Gulfood 2026: The Ultimate Guide for Food & Beverage Brands

As the first major gathering on the global food calendar, Gulfood brings together thousands of manufacturers, buyers, innovators and policymakers under one roof. The 31st edition in 2026 will be bigger than ever, with two venues and new sectors that promise more opportunities than any previous year.

What’s New at Gulfood 2026

Gulfood is evolving. The 2026 edition introduces new sectors, a dual-venue format, and the widest representation of exhibitors across countries and regions to date.

Key highlights include:

• 8,500+ exhibitors, 195 countries and over 1.5 million products
  
• Two mega venues spanning the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai, with 240,000 m² of exhibition space and doubling the show’s floor area for the first time.
• Four new sectors – Gulfood Logistics, Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Startups and Gulfood Grocery Trade will debut alongside existing categories.
  
• New national entries and expanded pavilions – Debuting nations Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, the Kurdistan Region, Luxembourg, Maldives, Qatar, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden and Uganda will make their first appearance. Established powerhouses including Egypt, India, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Türkiye and the USA will increase their footprint.

Future‑focused platforms – AI‑driven innovations, smart logistics and sustainability will take centre stage, including a new tech vertical and investor matchmaking programmes.

Gulfood 2026 Dates:

26-30 Jan 2026

Gulfood 2026 Venues:

Dubai World Trade Centre & Dubai Exhibition Centre (Expo City Dubai)
Opening times: 26–29 January 2026: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; 30 January 2026: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Both venues are centrally located in Dubai and connected by major roads and public transport.

Venue access and connectivity at a glance:

Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC)

• By Metro: Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to Expo 2020 Station. The venue is a short walk from the station.
• By Car: Access DEC via Expo Road (E77) or Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). Free parking is available across 1,500+ spaces, with shuttle services to the halls.
  
• From Dubai International Airport: DEC is approximately 40 km from the airport, with a 35 to 45 minute drive.
  
• Onsite amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, restrooms, prayer rooms and food outlets are available.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

• By Metro: Take the Dubai Metro Red Line to World Trade Centre Station, directly connected to the venue.
• By Car: Access DWTC via Sheikh Zayed Road. Multiple paid parking options are available, with free parking opposite the Convention Tower.
• From Dubai International Airport: DWTC is 10 to 15 minutes from the airport by car and is well served by taxis and buses.
• Onsite amenities: Free Wi-Fi in public areas, ATMs, pharmacies and first-aid stations are available.

💡Tip: Book accommodation near either venue to minimise travel time, and download the official Gulfood app for on‑site navigation and schedule planning.

Event Layout and Navigation

Hall Plan and Sectors

Gulfood 2026 introduces a dual‑venue hall plan. The show floor covers about 240,000 m² across DWTC and DEC, with sectors grouped by venue to make navigation easier. The key sectors and their locations are:

At Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)

• Beverages: functional drinks, juices, coffee, tea and innovative beverage solutions
  
• Dairy: milk, cheese, butter, yoghurt, ice cream and plant‑based alternatives
  
• Fats & Oils: oils, ghee, animal fats and seed oils
  
• Meat & Poultry: fresh, frozen and processed meats, poultry and halal options
  
• Seafood: a new sector for 2026 featuring fish, shellfish and aquatic proteins
  
• Gulfood Startups: another new sector showcasing early‑stage F&B companies
  
• Power Brands: world‑leading packaged foods, beverages and household names
  

At Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC)

• Extended National Pavilions & World Food: large country pavilions and global packaged foods
  
• Rice, Pulses & Grains: bulk rice, lentils, beans, cereals and other staples
  
• Gulfood Fresh: new sector for fresh fruits, vegetables and chilled produce
  
• Gulfood Grocery Trade: new sector for grocery wholesaling and trade
  
• Gulfood Logistics: new sector focusing on cold chain, warehousing and supply‑chain services
  
• Power Brands: extended area for leading brands to showcase packaged foods
  

This venue split makes it easier to plan your route and use your time well. Interactive hall maps are available in the official show catalogue and on the Gulfood website. The catalogue includes exhibitor profiles, a product index, show info, and detailed floor plans. It costs AED 225 for visitors at on-site cashier desks, and exhibitors receive one free copy.

Who Should Attend (and Why It Matters)

Gulfood is more than a trade show; it’s a global marketplace where deals are made and trends are set. Whether you’re expanding into new markets or protecting your share, Gulfood 2026 is indispensable for:

• Manufacturers, exporters and suppliers: from multinationals to niche producers.
  
• Retail and supermarket chain heads: sourcing products across categories for shelves worldwide.
  
• Distributors, importers and wholesalers: searching for reliable suppliers and private‑label partnerships.
  
• HoReCa buyers and catering groups: hotels, restaurants, cafés and airlines exploring premium and bulk sourcing.
  
• E‑commerce platforms and online grocery start‑ups : discovering new products and supply‑chain partners.
  
• Investors, venture capitalists and accelerators: scouting opportunities in food tech, sustainability, logistics and AI.
  
• Government trade delegations and policy‑makers : shaping trade agreements and food security strategies.
  

Attending Gulfood unlocks access to the full food value chain in one place, allowing you to meet decision‑makers from 195 countries and expand into high‑growth markets. Buyers from the USA, Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea and African markets such as Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Nigeria regularly attend to find reliable suppliers.

Product & Category Landscape

With 12 sectors covering every corner of the F&B universe, Gulfood 2026 offers a comprehensive showcase. Key sectors include:

• Gulfood Logistics: supply‑chain solutions, cold chain, storage and transport.
  
