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Gulfood Awards 2026 organizer logo

Gulfood Awards 2026

Dates
Dates to be confirmed
Venue
Dubai World Trade Centre
Location
Dubai, UAE
Sectors
Events & Shows, Industry Insights +1

The 2026 edition has wrapped up.

Next edition dates not yet published.

About This Event

Gulfood is the world's largest annual food & beverage sourcing and innovation trade show, produced by Dubai World Trade Centre. The Gulfood Awards form the recognition pillar of the Gulfood ecosystem — celebrating innovation, growth, and global trade leadership across the F&B sector. The 2026 edition of Gulfood unfolded for the first time across two mega venues — Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai — uniting buyers, suppliers, government delegations, and industry associations from 110+ countries. Halal & Kosher Food is one of the show's named sector tracks, making Gulfood a strategic platform for the global halal F&B trade.

Industry Sectors

Events & ShowsIndustry InsightsBusiness Development

Who Should Attend

ImportersDistributorsRetailersWholesalersFoodservice & catering buyersGovernment trade delegationsInvestorsHalal & kosher buyersManufacturersIndustry associations

Why This Market Matters

Pharma market opportunity context
11.3% CAGR growth in food security technology

2026

Gulfood 2026 scale uplift
100% more scale, suppliers, business and innovation

2026

Event Highlights

  • World's biggest F&B sourcing and innovation show — dual-venue from 2026 (DWTC + Dubai Exhibition Centre)
  • Dedicated 'Halal and Kosher Food' sector category in exhibitor taxonomy
  • Country partners: India (APEDA), Saudi Arabia (SEDA Saudi Made), plus 20+ national trade bodies
  • Gulfood Awards recognition pillar runs across category sponsorship tiers (Bakery, Beverage, Dairy, Pulses & Grains, Meat & Poultry, Ready-to-Eat, Dates, Power Brands)
  • Dubai World Cuisine programme + Big Deal Hub pre-show matchmaking
  • Halal Focus, IFFCO, MPOC, USAPEEC all on the 2026 partner roster

Industry Photos

Photo: Fred Lee Jr / Pexels
Photo: Michael Burrows / Pexels
Photo: Michael Burrows / Pexels

Why Attend & Exhibit

Why Attend

  • 1

    Two mega venues, one platform

    For the first time in 2026, Gulfood spans both Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai — doubling sourcing scope across the F&B universe.

  • 2

    Every F&B sector, 100% covered

    Bakery & desserts, beverages, chilled & fresh, dairy, dry goods, frozen, meat/poultry/seafood, halal & kosher, organic, private label and more under one roof.

  • 3

    Big Deal Hub pre-show matchmaking

    C-suite buyers and sellers secure deals before the show opens via Gulfood's Big Deal Hub — accelerating global food trade.

Why Exhibit

  • 1

    Audience scale

    Exposure to the full F&B trade — sourcing, innovation and investment audiences across 110+ countries.

  • 2

    Sector pavilion structure

    Co-locate with peers via category sponsorship tiers (Beverage, Dates, Power Brands, Bakery, Dairy, Pulses & Grains, Meat & Poultry, Ready-to-Eat).

Programme Highlights

Awards Programme

Gulfood Awards

Co-located with Gulfood 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, 16 February 2026

Details →

Big Deal Hub

C-suite pre-show matchmaking platform connecting buyers and sellers before show floor opens.

Dubai World Cuisine

Live culinary programme featuring international chefs (Korean delegation, Italian & Levant chefs); supported by official media partner Hotel & Catering News.

Gulfood Insights

Year-round content hub publishing market intelligence, CEO playbooks, and food trend reports.

Startup Programme

Programme partnership with Forward Fooding to surface food-tech innovation.

Investor Network

2026 Investor Network partners include Alex Angels and MedAngels — connecting growth-stage F&B companies with strategic capital.

Featured Speakers & Hosts

Kyung Soo Moon →

Dubai World Cuisine programme

Hyojin Hwang →

Dubai World Cuisine programme

Jiwon Hwang →

Dubai World Cuisine programme

Hyunsoo Kim →

Dubai World Cuisine programme

Jaeseok Jeong →

Dubai World Cuisine programme

Luigi Gerosa →

Dubai World Cuisine programme

Neil Gibson →
Riad Al Mawass →
Khaled Ismail →
Kinda Ibrahim →

Booth Packages

Secure your exhibition space. Compare booth options, pricing, and inclusions below.

Contact the Organizer Directly

Booth package details are not yet listed for this event. Reach out to the organizer for exhibition options and pricing.

