Today marks the launch of Gulfood Manufacturing 2026, the region’s most important event for the food production, processing, and packaging industry. Held from January 26 to 30, the exhibition opens with a record 8,500+ exhibitors and more than 1.5 million products, making it one of the most comprehensive industry gatherings globally.
In a historic first, the 31st edition of Gulfood is taking place simultaneously at two major venues: Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai, which has recently undergone a significant expansion.
A Global Showcase of Innovation and Industry
Gulfood 2026 brings together the world’s top food and beverage leaders, innovators, and stakeholders, offering a platform for commercial opportunities, knowledge exchange, and market insights. The event draws participants from 195 countries, reflecting its growing global stature and influence.
This year’s edition delivers an expanded and future-focused showcase across product categories, sectors, and innovations. From emerging trends to the latest in manufacturing technology, Gulfood offers a comprehensive view of the food industry’s current and future landscape.
Key Sectors at Dubai World Trade Centre
At the Dubai World Trade Centre, high-growth sectors and leading retail players are spread across categories such as:
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Beverages
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Dairy
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Fats and oils
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Meat and poultry
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Major food brands
Two new zones debut this year:
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Seafood
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Gulfood for Startups, focusing on emerging F&B companies.
New Experiences at Dubai Exhibition Centre – Expo City Dubai
Meanwhile, the Dubai Exhibition Centre hosts country pavilions, major product categories, and key food industry delegations. It also introduces three brand-new sectors:
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Gulfood Fresh
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Grocery Trade
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Gulfood Logistics, spotlighting the critical role of supply chain innovation in the F&B industry.
Strategic Events and Industry Dialogues
Gulfood Global Economy Summit
Held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, this high-level summit brings together CEOs, ministers, and visionaries to explore the future of the global food economy through strategic insights and collaboration.
Food Future 500 Conference
Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre, this four-day forum highlights the role of startups, tech pioneers, and digital innovators in transforming the food ecosystem.
Gulfood Next
A launch platform for startups to present innovations in F&B to an audience of investors, mentors, and strategic partners.
Dubai World Cuisine Platform
Featuring Michelin-starred chefs, renowned culinary institutions, and international food concepts, this vibrant experience positions Dubai as a global hub for gastronomy.
Grocery Trade: A Key Sector in Focus
A major addition this year is the Gulfood Grocery Trade platform, built to support the region’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and grocery sectors. As the retail and wholesale grocery trade grows rapidly across the Middle East, this new zone addresses key issues such as price stability, product availability, and supply chain resilience across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and neighboring markets.
This platform runs concurrently from January 26 to 30 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, underscoring the increasing importance of grocery trade in securing the region’s food ecosystem.
Dubai Industrial City Highlights Two Decades of Industry Support
Dubai Industrial City has announced its participation in Gulfood 2026, showcasing over 20 years of contribution to the food and beverage sector. The hub hosts more than 1,100 clients, including 350 operational factories, and is home to leading brands such as:
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Patchi
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Al Barakah Dates
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Himalaya Wellness, which is establishing its first herbal pharmaceuticals factory outside India in Dubai.
With its advanced infrastructure, smart logistics, and innovation-friendly environment, Dubai Industrial City continues to enhance the region’s competitiveness on both regional and global levels.
Emirates Flight Catering and Bustanica Make Their Gulfood Debut
For the first time, Emirates Flight Catering and Bustanica, the world’s largest vertical farm, will exhibit at Gulfood. Both companies are expanding their reach beyond aviation catering into the broader food service and retail sectors.
Emirates Flight Catering will showcase high-volume, complex food solutions tailored for global events and large-scale hospitality.
Bustanica will introduce a new range of products designed for modern, fast-paced lifestyles, while also highlighting its commitment to sustainable farming and quality produce.
