Dubai 2026 will double as a landmark international celebration for the hobby, marking the 100th anniversary of the Fédération Internationale de Philatélie (FIP), founded in 1926.
The FIP-patronage world stamp exhibition is scheduled for Feb. 4–8, 2026, in Dubai and has been promoted by organizers as the first FIP patronage world exhibition to be hosted in the United Arab Emirates.
Organizers say the exhibition will bring together exhibitors, commissioners and jurors from around the world for a major competitive event marking the centenary year of the global federation. In addition to traditional exhibition classes, Dubai 2026 is expected to include seminars, juror meetings and educational programming reflecting the FIP’s role in setting international standards for exhibiting, judging and philatelic research. The exhibition will also coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Emirates Philatelic Association, the host organization.
Canada’s participation will be coordinated through its national commissioner, David McLaughlin, who will serve as the primary contact for Canadian exhibitors, assist with entries and logistics, and liaise with exhibition organizers and the FIP. Commissioners play a central role at FIP exhibitions, acting as intermediaries between exhibitors and the organizing committee while ensuring compliance with exhibition regulations.
Founded in Paris in 1926, the FIP was established to promote international cooperation among national philatelic organizations and to encourage the study, development and public appreciation of philately. Today, the federation represents more than 90 member countries and oversees a broad range of competitive classes, from traditional philately and postal history to thematic, aerophilately and modern open classes.
The centenary milestone has prompted the FIP to highlight its historical legacy while also emphasizing the evolving nature of the hobby. In recent years, the federation has focused on expanding educational initiatives, updating judging criteria and encouraging greater youth participation, as well as broader public engagement at major international exhibitions.
With Dubai 2026 positioned as both a centennial celebration and a global showcase, the exhibition is expected to attract significant international attention. For Canadian exhibitors, the event offers an opportunity to participate in a historic FIP milestone while presenting Canadian material on a world stage under full FIP patronage.