DUBAI, UAE — Capacity Middle East 2026 returns to the Grand Hyatt Dubai from 10–12 February 2026, with Iraq Connect kicking off on 9 February. Branded under the theme “One Global Platform. Unlimited Opportunity,” the three-day event is set to unite the world’s leading voices in digital infrastructure, connectivity, and AI-driven transformation.
The event continues to serve as the region’s foremost digital infrastructure forum, bringing together over 3,500 executives from more than 90 countries. From data centre leaders and telecom operators to hyperscalers, investors, and content providers, Capacity Middle East has evolved into a global meeting point where connectivity deals are signed and the future of digital transformation is shaped.
Driving the Future of Digital Connectivity
At its core, Capacity Middle East 2026 emphasizes the unification of the digital infrastructure ecosystem — connecting fibre operators, tower companies, data centres, satellite providers, and investors. The event’s mission remains clear: to unlock the full value of AI, expand global connectivity, and accelerate regional digital transformation.
Through its integrated structure, the event brings together specialized sub-forums:
- Datacloud Middle East, focusing on hyperscalers, data centres, and cloud service providers.
- infraXchange Middle East, dedicated to tower companies, energy infrastructure providers, and mobile network operators.
This strategic convergence makes the 2026 edition a one-stop hub for innovation, investment, and infrastructure collaboration.
Leading Voices at Capacity Middle East 2026
The speaker lineup for 2026 features an impressive roster of global industry executives who will shape the dialogue around the next wave of digital evolution.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Nabil Baccouche, Group Chief Carrier & Wholesale Officer, e&
- Sohail Qadir, CEO, ZOI
- Paul Abfalter, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer, Flag Telecom
- Sabah AlKubaisy, Connect Economy
- Deshbandhu Bansal, COO RevTech, Comviva
- Julian Barratt-Due, Managing Director, KKR
- Simon Young, Sub-Regional Lead for Energy & Strategy, Google
- Pete Hall, Regional Managing Director, Ciena
- Ciaran Delaney, COO, EXA Infrastructure
- Alaa Talaat, Regional Head, Turk Telecom International
- Antonia Maier, Regional Head for TMT, EBRD
- Amjad A. Hafez, Chairman, NourGlobal
These speakers, alongside dozens of other C-level executives and strategists, will explore key topics such as AI-driven network design, green data infrastructure, subsea cable expansion, digital investment, and cross-border connectivity.
Who Attends and Why It Matters
Capacity Middle East 2026 will bring together a cross-section of the global digital ecosystem, including:
- Connectivity Providers: Carriers and operators expanding regional networks.
- Data Centre Operators: Meeting hyperscale and managed service partners.
- Cloud and Hyperscale Providers: Exploring infrastructure opportunities to enhance global reach.
- Tower Companies and MNOs: Building partnerships to boost performance and revenue.
- ISPs, IXPs, and Subsea Operators: Negotiating capacity and distribution deals.
- Satellite Operators: Aligning with telcos to enhance backhaul capabilities.
- Investors and Finance Leaders: Identifying acquisition, expansion, and M&A opportunities in the digital infrastructure sector.
- Technology Vendors: Showcasing emerging network, power, and automation technologies to a global audience.
Each year, Capacity Middle East grows beyond its telecom roots, expanding into the AI, cloud, and investment ecosystems, attracting not just regional stakeholders but also global financial institutions and tech conglomerates seeking high-value partnerships in the Middle East.
A Platform for Business and Collaboration
At its heart, Capacity Middle East is where deals are made. It provides unmatched opportunities for B2B networking, private meetings, and cross-sector collaboration, giving companies direct access to decision-makers shaping the digital future of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
For 2026, the event will again host an exhibition floor at the Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference & Exhibition Centre, where leading companies will showcase innovations in connectivity, cloud infrastructure, energy solutions, and data centre operations.
As one attendee from Microsoft put it, “It’s a valuable experience to meet our partners in person and engage directly in shaping strategic projects that define regional connectivity.”
Bookings and Participation
Registration for Capacity Middle East 2026 is open, with early booking recommended due to the growing global attendance. Attendees can expect exclusive networking sessions, keynote presentations, executive roundtables, and investor forums designed to accelerate partnerships and unveil new growth pathways for the digital economy.
Summary
With its 2026 edition, Capacity Middle East reaffirms its position as the premier digital infrastructure and connectivity event in the Middle East. By bringing together global technology leaders, financial powerhouses, and network innovators, the event aims to propel the region into its next phase of digital transformation — where AI, data, and connectivity converge to shape a smarter and more connected world.
Capacity Middle East 2026 is not just a conference; it’s a marketplace of opportunity, driving innovation and business at the heart of the digital revolution.
