Gulfood 2026 Opens Across Two Dubai Venues, Redefining the Global Food Trade Landscape

Gulfood 2026 has officially opened its doors with a historic first that reshapes the scale and ambition of global trade exhibitions. For the first time in its history, the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing event is running simultaneously across two major venues: the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.

Taking place from 26 to 30 January 2026, Gulfood 2026 spans more than 280,000 square metres of fully sold-out exhibition space, marking an unprecedented 100% expansion in a single year. The edition also serves as the global debut of the upgraded Dubai Exhibition Centre, a $2.7 billion development set to anchor Dubai’s next era of mega-scale international business events.

A New Scale for Global Trade Events
The expansion across two venues reflects surging global demand and the increasing complexity of international food supply chains. This year’s Gulfood brings together over 8,500 exhibitors, showcasing more than 1.5 million products from 195 countries, creating a powerful five-day platform for sourcing, deal-making, and strategic partnerships.

“This is a world-record moment for Gulfood, Dubai, and the global food and beverage industry,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre and Chief Executive Officer of KAOUN International, the organiser of Gulfood.
“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.”
She added that the milestone extends far beyond physical scale:
“This expansion is about impact. It redefines how giga-scale events are designed, delivered and experienced, proving that such ambition is not only achievable, but transformative.”

Two Venues, One Integrated Ecosystem

At Dubai World Trade Centre, visitors will find core sectors including beverages, dairy, fats and oils, meat and poultry, seafood, alongside leading global power brands. The venue also hosts Gulfood Startups, uniting more than 250 founders, investors and innovators working across food-tech, agri-tech and next-generation food systems.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai makes its Gulfood debut as the home of World Food and the expanded Rice, Pulses and Grains sectors. This strategic positioning places essential global food commodities within Dubai’s future growth corridor, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a hub for food redistribution, logistics and long-term supply security.
India in the Spotlight

India takes centre stage at Gulfood 2026 as the Official Country Partner, represented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). The country is participating with its largest-ever delegation, featuring more than 600 exhibitors, including leading brands such as Amul and Rasna, highlighting India’s growing influence in global food production and exports.

A Turning Point for the Global Food Industry
With its unprecedented scale, integrated dual-venue format and strong international participation, Gulfood 2026 marks a defining moment not only for the exhibition itself, but for the future of global food trade. As supply chains evolve and food security becomes a strategic priority worldwide, Gulfood continues to position Dubai at the heart of the global food ecosystem.