Visit Organizer Website

Past Editions: By the Numbers

Results from previous editions, the proof of what exhibitors and visitors can expect. Figures are organiser-reported.

2026 Edition

Jan 2026

Dubai World Trade Centre + Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai (dual-venue debut)

First-ever two-venue edition. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum toured the show floor (26 Jan 2026). Show described in Gulfood's own communications as 'cemented as a Strategic Pillar of the UAE's Food Economy and a Global Engine for Agri-Trade' (28 Jan 2026 release).

What it's actually like: real videos

Independent and organiser videos from past editions of this expo, with our own notes on what each one shows.

2022 edition

Gulfood 2022 — World’s Largest Food & Hospitality Show

By Dubai World Trade Centre · 2:02

Watch this if you want the organiser's own overview of Gulfood's scale and what the conference, Top Table and side programmes cover.

  • •Sets out Gulfood's scale from the organiser (Dubai World Trade Centre): 4,000+ exhibitors from 180+ countries, with about 40% new-to-market companies.
  • •Frames Gulfood as where 'global prices are set and global trade partnerships are done' — a serious B2B sourcing and negotiation venue, not a tasting fair.
  • •Previews the programme beyond the floor: a conference (e-commerce, youth in F&B), the Michelin-star "Top Table", a zero-waste/sustainability track and a street-food/food-truck initiative.

An official curtain-raiser, but concrete on Gulfood's scale, B2B purpose and programme — a useful orientation before you go.

Scale & reachB2B purposeConference themesTop Table & street food
Watch on YouTube →

Videos are embedded from YouTube and remain the property of their creators, who are credited above.

Browse all halal expo videos →

News & Press Releases

Gulfood 2026 Delivers Landmark Two-Venue Success, Uniting Global Food Trade at Record Scale

Amid 11.3% CAGR growth in food security technology, Gulfood 2026 stood as a strategic engine for industry trade and innovation.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Tours Gulfood 2026

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE toured Gulfood 2026.

Dubai Makes History as Gulfood Takes Over Two Mega Venues and Unveils the Expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City

Two sold-out venues — Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City.

Endorsements & Partners

Government Endorsements (21)

  • APEDA· Country Partner
  • SEDA· Strategic Partner
  • Tamkeen Bahrain· National development partner
  • Khalifa Fund (UAE)· SME enablement
  • TDAP Pakistan· Trade promotion authority
  • ICEX Spain· Foreign trade institute
  • JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)· Trade promotion
  • DITP (Thailand)· Trade promotion department
  • Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (Consulate General Dubai)· Trade representation
  • BMEL (Germany)· Federal ministry of food & agriculture
  • Qatar Development Bank· Development finance
  • Morocco Foodex· Export promotion
  • Norwegian Seafood Council· Sector promotion
  • Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC)· Sector promotion
  • USAPEEC (US Poultry & Egg Export Council)· Sector promotion
  • APEX-Brasil· Trade & investment promotion
  • ABIEC (Brazilian Beef Exporters)· Sector promotion
  • MLA (Meat & Livestock Australia)· Sector promotion
  • Business Sweden· Trade & investment promotion
  • Taste Estonia· Sector promotion
  • JLEC Japan· Industry council

Sponsors (29)

  • APEDA / Country Partner — India· Country Partner
  • SEDA Saudi Made· Strategic Partner
  • Agribusiness Group Resource· Platinum Sponsor
  • Almarai· Platinum Sponsor
  • Kinza· Category Sponsor — Beverage
  • National Centre for Palms & Dates· Category Sponsor — Dates
  • Ghitha· Category Sponsor — Power Brands
  • Hungritos· Category Sponsor — Ready to Eat
  • Prima International· Category Sponsor — Bakery
  • Damdaran· Category Sponsor — Dairy
  • Suppletek· Category Sponsor — Pulses & Grains
  • BRF / Sadia· Category Sponsor — Meat & Poultry
  • DP World· Global Trade Partner
  • Al Khayyat Investment· Gold Sponsor
  • Americana· Gold Sponsor
  • Barakat· Gold Sponsor
  • Emirates Macaroni· Gold Sponsor
  • Maggadit· Gold Sponsor
  • Miratorg· Gold Sponsor
  • Rana· Gold Sponsor
  • Tilda· Gold Sponsor
  • Zar Group· Gold Sponsor
  • Wilmar· Main Registration Sponsor
  • Al Barakah Dates Factory· Visitor Lanyard Sponsor
  • IFFCO· Lanyard Sponsor
  • SAFCO· Lanyard Sponsor
  • Silal· Lanyard Sponsor
  • Salesflo· Technology Innovation Partner
  • Forward Fooding· Startup Programme Partner

