What is Gulfood Dubai 2026?
Gulfood Dubai 2026 stands as one of the world’s largest and most influential food and beverage events. Since its inception in 1987, the exhibition has been held annually at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It has grown from its modest beginnings to a global industry benchmark.
Over the years, Gulfood has evolved into a premier platform for showcasing the latest trends, products, and innovations in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors. The 2026 edition marks a significant milestone, expanding to two iconic venues in Dubai to offer an even more immersive and expansive experience.
When is Gulfood in 2026?
Gulfood 2026 will take place from January 26 to January 30, 2026. This five-day event provides plenty of time for attendees to explore exhibitors, attend conferences, and experience product launches.
The exhibition typically runs daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, giving visitors flexibility to plan their days around the talks, tastings, and networking opportunities. Each year, Gulfood attracts thousands of industry professionals, making early registration highly recommended to secure entry.
Where is Gulfood 2026 held?
Gulfood 2026 will be hosted at two major venues in Dubai: the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Expo City. These locations are designed to accommodate the scale of the event, which brings together thousands of exhibitors and visitors from around the world.
Both venues are easily accessible and well-equipped for large international events. Visitors can expect spacious exhibition halls, dedicated conference areas, and facilities that make navigating the event simple and convenient.
Transport between the two Gulfood venues
Gulfood 2026 takes place across Dubai Expo City and the Dubai World Trade Centre, which are about 50 minutes apart by road. Visitors can travel between the two venues using Dubai Metro or cars/taxis.
The Dubai Metro Red Line connects Expo City (via Expo 2020 Metro Station) to the World Trade Centre Metro Station. Trains run frequently and offer a convenient, air‑conditioned ride.
For those who prefer flexibility, cars or taxis are widely available in Dubai. This option allows for a direct route between the two locations and can be faster depending on traffic.
What Can Visitors Expect at Gulfood 2026?
Gulfood 2026 is going to be an exciting experience for anyone in the food and beverage industry. This year the event takes place across both Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo City, making it bigger than ever.
Visitors can expect to see more than 6,500 exhibitors from nearly 130 countries. From global brands to innovative startups, each exhibitor is there to show their products, connect with visitors, and share the latest trends in the industry.
There are plenty of ways to explore. The event is divided into sectors like dairy, beverages, meat and poultry, world food, grocery trade, and fresh produce. There are also areas focused on logistics, technology, and startups, so you can easily find what interests you most.
Beyond the exhibition halls, there are talks, awards, and discovery tours. It is a great place to network, discover new products, and get ideas for your own business.
Key Gulfood Highlights
- Over 6,500 Exhibitors: Companies from nearly 130 countries showcasing products and innovations
- 12 Future-Focused Sectors: Including dairy, beverages, meat and poultry, world food, grocery trade, fresh produce, startups, logistics, and technology
- Global Networking Opportunities: Meet industry leaders and decision-makers
- Cutting-Edge Innovations: Explore the latest trends in sustainability, digital solutions, and supply chains
- Engaging Events and Programs: Attend talks, awards, and discovery tours
Who attends Gulfood Dubai?
Gulfood Dubai attracts a wide range of people from across the global food and beverage industry, from USA and Canada, to the United Kingdom and Russia.
Exhibitors include food producers, beverage companies, technology providers, and packaging specialists. Visitors range from restaurant owners and chefs to buyers, distributors, and industry professionals looking to discover the latest trends.
The event also draws international delegations, trade associations, and media representatives, making it a hub for networking and business opportunities. Whether you are an established company or a newcomer to the industry, attending Gulfood provides a chance to connect with key decision-makers from around the world.
How much are tickets to Gulfood Dubai?
Visitor tickets for Gulfood 2026 are available for AED 295 (approximately £65 GBP), which includes VAT. This ticket grants access to over 6,500 exhibitors from more than 130 countries, covering 12 key sectors such as dairy, beverages, meat & poultry, and startups.
Additionally, ticket holders can attend summits, use the event app for networking, and explore more than 1 million products across the expansive show floor.
For those interested in a comprehensive guide to the event, the official show catalogue is available for AED 225. This catalogue includes exhibitor profiles, product indices, and a floor plan to help you navigate the exhibition.
For more details on costs, check out Gulfood FAQs.
How can I book tickets to Gulfood Dubai?
Booking tickets to Gulfood Dubai starts with registering online through the official Gulfood website. You will need to provide your personal and professional details as part of the registration form.
Once your registration is approved, you can proceed to make the payment using the available online options. After the payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation email containing your ticket details.
Tickets are generally reserved for trade and business professionals aged 21 and over, and admission is limited to those working in the food and beverage industry. It is recommended to register early, as Gulfood attracts a global audience and can reach full capacity quickly.
What exhibitors are at Gulfood?
Exhibitors are the companies and organisations that book stands at the show. They send their teams to the event to meet visitors, show products, run demos and make business connections. So when we talk about exhibitors, we mean companies.
The list below is a sample taken from the 2025 exhibitor listings. It is not exhaustive. For the most up to date list, check the official exhibitor directory nearer the time: https://www.gulfood.com/exhibitor-list
Sample exhibitors from the 2025 list include:
- Mars
- Nestlé
- Unilever
- Barilla
- Ferrero
Finding Your Way Around Gulfood
Gulfood is a massive event, and in 2026 it will be even larger as it takes place across both Dubai Expo City and the Dubai World Trade Centre. To make navigation easier, the organisers provide a custom interactive map. This tool helps you locate exhibitors, amenities, and key areas throughout the venue.
You can explore the Gulfood map through their dedicated app or directly on the official website, making it simple to plan your visit and find your way around during the show.
How Do I Book A Stand At Gulfood 2026?
To secure your exhibition space at Gulfood 2026, you need to complete the online exhibitor registration form. This form requires basic company details and information about the products you plan to showcase. Once your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive further instructions on selecting your stand location and completing the booking process.
For more information and to begin the registration process, please visit the official Gulfood website.
Where to Stay When Visiting Gulfood 2026
Gulfood 2026 will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), located in the Trade Centre 2 area. This area is part of Dubai’s Central Business District, making it a prime location for visitors. Staying nearby allows for easy access to the event, either by walking or a short taxi ride.
For accommodations, Zennova Holidays offers a selection of serviced apartments in the downtown area, providing a convenient and comfortable base for your visit.
If you’re attending sessions at Expo City Dubai, it is situated in the southern district of Dubai, near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). Staying downtown gives easy access to the main venue while still being well connected to Expo City via metro or car.