Sheikh Mohammed Tours Record-Breaking Gulfood 2026 as Dubai Hosts the World’s Largest Food and Beverage Expo
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated Gulfood 2026 on January 26, marking the launch of the largest and most expansive edition in the event’s history. The expo, spanning both the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai, solidifies Dubai’s position as the global epicenter for food trade and innovation.
Unprecedented Scale and Global Participation
Gulfood 2026 sets new world records:
8,500+ exhibitors from 195 countries.
Over 1.5 million products across the entire food & beverage spectrum.
280,000+ square meters of exhibition space—more than double the size of previous editions.
This first-ever dual-venue format for a global food trade show demonstrates Dubai’s unmatched capacity to host mega-events.
Sheikh Mohammed’s Strategic Tour
During his tour, Sheikh Mohammed visited key national pavilions, including the United States, Russia, Turkey, India, Italy, Spain, and Ukraine. He emphasized the UAE’s role as a “global hub for trade and industry,” highlighting how platforms like Gulfood are vital for fostering innovation, enhancing food security, and building sustainable global supply chains. “The future of the food sector depends on the ability to innovate, adopt advanced technologies and enhance market efficiency,” he stated.
A Dh10 Billion Venue Expansion
The event’s massive scale is enabled by the recently upgraded Dubai Exhibition Centre, a Dh10 billion investment that positions it among the world’s premier exhibition facilities. This expansion is a cornerstone of Dubai’s strategy to lead in global business tourism and mega-event hosting.
Dual-Venue, Specialized Experience
The two-venue setup offers a specialized experience:
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): Hosts established core sectors—beverages, dairy, meats, seafood, and global flagship brands.
Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC): Focuses on staple commodities (rice, pulses, grains), grocery trade, and emerging market verticals.
This structure enhances business discovery, networking, and deal-making for the 150,000+ expected trade visitors.
A Platform Driving Global Partnerships
More than just an exhibition, Gulfood 2026 is a dynamic ecosystem for forging cross-border partnerships. It addresses critical industry trends like supply chain digitization, sustainable practices, and food-tech innovation, connecting producers, buyers, and innovators to shape the future of food.
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Conclusion: Reinforcing Dubai’s Global Leadership
Running until January 30, Gulfood 2026 is a powerful testament to Dubai’s vision and capability in uniting the global food industry. By hosting this record-breaking expo, Dubai cements its status as the indispensable nexus for international commerce, driving economic growth and collaboration on a worldwide scale. For anyone in the global food sector, it remains the premier destination to connect, discover, and transform business.
