Dubai is set to redefine the global food and beverage exhibition landscape as Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest annual food and beverage (F&B) sourcing event, expands across two mega venues for the first time in history. Scheduled from 26 to 30 January 2026, the event will take place simultaneously at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. With a record 280,000 square metres of exhibition space, Gulfood 2026 marks an unprecedented 100% year on year expansion, positioning Dubai firmly as the global capital of food trade and mega exhibitions.
Dubai Exhibition Centre Officially Debuts at Gulfood 2026
Gulfood 2026 will be the first global event to officially unveil the $2.7 billion expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. The venue’s launch represents a major milestone in Dubai’s long term vision to become the world’s leading hub for international trade shows, logistics, and business tourism. The expansion significantly boosts Dubai’s capacity to host large scale global exhibitions, reinforcing its strategic role in the international food supply chain and agri food trade.
Global Participation Hits New Record at Gulfood 2026
The 31st edition of Gulfood will bring together over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, showcasing more than 1.5 million food and beverage products. Nearly 40% of participating companies are first-time exhibitors, reflecting Gulfood’s growing global influence. Major producing nations including India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United States will have their largest ever representations. New participating countries such as Luxembourg, Maldives, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden, and Uganda further expand Gulfood’s global footprint.
India Named Official Partner Country for Gulfood 2026
India has been confirmed as the Official Partner Country for Gulfood 2026, represented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The country will feature its largest presence to date, with more than 600 Indian food and agri export exhibitors, including well known brands such as Amul and Rasna. The partnership highlights India’s growing importance in global agri food exports, processed foods, and value added agricultural products.
Responding to evolving global demand, Gulfood 2026 introduces three new dedicated sectors at the Dubai Exhibition Centre as Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Logistics and Gulfood Grocery Trade. These additions underline the increasing importance of fresh produce, cold chain logistics, food distribution, and resilient supply chains. Global leaders such as DP World, Maersk, MSC, Fresh Del Monte, NRTC, and Unifrutti have confirmed participation.
Sector Distribution Across Two World-Class Venues
At the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Gulfood will anchor core commodity sectors such as World Food, Rice, Pulses & Grains, along with the newly launched Fresh and Logistics segments, supporting Dubai’s role as a food redistribution hub. Meanwhile, the Dubai World Trade Centre will host key categories including Beverages, Dairy, Meat & Poultry, Fats & Oils, Seafood, and Power Brands. It will also feature Gulfood Startups, bringing together over 250 food tech and agri tech startups, investors, and innovators from more than 30 countries.
Big Deal Hub Drives High Value Food Trade Connections
Gulfood 2026 will once again activate The Big Deal Hub, its flagship buyer seller matchmaking platform. The initiative connects global buyers, retailers, importers, distributors, and investors with suppliers through structured meetings, accelerating international food trade deals and sourcing partnerships. The expanded format enables larger procurement volumes and multi-market sourcing opportunities.
Dubai Strengthens Its Position as the Global Food Trade Hub
With the global food and beverage market projected to exceed $11 trillion by 2030, and the Middle East emerging as a major consumption and redistribution centre, Gulfood 2026 plays a critical role in bringing global supply and demand together. By hosting the world’s largest food exhibition across two mega venues, Dubai reinforces its leadership in global food trade, logistics, innovation, and business events, setting a new benchmark for international exhibitions.
Date : 25 January 2026
Time : 10 AM to 5 PM
Fee : Rs 1500
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