Dubai Delivers 100% Scale Expansion in Global Food Trade with Gulfood 2026

The world’s largest food and beverage sourcing and innovation event is set to return with a historic dual-venue expansion, marking a new era for global food trade. Gulfood 2026 is expected to welcome more than 8,500 exhibitors and visitors from 195 countries, bringing together high-growth sectors, major international partnerships, and the next phase of an AI-driven food economy.

The global food and beverage industry is entering a critical period of transformation shaped by the convergence of health, technology, sustainability, supply-chain transparency, and AI-powered performance. With the global F&B market projected to reach USD 11.37 trillion by 2030, growth momentum continues to accelerate across the MENA region, now recognized as the world’s fastest-growing food and beverage market. Against this backdrop, businesses increasingly require platforms that deliver scale, intelligence, and cross-border opportunity.

At the center of this transformation stands Dubai, one of the world’s most connected trade hubs and a global powerhouse for logistics, innovation, and future food systems. In this context, Gulfood2026 will open the global F&B calendar as the year’s first and largest sourcing event, offering unprecedented access, discovery, and participation across two mega venues.

Unmatched Global Scale in Its 31st Edition

Gulfood 2026 will bring together over 8,500 exhibitors, showcase more than 1.5 million products, and attract industry professionals from 195 countries, positioning Dubai as the global epicenter of an interconnected and intelligent food economy.

The event will unite strategic institutions such as APEDA (India), ApexBrasil, Business France, Canada Trade Commissioner Service, Dubai Holding, ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, Meat & Livestock Australia, and NAQUA (Saudi Arabia), alongside global industry leaders including Americana, Barakat, BRF, Camelicious, Fresh Del Monte, Fage, JBS, Maersk, Monin, and Oatly. Investors, unicorn startups, buyers, distributors, wholesalers, and next-generation food brands will also be in attendance.

Commenting on the landmark edition, Mark Napier, Vice President – Exhibitions at Dubai World Trade Centre, said:

“Gulfood 2026 opens the global F&B calendar as the year’s first and most influential sourcing event, setting the strategic direction for the industry. As the first major international event to span both Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre, it offers unprecedented scale and visibility. With expansion into five new sectors, Gulfood becomes the only platform covering the entire food and beverage ecosystem. It is a must-attend destination for brands focused on growth, innovation, and global market access.”

100% More Scale: Two Mega Venues, One Global Food Ecosystem

For the first time in the history of global food trade, a sourcing event will be fully staged across Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre simultaneously.

Spanning a total of 240,000 square meters, Gulfood 2026 will create the largest F&B trade footprint ever assembled. This dual-venue model enables buyers to seamlessly explore finished products, fresh categories, commodities, national pavilions, innovations, and next-generation technologies in a single, integrated experience—unlocking new value across adjacent high-growth sectors.

New participating countries in the 2026 edition include Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kurdistan Region, Luxembourg, Maldives, Qatar, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden, and Uganda. Meanwhile, major national pavilions from Egypt, India, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Türkiye, and the United States will occupy their largest exhibition spaces to date.

Newly participating brands include Choco, Bustanica, Farm Frites, MSC, Ostrich Oasis, and RANA.

Dubai Sets a New Model for Global Food Trade

Dubai World Trade Centre will host high-growth categories, retail leaders, and startup innovation, including Beverages, Dairy, Oils & Fats, Meat & Poultry, Power Brands, and two new 2026 sectors: Seafood and Gulfood Startups.

Dubai Exhibition Centre will serve as the hub for global national pavilions, commodity trade, government delegations, buyer missions, and high-level international dialogue. Key categories will include Expanded National Pavilions, Rice, Pulses & Grains, World Food, alongside three new sectors: Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Grocery Trade, and Gulfood Logistics.

DEC will also host the Gulfood World Economy Summit, bringing together CEOs, policymakers, investors, scientists, academics, and visionaries with the collective capacity to redesign the future of the global food economy.

India Named Official Country Partner of Gulfood 2026

With its food and beverage market projected to grow at an annual rate of 12.4% through 2028, India has been named the Official Country Partner of Gulfood 2026. The country will present its largest-ever participation, with more than 600 exhibitors showcasing one of the world’s most dynamic food production economies.

Leading Indian brands on display will include Amul, Everest, MDH, Mother Dairy, Rasna, and many more.

Together, these platforms position Gulfood 2026 as the definitive global meeting point for strategic partnerships, advanced market intelligence, and high-impact commercial connections across the entire food supply chain.

For more information and early registration: www.gulfood.com