• Gulfood Fresh: premium produce and advanced handling solutions.
  
• Gulfood Startups: a hub for food‑tech innovators, investors and disruptors.
  
• Gulfood Grocery Trade: connecting importers, exporters, wholesalers and retailers for pantry staples and high‑demand products.
  
• Rice, Pulses & Grains: bulk commodities and staples.
  
• World Food: pavilions representing national cuisines and specialties.
  
• Beverages, Dairy, Fats & Oils, Meat & Poultry and Seafood: the traditional core categories hosted at DWTC.
  
• Power Brands: flagship global brands across both venues.
  

This structured layout makes it easier to focus on the categories most relevant to your business, whether you’re sourcing raw materials, consumer packaged goods or cutting‑edge technologies.

Event Highlights: Learning and Networking

What sets Gulfood apart is not just its size but the depth of its learning forums and deal‑making platforms. Key programmes for 2026 include:

• Gulfood World Economy Summit: A closed-door summit at DEC for CEOs, policymakers, and investors focused on food security, trade, and economic resilience.
• Future Food 500:  A three-day DWTC program covering AI, sustainability, retail automation, and the future of food consumption.
• Gulfood Startups & Investor Programme:  A pitching and matchmaking platform connecting food startups with global investors through curated sessions.
• YouthX Young Chef Challenge: A competition nurturing culinary talent and future leaders.
• Innovation Awards 2026: Recognition for breakthrough products and sustainable solutions.
  

These programmes provide rich opportunities for networking, thought leadership and deal‑making alongside the exhibition floor.

Exhibitor Information

The official exhibitor list is available on the Gulfood website atexhibitors.gulfood.com. The directory allows you to filter exhibitors by country, product category and sector. Product categories include:
Bakery & Desserts
Beverages
Fresh Food
Dairy, Dry Goods
Health Products
Free‑From Products
Frozen Food
Meat & Poultry,
Snacks, Specialty Food
Spreads & Jams
Technology and Oils & Fats

Booking a Stand

Companies planning to exhibit must submit the stand enquiry form on the official website with details such as exhibitor status, preferred stand size, sector, and contact information. Stands are available as independent units or within national pavilions, pricing is shared after enquiry, and early booking is strongly recommended.

Stall Design Guidelines

Gulfood follows clear stand construction and branding guidelines, including footprint and height restrictions. On-site sales are not permitted as the event is strictly B2B, but sampling and product demos are allowed with food safety compliance. Many exhibitors use professional booth designers to create strong, brand-led displays.
Registration & Badges

Registration Process and Ticket Price

Gulfood is a paid trade event, and online registration is mandatory through the official website. Early registration usually offers discounts; once registered, you receive a URN number by email, which is required for event access.

Print‑at‑Home Badge

A print‑at‑home badge will be emailed to you approximately one week before the show. You must print the badge in colour on an A4 sheet and bring it along with a valid ID such as your passport or Emirates ID No badge will be issued on site before this time.

Pass Types

There is only one type of visitor pass that is valid for all five days. The pass provides free access to all event features, conferences, workshops and live culinary activities. People under the age of 21 are not allowed to enter.

Editing Registration Details

If you need to change details on your pass, log back into the registration page with your registered email address and password. Select “Already Registered” and update your information.

Exhibitor and Sponsor Requirements

Eligibility and Age Requirements

Gulfood is strictly a trade and business event. Exhibitors and visitors must be over 21 years old. The organisers reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not meet these criteria or who does not have a valid badge.

Sponsorship Opportunities

In addition to exhibiting, companies can sponsor various elements of the event—such as conference sessions, awards, networking lounges and digital platforms. Sponsorship packages provide branding visibility and speaking opportunities; interested companies should contact gulfoodmarketing@dwtc.com.

Contact Directory and Quick Links

To make your planning easier, here are key contact details and links:

Purpose	Contact / Link	Notes
Registration Enquiry	support@gulfood.com	Questions about visitor registration and badges
Sales / Exhibitor Enquiry	gulfood@dwtc.com	Stand booking, pricing and sponsorship
Marketing Enquiry	gulfoodmarketing@dwtc.com	Sponsorship and promotional opportunities
Investor Programme	investors@dwtc.com	Investment and partnership inquiries
Partnerships	partnerships@gulfood.com	Strategic collaborations
Helpline Telephone	+971 (0)4 389 3999 / 800 DWTC (3982)	Calls from outside or inside UAE
Official Website	www.gulfood.com	Event details, exhibitor list, registration
Exhibitor List	exhibitors.gulfood.com	Search exhibitors by category
Stand Booking	event.gulfood.com/exhibitor-enquiry	Online form for stand enquiries
Show Catalogue	Available at cashier desks (Hall 5, Za’abeel 4, Sheikh Rashid Hall, Al Mustaqbal Plaza, Al Wasl Foyer, Hall 6, Hall 8, Za’abeel 1)	Price AED 225 (visitor)
Show Timings	As listed in this guide	Daily opening times

Wrap-Up: Turn Gulfood 2026 into Growth

Gulfood 2026 is more than a trade show; it is a global meeting point for food and beverage brands ready to expand, source, and scale. Whether you attend as an exhibitor or a buyer, one focused conversation here can open doors to new markets, partnerships, and long-term growth.

About BeatRoute

BeatRoute is a Goal-Driven AI platform for retail execution that unifies your entire ecosystem and guides everyone toward brand goals.

Don’t leave your brand’s impact to chance. Explore BeatRoute’s resources for field execution, sales enablement, and distribution excellence, or connect with us for a personalized demo.