Dubai Becomes Global Food Trade Hub as Gulfood 2026 Doubles Scale and Innovation
The global food and beverage industry is entering a decisive phase of transformation. As a result, health priorities, digital technology, sustainability, transparent sourcing, and AI-driven performance are reshaping value chains worldwide. At the same time, the global food and beverages market is projected to reach $11.37 trillion by 2030, while the MENA region continues to record the fastest growth rate globally. Consequently, companies are actively seeking platforms that combine scale, intelligence, and international reach.
Against this backdrop, Dubai stands out as a highly connected trade hub with world-class logistics and a strong focus on future-ready food systems. Therefore, Gulfood 2026 returns as the first major sourcing event of the year, expanding across two mega venues. In doing so, it opens a broader landscape for participation, discovery, and commercial opportunity across the entire global food ecosystem.
Gulfood 2026 will bring together more than 8,500 exhibitors, showcase over 1.5 million products, and welcome participants from 195 countries. As a result, the 31st edition is set to position Dubai as the global headquarters of a connected and intelligent food economy. The event will host multiple strategic government and industry alliances, alongside major global brands, investors, unicorns, buyers, distributors, wholesalers, and high-growth startups ready to scale internationally.
Mark Napier, Vice President Exhibitions Department, Dubai World Trade Centre, stated: “Gulfood 2026 opens the global F&B calendar as the first and most influential sourcing event of the year setting the industry’s strategic direction. As the first major international event to activate the Dubai Exhibition Centre and Dubai World Trade Centre, we are delivering unprecedented scale and visibility. Expanding its reach across five new sectors, Gulfood becomes the only truly complete platform for the entire food and beverage ecosystem. An unmissable destination for every brand serious about growth, innovation and global market access. We look forward to welcoming forward-thinking partners, igniting a new era for the industry.”
A Dual-Venue Expansion Delivering Unmatched Scale
For the first time in global food trade, a sourcing event will operate at full scale across two venues. Specifically, the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai will together span 240,000 square metres. As a result, the event will deliver the largest food and beverage trade footprint ever assembled.
This dual-venue format creates a seamlessly connected sourcing environment. Therefore, buyers can efficiently access finished goods, fresh categories, commodities, national pavilions, innovation zones, and next-generation technologies within a single journey. Moreover, the expansion unlocks value from adjacent high-growth sectors, creating new opportunities for buyers, suppliers, and investors alike.
The 2026 edition will also welcome new exhibiting nations, including Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, the Kurdistan Region, Luxembourg, Maldives, Qatar, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden, and Uganda. Meanwhile, established national pavilions such as Egypt, India, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Türkiye, and the USA will expand to their largest footprints to date. In addition, new exhibitors will join from across the food ecosystem, spanning agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and innovation.
A New Global Model Anchored in Innovation and Partnership
Each venue will play a distinct yet complementary role. Dubai World Trade Centre will host high-growth sectors, retail leaders, and startup innovation across Beverages, Dairy, Fats & Oils, Meat & Poultry, and Power Brands. Furthermore, two new sectors for 2026, Seafood and Gulfood Startups, will reflect the rapid expansion of the global food startup ecosystem.
At the same time, the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai will focus on national pavilions, bulk commodity trade, strategic government delegations, and procurement hubs. It will also feature key categories such as Rice, Pulses & Grains, World Food, and three new sectors: Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Grocery Trade, and Gulfood Logistics. As a result, the venue will become a centre for high-level global dialogue and trade engagement.
Anchoring this exchange, the Gulfood World Economy Summit will convene CEOs, policymakers, investors, scientists, academics, and industry leaders. Together, they will address economic, regulatory, and trade frameworks shaping the future of the global food economy.
India will participate as the Official Country Partner for Gulfood 2026. With its food and beverage market projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4 per cent through 2028, India will present its largest-ever presence, featuring more than 600 exhibitors. Leading brands including Amul, Everest, MDH, Mother Dairy, and Rasna will highlight the scale and dynamism of its food production sector.
Together, these elements position Gulfood 2026 as a comprehensive ecosystem for strategic networking, actionable insight, and commercially meaningful connections across the global food value chain.
For more information and to register at early bird prices, visit: www.gulfood.com
