Global Food Week returns for its largest edition from October 6 to 8, 2026, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with ADAFSA
The event will bring together 2,580 exhibitors, buyers, investors and policymakers from 92 countries in Abu Dhabi for three days of exhibitions, panel discussions and matchmaking sessions.
Running alongside the exhibition, the second Global Food Security Summit GFSS will bring together countries, multilateral institutions and private-sector leaders to address food security challenges. This year’s programme will focus on preparing food systems for future disruptions, with speakers from 30 countries discussing emerging challenges, new technologies, investment opportunities and policy frameworks.
Ahmad Shaker, CEO of Capital 360 & Events said: “Global Food Week continues to strengthen its position as a leading international platform for advancing food security, agricultural innovation and sustainable development. This edition is witnessing record growth across all key indicators, with exhibition space increasing by 25% to approximately 42,000 square metres, while the number of exhibitors and brands has risen by 18% to 2,580. Participation has expanded to 92 countries, representing growth of 23% compared with the previous edition and 26 new countries, reflecting the event’s growing international standing and its ability to attract industry leaders, innovators and decision-makers from around the world. ADNEC Group is committed to delivering this event to the highest international standards, positioning Abu Dhabi as a hub for international events, while building future-ready food systems through innovation, sustainability, and global collaboration.”
Badr Hassan Al Shihi, Director of the Communications and Community Engagement Department at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, said: “This year’s edition comes with a more ambitious and integrated vision that brings together business, investment and trade alongside a direct consumer experience. For the first time, we are introducing a business-to-consumer B2C model, enabling the public to connect directly with producers, discover their products and purchase them, creating broader market opportunities for local products. The event will feature eight specialised sectors, bringing together every stage of the food value chain within a single global platform.”
He added: “We are also introducing, for the first time, a dedicated Animal Feed Sector, showcasing solutions and innovations that support livestock nutrition, benefit breeders, and enhance production efficiency and sustainability. In addition, we are launching the ACCESS Abu Dhabi, where more than 150 award-winning Emirati farmers, livestock breeders and beekeepers will showcase their products and experiences to buyers, investors and the wider public.”
His Excellency Prof. Abdelouahhab Alboukhari Zaid, Secretary General of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, affiliated with Erth Zayed Philanthropies Foundation, UAE Presidential Court, said: “The Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition has become a cornerstone of Global Food Week, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to advancing food security, agricultural innovation, and sustainable development. As the region’s most important platforms dedicated to date palm cultivation and agricultural excellence, the Abu Dhabi exhibition brings together experts, researchers, innovators, and industry leaders from around the world to exchange knowledge, showcase best practices, and strengthen international collaboration. Its role within Global Food Week reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for dialogue, innovation, and strategic partnerships that support resilient and sustainable food systems capable of addressing the challenges of food security and climate change.”
Mr Ahmad Mukhtar, Subregional Coordinator for the GCC States and Yemen and FAO Representative to the United Arab Emirates, stated: “FAO is proud to join Global Food Week and the Global Food Security Summit as a key partner once again. Our continued partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, ADNEC and other stakeholders rests on a shared belief that everyone deserves safe, nutritious and sustainable food. This week, FAO brings global evidence and regional insight from the Summit stage to the FAO Policy Majlis. We are delighted to host the global edition of YALAFAST, giving young people the space to lead, because the future of food is theirs to shape.”
Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, commented: “Global Food Week reflects the UAE’s commitment to bringing the global food community together around a shared ambition: building a more resilient, secure and sustainable food system. The UAE Food Cluster has been proud to play a leading role in bringing international partners, food clusters and industry stakeholders together for this important platform. Our role goes beyond connecting businesses within the UAE; it is about creating meaningful connections between food ecosystems globally, enabling clusters to share knowledge, strengthen trade and investment links, collaborate on innovation, and work together to address shared challenges. Food security is a collective responsibility, and through stronger international collaboration, we can build the partnerships and practical solutions needed to ensure resilient food systems for generations to come.”
Global Food Week 2026 will expand its Shop to Show element, allowing visitors to purchase products from local and international exhibitors. The initiative gives exhibitors direct access to consumers, distributors and buyers while providing an opportunity to test products and build commercial relationships.
This year’s edition spans eight sectors across the food and beverage value chain. International exhibitors account for 33% of participants, with national exhibitors making up 67%. SMEs represent 22% of exhibitors.
The programme will include the inaugural Abu Dhabi Honey Symposium, organised in collaboration with Apimondia. Over three days, experts, researchers, policymakers and private-sector leaders will discuss sustainable beekeeping, food security and opportunities for regional and international collaboration.
The AgriTech Forum will return, bringing together agricultural experts, innovators and policymakers to discuss next-generation farming technologies, AI-driven production and sustainable agriculture in the UAE. The event will also feature 150 award-winning farmers showcasing and selling locally produced agricultural goods.
The Hosted Buyers Programme will connect international companies with local suppliers. The 2025 edition resulted in 58 agreements worth AED 6.6 billion.
International participants this year include the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO, which is returning as a key partner, and the Sub-Regional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen of the World Organisation for Animal Health. Their participation will focus on food security, food safety and sustainable livestock production.
Global Food Week is open to the public and industry professionals, with exhibitions, food-focused events and industry programming running throughout the event.
For additional information about the largest edition of Global Food Week, visit the official website here.