Gulfood 2026: The year Dubai outgrew a single venue / Image: File
For the first time in its 31-year history, Gulfood 2026 has outgrown its traditional home. Opening today, January 26, the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing event is operating simultaneously across two iconic locations: the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.This monumental shift represents a 100% expansion in a single year, covering over 280,000 square metres of exhibition space. By utilizing both ends of the city, Gulfood is accommodating an unprecedented 8,500+ exhibitors from 195 countries, showcasing a staggering 1.5 million products. This isn’t just a bigger show; it’s a strategic move to anchor Dubai as the “global headquarters” of the food trade.
Gulfood 2026: World’s largest food trade show
Gulfood 2026 will span more than 280,000 square metres of exhibition space, making it the largest edition ever held. Over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries are expected to participate, showcasing close to 1.5 million food and beverage products across every major category, from staples and fresh produce to premium brands and global commodities.While DWTC will continue to host Gulfood’s core sectors, Expo City Dubai will house expanded and new verticals, including World Food, Rice, Pulses & Grains, Gulfood Fresh, Gulfood Logistics and Gulfood Grocery Trade. This division allows Dubai to present a more focused, immersive experience while handling the scale of the world’s biggest food sourcing platform.
Gulfood 1987 vs. 2026
Before it was a record-breaking mega-show, Gulfood began as a vision to make Dubai the “meeting point” for global food trade. Launched in 1987, the first edition was a modest affair compared to today’s standards. It featured just 65 exhibitors from 13 countries and welcomed around 1,600 visitors. Originally held every two years, it transitioned to an annual event in 2005 to keep pace with the exploding demand of the global F&B market.Over the last four decades, Gulfood has mirrored the growth of Dubai itself. What started as a regional fair for the GCC has evolved into the world’s most influential trade platform. It is managed by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and has spawned several specialized spin-offs, like Gulfood Manufacturing, to ensure every part of the food chain, from raw ingredients to the final plate, has a dedicated home.
| Feature | 1987 (The Debut) | 2026 (Today) |
| Exhibitors | 65 | 8,500+ |
| Participating Countries | 13 | 195 |
| Venues | 1 Hall (DWTC) | 2 Mega Venues (DWTC & DEC) |
| Space | ~2,500 sqm | 280,000+ sqm |
Locations and timing
Daily Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Friday (Final Day): 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Dual-Venue Map:
- Venue A: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) – Located on Sheikh Zayed Road. This is the central hub for core categories like Meat, Dairy, and the massive Beverage Hall.
- Venue B: Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) – Located at Expo City Dubai. This venue focuses on “The Future of Food,” including Global Food pavilions, Grains, and the new Logistics and Fresh produce sectors.
Where to find your industry?
With the 100% expansion this year, the show is split by sector. Use this table to decide where to start your day.
| Industry Sector | Primary Venue | Metro Station |
| Meat, Poultry, & Dairy | Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) | World Trade Centre Station |
| Power Brands & Beverages | Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) | World Trade Centre Station |
| Fats, Oils, & Pulses | Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) | World Trade Centre Station |
| World Food (Country Pavilions) | Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) | Expo 2020 Station |
| Gulfood Fresh (New!) | Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) | Expo 2020 Station |
| Logistics & Supply Chain | Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) | Expo 2020 Station |
| Grocery & Retail Trade | Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) | Expo 2020 Station |
The RTA has optimized the Dubai Metro Red Line to serve as the main artery for the event. This is the fastest way to jump between the two venues without worrying about the legendary Dubai traffic.
| Transport Mode | To DWTC (Legacy Venue) | To DEC (Expo City Venue) |
| Dubai Metro | Red Line (Direct) | Red Line (Direct – Route 2020) |
| Parking Capacity | Limited; High congestion | 15,000+ Spaces; Highly accessible |
| Best For… | Quick city meetings | Large-scale sourcing & Fresh produce |
| Peak Traffic | 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
By moving half the show to Expo City, Dubai has effectively cured the “exhibition fatigue” caused by over-crowding in previous years. For business owners, this means more breathing room, shorter lines for coffee and meetings, and a much more organized way to source specific products. It’s a bold move that proves Dubai can handle the world’s biggest trade shows without breaking a sweat. Go to Source
