The Open Network (TON) has officially canceled its Gateway Dubai conference, which was scheduled for May 1–2, 2026. The decision was driven by escalating security concerns in the Middle East, specifically following missile and drone attacks by Iran targeting the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
In a statement published on X, the TON organization cited the regional conflict and safety conditions in the UAE area as the primary reasons for the cancellation. “Unfortunately, due to the Middle East conflict and safety conditions in the UAE area, we have made the decision to cancel Gateway Dubai, originally scheduled for May 1 and 2, 2026,” the group wrote. “This was a difficult call, but the safety and well-being of our community always comes first.”
The security situation deteriorated after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, prompting Iran's retaliatory attacks on the UAE. These events have caused severe travel disruptions across the region, with Dubai experiencing flight cancellations and delays. The Guardian reported that the UAE has borne more than two-thirds of Iran's strikes, partly due to its security partnerships with Western powers and Dubai's status as a global financial hub.
The Gateway Dubai conference was designed to be a major gathering for developers and entrepreneurs within the TON ecosystem, facilitating networking, partnership announcements, and technical collaboration. Organizers stated they are now reviewing alternative formats and are examining different options to host a Gateway event before the end of 2026.
Despite this cancellation, other major crypto events in Dubai, such as Token2049 scheduled for next month, are reportedly proceeding as planned, according to Fortune. The incident underscores how geopolitical instability can directly impact the crypto industry's global event calendar, which serves as a critical hub for ecosystem growth and deal-making.
