If you live in Dubai, you know the drill in January. The weather is perfect, the outdoor terraces are packed, and the city’s events calendar is absolutely bursting. But this week? It’s going to be on another level. Gulfood 2026 is back, and honestly, calling it “big” is an understatement. We aren’t just talking about a few extra stalls or a new hall—we’re talking about an event so colossal it’s literally outgrown its home.
For the first time in its history, the undisputed king of food and beverage exhibitions will operate simultaneously across two mega venues. Mark your calendars for January 26th to 30th. The action isn’t just staying at the legendary Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC); it’s stretching all the way to the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.
Whether you’re a serious F&B professional, a business owner looking for the next big thing, or just a Dubai resident who loves seeing our city break another world record, this is the week everyone will be talking about. Here is everything you need to know to navigate the city’s busiest week of the year without losing your cool.
One week to go. Gulfood 2026 brings big ideas, bold deals, and industry-defining innovation together.
— Gulfood (@Gulfood) January 19, 2026
? 26–30 Jan 2026
? Dubai World Trade Centre & Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City
Register now?https://t.co/71AdniuY0A pic.twitter.com/AiL3gFxmUR
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Two Venues, One Giant Event: Where Should You Go?
Let’s break it down because this year’s setup is a game-changer. The expansion covers a mind-boggling 280,000+ square meters of sold-out space. To put that into perspective, that’s bigger than most theme parks! It’s actually the first exhibition in the world to pull off a dual-venue operation of this scale simultaneously.
But don’t panic about getting lost or showing up at the wrong end of town.
The organizers have split the sectors pretty clearly:
1. The Classic Hub: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
The OG venue remains the beating heart of the core sectors. If you are looking for the heavy hitters and the traditional powerhouses of the food world, this is your spot. You will find:
- Dairy: From French cheeses to local milk giants.
- Meat & Poultry: A massive showcase of halal products and sustainable sourcing.
- Beverages: The caffeine fix you’ll need, plus juices, waters, and more.
- Fats, Oils & Seafood: The essentials that keep the world’s kitchens running.
2. The New Frontier: Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City
This is where the future lives. The DEC will host the high-growth sectors that are rapidly changing how we eat and shop. If you are into logistics or the raw staples, head here:
- Gulfood Fresh: A brand-new vertical dedicated entirely to fresh produce.
- Gulfood Logistics: Because moving food is just as important as growing it.
- Gulfood Grocery Trade: Connecting retailers with the pantry staples we all buy.
- Pulses, Grains & Cereals: The foundation of diets worldwide.
Read More: Gulfood 2024: The Grand Return of the World’s Largest F&B Sourcing Event in Dubai
Getting Around: Don’t Let Traffic Ruin Your Vibe
We all know what Sheikh Zayed Road looks like during major events. It’s a parking lot. With 8,500 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors, the roads are going to be busy. But there’s a hack to beat the gridlock.
- The Metro is Your Best Friend: Seriously, ditch the car. Both venues are directly connected by the Red Line. You can hop on at World Trade Centre Station and ride straight to Expo 2020 Station. It’s fast, cheap, and you get to skip the stress of finding a parking spot.
- Free Shuttle Buses: Yes, they are free! A dedicated fleet of “Gulfood Express” shuttles will be running loops between DWTC and DEC throughout the five days. It’s a seamless way to hop between venues if you need to catch meetings at both.
- Drive Smart: If you absolutely must drive, aim for Expo City. The parking there is massive and generally easier to navigate. Parking around DWTC/DIFC during Gulfood? Let’s just say it requires a lot of patience and luck.
India Takes the Center Stage
This year, there is a special reason for the massive Indian community in the UAE to celebrate. India has been named the Official Country Partner for Gulfood 2026.
This is a huge deal. Led by APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), India is bringing its largest-ever delegation to Dubai. We are talking about more than 600 exhibitors showcasing the best of the subcontinent. Expect the India Pavilion to be absolutely buzzing with everything from premium Basmati rice and spices to millets and ready-to-eat curries. It’s a powerful nod to the historic trade ties between the UAE and India, and you can bet there will be plenty of tastings and deal-making happening there.
Also Read: Top Indian Restaurants in Dubai
New Flavors Landing in Dubai
One of the coolest things about Gulfood is that it feels like a world tour without the jet lag. Walking through the halls, you hear a dozen languages and smell spices from every corner of the globe. This year, over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries are flying in.
Keep an eye out for the new kids on the block. We are seeing debut pavilions from Luxembourg, the Maldives, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden, and Uganda. It’s a rare chance to see unique products—like island-fresh tuna from the Maldives or premium coffee from Rwanda—right here in our backyard. Seeing these new flags fly in Dubai just reinforces how central our city is to global trade.
what’s important for You (Even if You Don’t Work in Food)?
You might be thinking, “I don’t work in F&B, why should I care?” Well, here is the thing: events like this shape the vibe of the city.
When Gulfood is in town, Dubai feels electric. Hotels are fully booked, restaurants in DIFC and Downtown are buzzing every night, and there is a sense of energy that’s hard to replicate. It’s a reminder of Dubai’s position as a global meeting point. By activating two venues at once, the city is setting a blueprint for how “giga-events” should be done.
Plus, if you are a foodie, the trends that start here in January often end up on your plate by March. That new plant-based burger or that exotic fruit juice you see at Spinneys? It probably got its start at a Gulfood stall.
Social Kandura Tip: If you are planning to attend, wear comfortable shoes. We cannot stress this enough. With two massive venues to cover, you are going to hit your step count by noon!
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