Media Partners (12)

  • Hotel & Catering News (Middle East)· Official Media Partner for Dubai World Cuisine
  • Halal Focus· Industry publication
  • Logistics Insider· Industry publication
  • Asia Food Journal· Trade publication
  • Hospitality News Middle East· Regional publication
  • Food Tech Gulf· Trade publication
  • Vegconomist· Trade publication
  • BRICS GRAIN· Trade publication
  • World Grain· Trade publication
  • FoodTechBiz· Trade publication
  • Gulf Agriculture· Regional publication
  • epicure Asia· Lifestyle publication

Halal at the Venue

Halal-specific hospitality details for Muslim attendees

Gulfood's exhibitor taxonomy includes a dedicated 'Halal and Kosher Food' sector category alongside Government/Associations, Meat/Poultry/Seafood, Dairy, and other tracks — making it a primary buyer-side venue for halal-certified F&B suppliers. Halal Focus is a confirmed Gulfood media partner.

Where it's held

Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE

Get directions →Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Dubai skyline

Dubai, UAE

Halal Dubai

Dubai is one of the easiest cities anywhere for a Muslim traveller. The UAE is a Muslim-majority country, so halal food is the norm rather than the exception, mosques and prayer rooms are everywhere (including every mall, metro station and the airport), and prayer times are widely observed. English is universal, and the Metro plus ride-hailing make getting to venues like the Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City simple.

Currency AEDGulf Standard Time (GST), UTC+4 — no daylight saving.

Mosques and sights

Halal places to visit in Dubai

Mosques and Islamic-heritage landmarks worth your time around the expo.

Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah

Dubai's most photographed mosque and one of the few open to non-Muslims — guided 'Open Doors, Open Minds' tours run by the SMCCU.

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque

Al Safa

The 'Blue Mosque', inspired by Istanbul's Blue Mosque — stunning blue tilework; tours available.

Grand Bur Dubai Masjid

Grand Bur Dubai Masjid

Bur Dubai

A large, historic mosque in the old town, steps from the textile souk and Dubai Creek abras.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Abu Dhabi (~1.5h)

One of the world's largest mosques — gleaming white marble and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. A stunning day trip.

Al Fahidi Historic District

Al Fahidi Historic District

Bur Dubai

Restored wind-tower quarter — Islamic heritage, the SMCCU cultural centre and a traditional abra ride across the Creek.

Halal food

Where to eat halal in Dubai

Well-loved halal restaurants across Dubai, from cheap local favourites to special-occasion dining.

Ravi Restaurant

Ravi Restaurant

Pakistani$

Satwa

A Dubai institution since 1978 — legendary, cheap Pakistani curries and karahi. Cash, no frills, always busy.

Al Ustad Special Kabab

Al Ustad Special Kabab

Iranian$

Bur Dubai

Charcoal kebabs since 1978; walls covered in photos of famous guests. A real local classic.

Arabian Tea House

Arabian Tea House

Emirati$$

Al Fahidi

Leafy courtyard café in the historic quarter; traditional Emirati breakfast and mezze.

Bu Qtair

Bu Qtair

Seafood$

Jumeirah Fishing Harbour

No-frills fresh fried fish and prawns with rice — a beloved local seafood spot.

Aseelah

Aseelah

Emirati$$$

Deira, on the Creek

Refined modern Emirati cuisine with Dubai Creek views; a special-occasion choice.

Hotels

Where to stay in Dubai

Picks for every budget.

Luxury

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Jumeirah

The sail-shaped icon — all-suite, beachfront, the definitive Dubai splurge.

Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm

Palm Jumeirah

Resort with an aquarium and waterpark; great for families travelling with the expo.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Jumeirah

Wave-shaped family beach resort right beside Burj Al Arab.

Mid-range

Rove Downtown

Rove Downtown

Downtown Dubai

Modern, well-priced and walkable to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and the metro.

Hilton Garden Inn, Mall of the Emirates

Hilton Garden Inn, Mall of the Emirates

Al Barsha

Connected straight to the mall and metro; reliable mid-range comfort.

Budget

Ibis Deira City Centre

Ibis Deira City Centre

Deira

Dependable budget rooms beside the metro and City Centre mall.

Premier Inn Dubai Int'l Airport

Premier Inn Dubai Int'l Airport

Garhoud

Clean, cheap and a few minutes from DXB — handy for early flights.

