Dubai is set to establish itself as the global hub for food trade with the upcoming Gulfood 2026 event, which will feature an unprecedented level of engagement, doubling the scale with enhanced participation from suppliers, innovators, and business leaders. The event anticipates over 8,500 exhibitors and visitors hailing from 195 countries, thereby tapping into high-potential sectors and fostering significant partnerships, all while emphasizing advancements in artificial intelligence and food economy analytics.

Scheduled to kick off the international food and beverage (F&B) calendar, Gulfood 2026 will not only mark its place as the first major sourcing event of the year but will also strategically guide the industry’s future direction. As the global market for food and beverages is projected to reach a staggering $11.37 trillion by 2030, stakeholders are recognizing the importance of platforms that offer scalability, actionable intelligence, and cross-border opportunities.

In this dynamic environment, Dubai is proving to be a vital trade center, facilitating logistics and innovative food systems. Gulfood 2026 will unfold across two expansive venues—Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), covering an impressive 240,000 square meters of exhibit space. This dual-venue expansion enables a fluid experience for buyers, who can access a wide variety of products including fresh produce, finished goods, and cutting-edge technologies all in a single visit. The event presents an exceptional environment for businesses and investors looking to capitalize on emerging trends within the food ecosystem.

The 2026 edition promises a remarkable lineup of exhibitors, including major industry players from countries like India, Brazil, and Canada, along with new nations such as Ghana and Kazakhstan taking part for the first time. This expansion also sees influential pavilions from established markets like Italy and the USA enlarging their presence, further enhancing the event’s global appeal. Mark Napier, Vice President of Exhibitions at the Dubai World Trade Centre, emphasizes that Gulfood is now more than just a sourcing event; it is a comprehensive platform vital for any serious brand aiming for growth and innovation.

Finally, India will be the official country partner for the upcoming Gulfood 2026, showcasing its diverse food production economy with over 600 exhibitors. The event aims to catalyze strategic networking opportunities and meaningful connections throughout the global food value chain, setting the stage for a transformative era in the F&B industry. This year promises not only to redefine sourcing strategies but also to illuminate the path toward a more interconnected and innovative food economy.