Gulfood 2026 Makes History in Dubai With Two Mega Venues and Expanded Exhibition Centre
Dubai is set to make exhibition history as Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing event, returns from 26–30 January 2026 with two sold-out venues and a record 280,000 sqm of event space. Specifically, the event will run simultaneously across Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
In a single year, Gulfood achieves a full 100% expansion, selling out more than 280,000 square metres across both sites. As a result, it becomes the first global event to unveil the upgraded Dubai Exhibition Centre, a $2.7 billion development that signals a major step forward for international trade events.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, CEO, 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.”
Bigger Scale, Broader Sourcing, and More Global Participation
As the global food and beverage market moves toward $11.37 trillion by 2030, Gulfood continues to accelerate trade momentum in a compressed five-day window. At the same time, the Middle East is growing rapidly as a key consumption and redistribution hub, which increases demand for major sourcing platforms.
This year, Gulfood will unite more than 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, showcasing 1.5 million products. Notably, 40% of exhibitors will be first-time participants, adding fresh supply opportunities across multiple categories.
Additionally, the 2026 edition includes the largest national representation to date from major producing markets such as India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the USA. New participating countries include Luxembourg, Maldives, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden, and Uganda, further expanding the show’s reach and opening new trade gateways.
One Connected Ecosystem Linking Trade, Logistics, and New Growth Sectors
For the first time, Gulfood will extend into Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, positioning the World Food sector alongside the expanded Rice, Pulses & Grains categories. Consequently, the new venue strengthens connectivity to trade and logistics networks, supporting food redistribution across global routes.
Within this core commodities landscape, India has been confirmed as the Official Country Partner for Gulfood 2026. It will be represented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and will deliver its biggest-ever presence, with more than 600 exhibitors including Amul and Rasna.
Abishek Dev, Chairman, APEDA commented: “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.”
Moreover, Gulfood’s expanded footprint will introduce three new sectors hosted at Dubai Exhibition Centre: Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Logistics, and Gulfood Grocery Trade. Together, these additions reflect growing demand for perishables, cold-chain performance, and resilient global supply chains. Confirmed participants include DP World, Maersk, MSC, FRESH DEL MONTE, NRTC, and Unifrutti.
Mohammed Hamdan, UAE Area Head of Sales, Maersk commented: “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.”
Meanwhile, Dubai World Trade Centre will host key sectors including Beverages, Dairy, Fats & Oils, Meat & Poultry, Power Brands, and Seafood. In addition, it will anchor Gulfood Startups, featuring more than 250 innovators, investors, and unicorns from over 30 countries, underscoring the rising pace of investment and dealmaking across food-tech and next-generation food systems.
Fabio Mariano, VP Halal Markets, MBRF commented: “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.”
Finally, Gulfood 2026 will activate The Big Deal Hub, its flagship buyer–seller connections programme designed to support targeted sourcing and high-value partnerships across the full food value chain. Confirmed participants such as Cybera Capital, Panamex Groupe, and Presidente Supermarket will take part through structured matchmaking and procurement mandates.
Sergio Paz, CEO, 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.”
