The heart of digital commerce beats in Yenikapı Activity Area between 11-13 June 2026. WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, one of the most prestigious e-commerce and technology events in the world, brings together the leaders of the global ecosystem, technology manufacturers and artificial intelligence initiatives with a huge organization. This great meeting, attended by nearly 25 thousand industry professionals from approximately 60 countries, once again reveals Turkey’s vision of becoming a regional and global center in digital commerce. The grand opening, which took place with the participation of Ministry of Commerce officials, international business world representatives and senior managers of e-commerce giants, ignites new collaborations and investments that will last for three days.

• Global Affiliate:WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026 brings together the world of digital commerce in Yenikapı by hosting approximately 25 thousand participants from 60 countries, more than 200 speakers and 200 stands.

• Strategic Stakeholders:While trade ties between Dubai CommerCity and Türkiye are strengthening, WORLDEF Dubai 2027 vision and collaborations with global marketplaces (Amazon, Walmart, TikTok Shop) come to the fore.

• Big Goals in E-Export:While the Ministry of Commerce increased the number of target countries in e-export supports from 26 to 35, the global e-commerce volume is expected to approach 7 trillion dollars in 2026.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation Redefine the Identity of E-Commerce

The event, which opened its doors under the ownership of WORLDEF CEO Ömer Nart, is more than just a fair, it is a platform where the new rules of global trade are written. Drawing attention to the momentum that Turkey has achieved in the fields of logistics, entrepreneurship and technology in his opening speech, Nart states that new success stories will be born in the sessions that will last for three days. The combination of the entrepreneurial spirit of the private sector and state support elevates Turkey to a much more advantageous position in cross-border e-commerce (e-export) operations.

In more than 200 stands set up in the event area; e-commerce infrastructure providers, new generation digital payment systems, smart logistics solutions and deep learning-based artificial intelligence technologies are exhibited. Department representatives emphasize that classical retail models have been replaced by information-based, artificial intelligence-based and omnichannel strategies.

Digital Commerce Bridge Between Dubai and Türkiye

Amna Lootah, General Manager of Dubai Airport Free Zone and Dubai CommerCity, one of the most notable guests of the event, states that digital commerce is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for the survival of economies. Pointing out that companies within Dubai CommerCity are looking for speed, access and absoluteness, Lootah explains that they have established an ecosystem that facilitates the complexity of cross-border trade.

Emphasizing the strong structure of the trade volume between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey, which exceeds 45 billion dollars, Lootah shares that growth will only be possible with the joint work of governments and the business world. As a module of this vision, WORLDEF Dubai 2027 signals are already being given for the next big meeting of the ecosystem.

Ministry of Commerce Shifts Up Gear in E-Export

The information on the official side of the news reveals Turkey’s macro goals in digital trade. Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan, who attended the opening ceremony, explains that Turkey’s goods exports will be 273.5 billion dollars in 2025 and our service exports will be 122 billion dollars, reaching a huge level of 396 billion dollars in total.

The fact that the global retail e-commerce volume will approach 7 trillion dollars in 2026 further accelerates the strategic steps of the ministry. Stating that e-commerce has now become the main carrier of trade, Gürcan conveys the efforts carried out for Turkish companies to have a say in the global market.

Strategic Partnerships with Global Marketplaces

The Ministry carries out direct cooperation processes with global giants in order to increase the visibility of Turkish brands in the world.

• Target Country Increase:The number of target countries focused on within the scope of e-export supplements is being increased from 26 to 35.

• Global Integrations:Strategic partnerships are being established with the world’s largest marketplaces such as eBay, Walmart, Amazon and TikTok Shop.

• Qualified Workforce:Thanks to the Export Academy and university collaborations, the gap of trained e-export specialists, which is one of the biggest deficiencies of the department, is being filled.

WORLDEF ISTANBUL 2026, where more than 200 experts will take the stage for three days; It continues to shed light on the future in a wide range of areas, from logistics technologies to cross-border sales strategies, from digital payment systems to the role of artificial intelligence in commercial operations.