Dubai has achieved a global exhibition milestone as Gulfood 2026 becomes the first event worldwide to operate simultaneously across two mega venues: Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. The event runs from January 26 to 30.
The world’s largest annual food and beverage exhibition has recorded a 100 percent expansion in a single year, occupying more than 280,000 square metres across both venues. Gulfood 2026 also marks the debut of the upgraded Dubai Exhibition Centre, developed at a cost of US$2.7 billion, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a leading hub for mega-scale business events.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, the organiser of Gulfood, described this achievement as a world-first for Dubai and the global food and beverage industry. She noted that it redefines how large-scale events are delivered and positions the city at the centre of the evolving global food trade.
Gulfood 2026 brings together over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, showcasing 1.5 million products. This edition features 40 percent first-time exhibitors and records the largest national participation to date from India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United States, alongside new participants including Luxembourg, Maldives, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden, and Uganda.
For the first time, the Dubai Exhibition Centre will host the World Food sector and the expanded Rice, Pulses, and Grains segments, alongside new sectors such as Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Logistics, and Gulfood Grocery Trade. This expansion reflects the growing significance of supply chains, perishables, and food redistribution.
India has been named Official Country Partner for Gulfood 2026, represented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, with over 600 Indian exhibitors participating.
Meanwhile, Dubai World Trade Centre will continue to host key sectors including beverages, dairy, meat and poultry, seafood, and power brands, as well as Gulfood Startups, bringing together more than 250 innovators and investors from over 30 countries.
The event will also feature The Big Deal Hub, a platform designed to connect global buyers and exhibitors through structured matchmaking, driving high-value trade opportunities across the food value chain.
