Key Takeaways
- Gulfood 2026 operated across Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
- The two-venue model expanded capacity for trade, deal-making, and international participation.
- New sectors and expanded categories supported grocery trade, logistics, fresh produce, and agri-tech.
- The event hosted senior-level buyer–supplier meetings and ministerial dialogue on food security.
- Gulfood 2026 reinforced its role as a global platform for food trade and economic resilience.
Gulfood 2026 Expands Scale and Connectivity Through Dual-Venue Format
Gulfood 2026 concluded with an expanded two-venue format that operated across Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. The integrated model was designed to improve access, support uninterrupted business activity, and accommodate increased global participation across food, beverage, logistics, and agri-food innovation sectors.
Organizers stated that the dual-location setup enabled seamless movement between venues, allowing exhibitors and visitors to engage in sourcing, negotiations, and high-level meetings at scale.
Dubai Exhibition Centre Supports Large-Scale Trade and Deal-Making
Strategic Sectors and International Participation
Dubai Exhibition Centre hosted expanded strategic sectors including Gulfood Fresh, Grocery Trade, and Gulfood Logistics. The venue supported senior-level commercial activity, with international exhibitors using the expanded footprint to advance national trade priorities.
“As Premium Buyers at Gulfood, we’re able to evaluate sourcing opportunities at scale across power brands and emerging sectors in one ecosystem,” said Ahmet Kose, Private Investor at Cybera Capital.
Export-focused delegations also highlighted the platform’s role in connecting with Middle Eastern markets. The Exporters Association of Uzbekistan noted the opportunity to engage directly with buyers and distributors across the region.
Dubai World Trade Centre Hosts Innovation and Core Food Categories
Growth Across Beverage, Protein, and Agri-Tech Segments
Dubai World Trade Centre hosted expanded categories across beverages, dairy, meat and poultry, and power brands, with several sectors increasing significantly in size compared to previous editions.
Roberto Perosa, President of ABIEC, said Gulfood provides Brazilian beef exporters with a key platform to strengthen partnerships and generate business with global buyers.
First-time exhibitors in agri-tech and food innovation also featured prominently. Roman Ulyanov, Founder and CEO of Greeneration, described Gulfood as a central meeting point for producers, investors, and policymakers addressing food system challenges.
Buyer–Supplier Engagement and Policy Dialogue
Big Deal Hub and World Economy Summit
The Big Deal Hub facilitated structured meetings between senior buyers and suppliers, accelerating negotiations across retail, foodservice, and distribution channels. Abdul Nazeer, Head of Commercial at AL ASWAQ AL WATANIA LLC, noted the value of direct engagement with volume-ready suppliers.
Alongside commercial activity, the Gulfood World Economy Summit convened government and industry leaders to discuss food security, trade, and economic resilience. Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President at Dubai Chambers, stated that Gulfood plays an important role in building global partnerships and supporting sector growth.
