Gulfood 2026 is set to make global exhibition history by running simultaneously across two mega venues for the first time. The world’s largest annual food and beverage event will take place from 26–30 January at both the Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
Record-breaking expansion
This year, Gulfood has doubled its footprint, using over 280,000 square metres across both venues. The expansion coincides with the official unveiling of the $2.7 billion Dubai Exhibition Centre, marking the largest public-scale F&B event in the Middle East and positioning Dubai as a leading hub for international trade and business events.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International Organiser of Gulfood, said: “This is a world-record moment for Gulfood, Dubai and the global food and beverage industry. In a single year, we have achieved 100% growth, delivering the world’s largest annual F&B event across two mega venues simultaneously, a first in global exhibition history. This milestone goes beyond scale to impact, redefining how giga-scale events are designed, delivered and experienced, and proving such ambition is fully achievable and transformative. By doubling business volumes and opportunity overnight, Gulfood and Dubai now stand as the indisputable nexus of the new global food trade.”
Global exhibitors
Gulfood 2026 brings together over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, showcasing 1.5 million products. About 40% of exhibitors are participating for the first time. Major producing countries such as India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the USA have expanded their presence, while new countries including Luxembourg, Maldives, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden and Uganda join the show.
India has been confirmed as the Official Country Partner, represented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Abishek Dev, Chairman of APEDA, said: “We are excited to be part of Gulfood 2026 as the Partner Country, particularly as the show enters a new chapter with the expansion to Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City. As Partner Country we are committed to strengthening India’s presence in global markets, and Gulfood continues to play a vital role in accelerating our agri-export growth story.”
Two integrated venues
The Dubai Exhibition Centre will host core commodity sectors such as World Food and the expanded Rice, Pulses & Grains categories, along with three new sectors: Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Logistics and Gulfood Grocery Trade. Key participants include DP World, Maersk, MSC, Fresh Del Monte, NRTC and Unifrutti.
Mohammed Hamdan, UAE Area Head of Sales at Maersk, said: “Maersk is proud to exhibit at Gulfood 2026 for the first time, engaging with partners across IMEA and Europe to strengthen supply chains from farm to fork. We’ll showcase strategies to build resilient, adaptive networks that ensure business continuity, alongside localized logistics solutions; from cold chain expertise to integrated supply chain management, designed for today’s complex environment.”
At Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will feature sectors including Beverages, Dairy, Fats & Oils, Meat & Poultry, Power Brands and Seafood, along with Gulfood Startups, bringing together over 250 visionaries, investors and unicorns from more than 30 countries. Fabio Mariano, VP Halal Markets at MBRF, said: “Our participation at Gulfood is strategic and reflects MBRF’s leadership in Halal food production and global supply. Gulfood provides a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships with our valued clients around the world while reinforcing our commitment to quality, safety and innovation in the industry.”
Business connections
Gulfood 2026 will also host The Big Deal Hub, a buyer–seller matchmaking programme connecting global buyers and exhibitors across the food value chain. Sergio Paz, CEO of Latino Trading Imports, said: “The Big Deal Hub gives us direct access to a broad mix of suppliers aligned to our regional trading requirements. The expanded show, particularly Gulfood Fresh and Gulfood Logistics, provides the flexibility and choice we need to place larger, multi-market orders with confidence.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
