What To Know
- For the first time in its history, the global food and beverage trade show will operate simultaneously at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City.
- With parallel programming, expanded sector coverage, and broad international participation, the updated format places both Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City at the center of the global food trade calendar during the final week of January.
- Gulfood 2026 is set to run in a new format that places the event in two locations at the same time.
Gulfood 2026 is set to run in a new format that places the event in two locations at the same time. For the first time in its history, the global food and beverage trade show will operate simultaneously at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City. The update comes as demand from exhibitors, buyers, and national delegations continues to grow, positioning Dubai as the meeting point for international food trade during the final week of January.
Two Venues One Unified Event
Dubai World Trade Centre remains the original home of Gulfood and continues to host many of the established product sectors tied to global food trade. Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City joins as an active venue, expanding the event’s footprint while maintaining one coordinated schedule. Both locations operate at the same time, giving attendees the option to attend exhibitions, forums, and live programming at either venue on the same day. Official maps and transport guidance outline how visitors can plan their routes between locations.
Sector Placement And Programming
At Dubai World Trade Centre, core sectors such as meat and poultry, dairy, and beverages are positioned alongside long-standing global brands. The Gulfood Startups program is also hosted at this venue, offering structured pitching sessions and investor-focused programming for early-stage food and beverage companies. Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City hosts dedicated halls for World Food, Gulfood Fresh, grocery trade, logistics, and future-focused food categories. National pavilions and export-led showcases feature prominently, supported by business forums designed for sourcing teams and distributors.
India As Official Country Partner
India serves as the Official Country Partner for Gulfood 2026, marking one of its most visible participations at the event. The delegation includes more than 160 exhibitors representing 25 states, with products ranging from agricultural exports to packaged foods and beverages. Indian brands and trade bodies are present at both venues, supported by government-backed export promotion initiatives.
Chefs Business And Live Features
Dubai World Cuisine returns as part of the official program, with live cooking sessions and culinary discussions scheduled throughout the event. Chefs including Grégoire Berger, Salam Daqqaq, and Antonio Bachour are featured across the programming. Business activity is centered around the Big Deal Hub, which provides dedicated meeting areas for buyers and sellers. The setup supports scheduled negotiations, product showcases, and contract discussions during the five-day event.
Transport And Access
Public transport remains the recommended option for visitors attending both venues. The Dubai Metro Red Line connects World Trade Centre Station with Expo 2020 Station via Route 2020, providing direct access between Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City. Event guidance highlights metro travel as the most efficient way to manage peak-hour movement.
Gulfood 2026 introduces a dual-venue structure that reshapes how the event is experienced in Dubai. With parallel programming, expanded sector coverage, and broad international participation, the updated format places both Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City at the center of the global food trade calendar during the final week of January.
Cover Image: AI-Generated for Illustration Purposes
