Dubai is set to redefine the scale of global trade events as Gulfood 2026 becomes the first exhibition worldwide to operate simultaneously across two mega venues, marking a milestone for the international food and beverage industry.
Running from 26 to 30 January, the world’s largest annual food and beverage event will span both Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. The edition records a 100 percent expansion in a single year, fully occupying more than 280,000 square metres across the two sites.
Gulfood 2026 also marks the global debut of the upgraded Dubai Exhibition Centre, developed at a cost of US$2.7 billion. The expansion reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading hub for large-scale international business events and global trade exchange.
The event will host more than 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, showcasing over 1.5 million products. Around 40 percent of participants are first-time exhibitors, with the largest national representation coming from India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United States. New participating countries include Luxembourg, Maldives, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden and Uganda.
For the first time, Dubai Exhibition Centre will house the World Food sector alongside expanded Rice, Pulses and Grains segments. It will also introduce new sectors such as Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Logistics and Gulfood Grocery Trade, reflecting the growing importance of supply chains and perishables.
India has been named Official Country Partner, represented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, with more than 600 exhibitors. Dubai World Trade Centre will continue to host core sectors, startups, and The Big Deal Hub, designed to drive high-value global trade connections.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