Know before you go

The essentials

Everything a Muslim traveller needs to land in Dubai with confidence.

Getting in

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

• Dubai Metro (Red Line), ~15-20 min to Downtown/DWTC

• Taxi / Careem / Uber, 15-25 min

Al Maktoum International (Dubai World Central) (DWC)

• Taxi / Careem, 40-60 min

Getting around

The Dubai Metro (Red & Green lines) is clean, cheap and air-conditioned; taxis are plentiful.

Official cream-coloured taxis are metered and reliable; Careem/Uber also widely used.

Visa & entry

The UAE grants visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival to many nationalities (GCC nationals enter freely; many others get 30-90 days). Check the official ICP/GDRFA requirements for your passport.

Money

UAE Dirham · AED

Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash for souks.

A 10% tip is common but not mandatory; some bills already add service.

Connectivity

du and e& (Etisalat) SIMs sold at DXB arrivals

Plug: Type G (UK-style 3-pin) · 230V / 50Hz

Emergency

General: 999

Fire: 997

Safety

Very low crime. Dress modestly in public areas and respect local customs, especially around mosques.

Where to pray

Jumeirah Mosque: Open to visitors via guided tours; a working mosque with daily prayers.

Prayer rooms everywhere: Every mall, metro station and the airport has dedicated, well-kept prayer rooms (musalla).

Getting here

Travelling from a major halal market?

Most halal-expo buyers and exhibitors fly in from the world's main halal hubs. Here's how to reach Dubai from each. Entry rules vary by nationality, so check the Visa & entry note.

Riyadh (RUH)

Saudi Arabia

Find flights →Riyadh guide →

Doha (DOH)

Qatar

Find flights →Doha guide →

Istanbul (IST)

Türkiye

Find flights →Istanbul guide →

Cairo (CAI)

Egypt

Find flights →Cairo guide →

Karachi (KHI)

Pakistan

Find flights →Karachi guide →

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Malaysia

Find flights →Kuala Lumpur guide →

See the full Dubai travel guide →

Sources: https://www.visitdubai.com · https://icp.gov.ae (entry/visa) · https://www.rta.ae (Metro)

About the Organiser

Organising Entity

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) / Informa Markets

HQ: AE

Visit official website →

Industry Memberships

  • • International Islamic Food Processing Association (IFPA) — 2026 Community Partner
  • • UAE Food & Beverage Business Group — 2026 Community Partner
  • • Restaurant & Cafe Owners Association KSA — 2026 Community Partner
  • • Dubai Business Group for Organic Foods (DBGOF) — 2026 Community Partner

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gulfood Awards 2026?
Gulfood is the world's largest annual food & beverage sourcing and innovation trade show, produced by Dubai World Trade Centre. The Gulfood Awards form the recognition pillar of the Gulfood ecosystem — celebrating innovation, growth, and global trade leadership across the F&B sector. The 2026 edition of Gulfood unfolded for the first time across two mega venues — Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai — uniting buyers, suppliers, government delegations, and industry associations from 110+ countries. Halal & Kosher Food is one of the show's named sector tracks, making Gulfood a strategic platform for the global halal F&B trade.
When is Gulfood Awards 2026?
The dates for Gulfood Awards 2026 have not been announced yet. Dates TBA.
Where is Gulfood Awards 2026 held?
Gulfood Awards 2026 is held at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE.
Who organises Gulfood Awards 2026?
Gulfood Awards 2026 is organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) / Informa Markets.
What industries does Gulfood Awards 2026 cover?
Gulfood Awards 2026 covers Events & Shows, Industry Insights, Business Development.
Who should attend Gulfood Awards 2026?
Gulfood Awards 2026 is most relevant to Importers, Distributors, Retailers, Wholesalers, Foodservice & catering buyers, Government trade delegations, Investors, Halal & kosher buyers, Manufacturers and Industry associations.
Is Gulfood Awards 2026 a halal-specific event?
Gulfood's exhibitor taxonomy includes a dedicated 'Halal and Kosher Food' sector category alongside Government/Associations, Meat/Poultry/Seafood, Dairy, and other tracks — making it a primary buyer-side venue for halal-certified F&B suppliers. Halal Focus is a confirmed Gulfood media partner.
How do I exhibit at Gulfood Awards 2026?
Apply for a booth via the official exhibitor page: https://mktg.gulfood.com/2027-exhibitor-enquiry. Available booth sizes: contact organiser for details.

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