Key Takeaways
- Gulfood 2026 will take place across two major venues in Dubai for the first time
- The event will host more than 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries
- Over 1.5 million food and beverage products will be showcased
- The expansion reflects growing global demand for scale, sourcing, and trade connectivity
Expanded Scale And Dual-Venue Format For Gulfood 2026
Gulfood 2026 will mark a significant milestone for the global food and beverage industry as the event expands to a dual-venue format in Dubai. Scheduled from January 26 to 30, 2026, the 31st edition of the exhibition will be hosted at both the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
The expanded format will cover approximately 240,000 square metres of exhibition space, making it the largest edition in the event’s history. Organisers expect participation from more than 8,500 exhibitors representing 195 countries, highlighting Dubai’s growing role as a central hub for international food trade.
Sector Focus And Gulfood 2026 Venue Allocation
Dubai World Trade Centre Programming
The Dubai World Trade Centre will host core food and beverage categories, including beverages, dairy, meat and poultry, fats and oils, and branded food products. Innovation-focused areas such as startup showcases and emerging food technologies will also be featured, reflecting industry interest in alternative proteins, food tech, and value-added products.
Dubai Exhibition Centre At Expo City Dubai
The Dubai Exhibition Centre will accommodate expanded national pavilions, bulk commodity trading, fresh produce, grocery trade, and logistics-focused exhibitors. This venue will also support large-scale procurement activities and trade discussions linked to global supply chains and food security.
Global Participation And Trade Significance
Gulfood 2026 is expected to welcome returning and new country pavilions from across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. India has been confirmed as the Official Country Partner, with a substantial delegation of exhibitors highlighting its food manufacturing and export capabilities.
The event will also host conferences and forums addressing global food trade, policy, and market dynamics, reinforcing its role as a meeting point for producers, buyers, policymakers, and investors.
Industry And Gulfood 2026 Organiser Perspectives
According to organisers, the scale and structure of Gulfood 2026 are designed to respond to increasing demand for efficient sourcing, consolidated trade platforms, and international market access. The dual-venue model aims to improve navigation across product categories while enabling deeper engagement between global stakeholders.
