformation, M&A trends, sustainability, and the future of Middle Eastern digital ecosystems.
Who Will Attend?
Capacity Middle East 2026 attracts a diverse mix of participants:
- Connectivity Providers seeking to expand network reach and secure cross-border partnerships.
- Data Centre Operators meeting hyperscalers and managed service providers under one roof.
- Cloud and Hyperscale Service Providers sourcing connectivity solutions to support end-user growth.
- Subsea Cable Operators and Towercos forging deals to expand coverage and efficiency.
- ISPs and MNOs refining outsourcing and infrastructure-sharing strategies.
- Satellite Operators connecting with telcos for backhaul partnerships.
- Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) collaborating with carriers to enhance streaming reach.
- Investors and Financial Institutions identifying M&A prospects and analyzing digital infrastructure KPIs.
- Technology and Energy Equipment Vendors showcasing next-generation solutions to global buyers.
This diversity ensures Capacity Middle East remains the region’s most comprehensive marketplace for digital infrastructure, where long-term partnerships are born and billion-dollar deals take shape.
A Platform for Every Corner of Connectivity
The event seamlessly integrates its major sub-brands:
- Datacloud Middle East – Bringing data center and hyperscaler innovation to the forefront of the regional agenda.
- infraXchange Middle East – Connecting tower companies, energy partners, and infrastructure providers shaping next-gen mobility.
Together, they create a unified platform for growth, synergy, and collaboration across the Middle East’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
Sponsorship and Industry Support
Each year, Capacity Middle East attracts platinum, gold, and bronze sponsors from across the global telecom, data, and finance sectors. Previous sponsors have included top-tier brands such as e&, Ooredoo, DE-CIX, Ciena, and ZOI. Sponsorships offer companies visibility among high-level investors, executives, and government officials — a unique opportunity to strengthen brand presence in the fast-growing Middle Eastern market.
Attendee Experience and Networking
Beyond its keynote sessions and panels, the 2026 edition will feature exclusive networking receptions, private meeting lounges, and investor roundtables designed to foster meaningful connections. The event’s “deal-making floor” has long been recognized as the place where regional and global connectivity partnerships are forged.
Delegates can expect access to pre-arranged meeting tools, one-on-one sessions with decision-makers, and the opportunity to engage in discussions that define the future of AI infrastructure, data mobility, and smart connectivity in the Gulf region.
The Voice of the Industry
According to Amol Kulkarni, Regional Network Acquisition Manager at Microsoft:
“It’s a valuable experience to meet partners in-person and engage directly in shaping regionally strategic projects.”
This sentiment reflects what Capacity Middle East has consistently delivered — a trusted platform for relationship building and transformative dialogue.
Event Details
Event Name: Capacity Middle East 2026
Theme: One Global Platform. Unlimited Opportunity.
Dates: 10–12 February 2026 (with Iraq Connect on 9 February 2026)
Venue: Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference & Exhibition Centre, UAE
Organizers: Capacity Media, a part of techoraco® Limited
Contact: [email protected] | +44 (0) 20 7779 7227
Summary
Capacity Middle East 2026 will once again stand at the crossroads of global connectivity, digital investment, and innovation. With over 3,500 international delegates, the event offers a singular platform for leaders to collaborate, strike deals, and define the next era of digital infrastructure in the Middle East.
As the region cements its role as a global data hub, Dubai will provide the perfect stage for visionaries to shape the connected future — one partnership, one opportunity, and one global platform at a time.
