Running from 26–30 January 2026, Gulfood steps into a bold new era. Bringing together over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries across 12 dynamic sectors—including a brand-new tech vertical and future-focused innovation platforms—Gulfood 2026 will not only showcase the current state of the global food industry, but also shape its direction for the years ahead.
For the first time ever, Gulfood will span Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai: a monumental expansion redefining food trade. Visitors will experience 100% more floor space, dual access hubs and seamless connectivity between the city’s most iconic venues.
The global food economy is undergoing a momentous reconfiguration. What once defined success no longer guarantees future growth. As 2026 ushers in rising cross-border tariffs, tighter sourcing restrictions and evolving regulations around food security, businesses must adopt new models and build more resilient strategies to scale sustainably.
No event captures this transformation better than Gulfood 2026.
Aligned with its robust growth trajectory, Gulfood 2026 will present immense opportunities for disruptors and new product innovations, giving exhibitors a first-mover advantage in a ripe market at the first major food event of the year.
Leading and new-to-market F&B brands will have ample opportunities to showcase a broader array of products and services on the expansive show floor. More creative presentation capabilities and first-time exhibitors will have a brand-new platform to showcase ground-breaking innovation to a diversified global community of buyers across the industry.
A future-ready event
Gulfood’s expansion enables deeper exploration of product categories, innovations and emerging trends. The event offers a more creative all-encompassing showcase of F&B innovations, setting the global agenda for the industry’s future.
Gulfood 2026 has evolved into a systems-change platform, presenting vast opportunities for disruptors and product innovation. New sectors like Fresh Produce, Startups, Logistics and Grocery Trade offer unmatched value, expanding the global food trade and innovation ecosystem.
The event offers direct access to industry retail giants. For example, visitors can connect with the heart of global food commerce at Grocery Trade, where essential staples, pantry goods and high-demand products take centre stage. This sector of Gulfood brings together importers, exporters, wholesalers and distributors, offering a dynamic platform to source, negotiate and grow trade network.
More opportunities
With an expanded venue comes an even more dynamic line-up of conferences, expert panels and networking events, giving visitors the chance to connect with industry pioneers and decision-makers shaping the future of food. From startup pitch sessions to curated C-suite networking, the transformation of the F&B industry unfolds before a global audience.
Expo City Dubai will host the Gulfood World Economy Summit, an exclusive convening of global CEOs, ministers and visionaries. The summit will redefine the business of food through strategic insights and international collaboration.
Meanwhile, over at the Trade Centre, the Al Multaqua ballroom will host Future Food 500. This three-day immersive knowledge hub will spotlight the disruptors, startups and visionaries driving the digital evolution of the global food industry.
The Pavilion at the Trade Centre will see two new features for Gulfood 2026. The Gulfood NXT Stage will be the launchpad for the most promising food and beverage startups pitching their innovations to an audience of investors, mentors and strategic partners. This event sits alongside the Startup Investor Lounge, a curated networking environment facilitating connections between investors, venture capitalists, corporate leaders and the next wave of food industry pioneers.
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Gulfood 2026 – Two Venues, One Defining Edition
