Dubai brings the world together, with 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries at this year’s Gulfood, an unprecedented event that gathers industry leaders from around the globe. The launch of Gulfood 2026 reflects the massive expansion in the food and beverage sector and establishes a vital platform for communication and innovation between global and local companies, enhancing Dubai’s position as a leading destination in this field.
Under the eyes of the world, the 2026 edition of Gulfood has kicked off today in Dubai, considered the most important event in the food and beverage sector. This 31st edition features participation from over 8,500 exhibitors and showcases 1.5 million products from 195 countries, running until January 30, 2026. This time, the exhibition is held at two main locations: the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, with an expansion costing around $2.7 billion.
Moreover, this edition of Gulfood is the most accommodating ever, with both venues fully booked, and 40% of participants registered as first-time exhibitors, reflecting exceptional growth in this sector.
Innovative Platforms
The exhibition witnesses the launch of several key platforms and initiatives, including Gulfood Startups, aimed at supporting rapidly growing food technology companies in Dubai and facilitating their global expansion. The ministry is also launching the Gulfood Grocery initiative, specifically designed to serve the consumer goods and trade sector, which is considered a major driver of the regional food economy.
Advanced Logistics
Logistics services are receiving special attention at this year’s exhibition, with the launch of Gulfood Logistics at a time when the global logistics and transportation market is expected to grow significantly, highlighting the importance of these services in global trade and food supply chains. The UAE showcases its role as the largest logistics hub in the Middle East, contributing approximately 8% to the GDP.
Innovations from Global Leaders
Within the Gulfood Startups platform, the exhibition will bring together over 250 global innovators to unveil new technologies across all aspects of the food value chain, from providing new proteins to automated supply systems. Innovative companies such as Ant Systems Nanotechnology and Brad Technology will participate, offering advanced solutions that redefine the boundaries of the food industry.
The exhibition is designed to be a vibrant space that connects major companies with new entrepreneurs, embodying the importance of innovation in developing the food and beverage sector. Thus, Dubai enhances its position as a global destination for exchanging ideas and developments in this industry.
Conversely, the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai serves as an ideal platform for global dialogue and knowledge exchange among nations. By hosting the most innovative national pavilions, the exhibition becomes an attractive point welcoming government delegations and procurement centers, contributing to the establishment of new strategic partnerships.
With the expected growth in the UAE market, projected to reach a value of $44 billion by 2029, the UAE remains at the forefront of innovators in the food and beverage sector, confirming the ongoing appeal of investment in this vital field.