The global food and beverage industry is entering a defining era shaped by health, technology, sustainability, transparent sourcing and AI-driven performance. With the global F&B market projected to reach USD 11.37 trillion by 2030 and the MENA region recording the world’s fastest growth, the demand for scale, intelligence and cross-border opportunity has never been greater.
At the centre of this momentum stands Dubai—one of the world’s most connected trade hubs and a global leader in logistics, innovation and future-ready food systems. Against this backdrop, Gulfood 2026 returns as the first and largest sourcing event of the year, transforming Dubai into the global headquarters of a connected, intelligent food economy. The 31st edition will welcome more than 8,500 exhibitors, showcase 1.5 million+ products and attract participants from 195 countries, unlocking new high-growth sectors, strategic partnerships and innovation across the entire global food ecosystem.
100% More Scale: Two Mega Venues, One Global Food Ecosystem
For the first time in global food trade history, Gulfood 2026 will span two mega venues Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai expanding the show to a record-breaking 240,000 sqm. This historic dual-venue expansion delivers the largest food and beverage trade footprint ever assembled.
The seamlessly connected format enables buyers and suppliers to source finished goods, fresh produce, commodities, national pavilions, innovations and next-generation technologies through a single, integrated journey. New participating countries for 2026 include Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kurdistan Region, Luxembourg, Maldives, Qatar, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden and Uganda, while major pavilions such as India, Saudi Arabia, USA, Italy, Spain, Türkiye and Egypt will expand to their largest presence to date. Global industry leaders, investors, startups and unicorns will converge alongside government bodies and trade agencies to drive meaningful commercial outcomes.
Strategic Partnerships, New Sectors and India as Official Country Partner
DWTC will host high-growth sectors including Beverages, Dairy, Fats & Oils, Meat & Poultry, Power Brands, alongside two new sectors for 2026 Seafood and Gulfood Startups highlighting the rapid expansion of the global F&B innovation ecosystem. DEC will feature extended national pavilions, bulk commodity trade, procurement hubs and new sectors such as Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Grocery Trade and Gulfood Logistics, while anchoring global dialogue through the Gulfood World Economy Summit.
India joins Gulfood 2026 as the Official Country Partner, delivering its largest-ever presence with over 600 exhibitors. With its F&B market projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.4% through 2028, India will showcase the strength and diversity of its food economy, led by brands including Amul, Everest, MDH, Mother Dairy and Rasna.
Together, these platforms position Gulfood 2026 as the world’s most influential food trade event an essential destination for global sourcing, innovation, investment and strategic collaboration.
For more information and early bird registration, visit: www.gulfood.com
