Dubai is set to make global exhibition history as Gulfood 2026, running from 26–30 January, becomes the first event to operate simultaneously across two venues: Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai
The world’s largest annual food and beverage show will span more than 280,000 square metres, marking a 100% expansion and the first global event to activate the upgraded $2.7 billion Dubai Exhibition Centre, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading hub for large-scale 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.”
As the global food and beverage market moves towards $11.37 trillion by 2030 and the Middle East strengthens its role as a fast-growing consumption and redistribution hub, Gulfood 2026 brings global supply and demand together in a focused five-day trading window. The event will host more than 8,500 exhibitors presenting 1.5 million products from 195 countries, with 40% of participants exhibiting for the first time. Major producing markets including India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the USA will see their largest national representation to date, alongside new country debuts from Luxembourg, Maldives, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden and Uganda.
For the first time, Gulfood will extend into Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, housing World Food and the expanded Rice, Pulses and Grains sectors and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global trade and logistics hub. India has been confirmed as Official Country Partner for 2026, represented by APEDA, with its largest-ever presence at Gulfood through more than 600 exhibitors, including brands such as Amul and Rasna.
Gulfood’s expanded footprint will also see three new sectors launch at Dubai Exhibition Centre: Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Logistics and Gulfood Grocery Trade. The additions highlight the growing focus on perishables, cold-chain infrastructure and resilient global supply chains, with confirmed participation from industry leaders including DP World, Maersk, MSC, Fresh Del Monte, NRTC and Unifrutti.
At Dubai World Trade Centre, Gulfood will host Beverages, Dairy, Fats & Oils, Meat & Poultry, Power Brands and Seafood. Dubai World Trade Centre anchors Gulfood Startups, featuring over 250 visionaries, investors and unicorns from over 30 countries, reflecting accelerating investment and deal activity across food-tech, agri-tech and next-generation food systems.
Gulfood 2026 will also activate The Big Deal Hub, its flagship buyer–seller connections programme, bringing together C-suite buyers from across the global food value chain. Confirmed participants, including Cybera Capital, Panamex Groupe and Presidente Supermarket, will take part in structured matchmaking and targeted procurement sessions designed to drive high-value deals.
