Your trip plan
Attending Gulfood Awards 2026?
A step-by-step plan for Dubai, built backwards from the goal: arrive prepared, do the expo well, get back. Event dates: February 16, 2026 – February 16, 2026.
Now
Before you book
Visa & entry
If you need a visa, start the process well before February 16, 2026, processing can take several weeks.
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.
General guidance only, always confirm requirements with the official embassy/consulate for your nationality.
Flights
Dubai International Airport (DXB), ~5km to centre
Al Maktoum International (Dubai World Central) (DWC), ~37km to centre
Get oriented
See what the expo is actually like:
▶ Gulfood 2022 — World’s Largest Food & Hospitality Show, Dubai World Trade CentreMore videos on the event page →1–2 weeks out
Before you fly
Connectivity & money
du and e& (Etisalat) SIMs sold at DXB arrivals
eSIM: Airalo and similar eSIMs cover the UAE
Plug: Type G (UK-style 3-pin) · 230V / 50Hz
UAE Dirham (AED)
Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash for souks.
Save before you go
📿 A prayer-times app, or use the venue timetable in Phase 3 below.
🆘 Emergency: 999 · Police 999
During the expo
On the ground
Airport → venue & getting around
The Dubai Metro (Red & Green lines) is clean, cheap and air-conditioned; taxis are plentiful.
Nol card works on Metro, tram and buses.
Official cream-coloured taxis are metered and reliable; Careem/Uber also widely used.
Eat, halal near the venue
- Ravi Restaurant, Satwa · Halal
- Al Ustad Special Kabab, Bur Dubai · Halal
- Arabian Tea House, Al Fahidi · Halal
- Bu Qtair, Jumeirah Fishing Harbour · Halal
- Aseelah, Deira, on the Creek · Halal
Programme, what to catch
- • 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.
Speakers to catch: Kyung Soo Moon, Hyojin Hwang, Jiwon Hwang, Hyunsoo Kim
Prayer at the venue
| Day | Fajr | Dhuhr | Asr | Maghrib | Isha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 16 Feb | 05:36 | 12:33 | 15:48 | 18:13 | 19:26 |
Approximate (Muslim World League method), confirm locally on the day.
A spare evening
Free time
Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah
Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque
Al Safa
Grand Bur Dubai Masjid
Bur Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi (~1.5h)
Al Fahidi Historic District
Bur Dubai
The reason you came
Your goal, make the most of it
Must-see at the show
Big Deal Hub · Dubai World Cuisine · Gulfood Insights · Startup Programme
Speakers: Kyung Soo Moon, Hyojin Hwang, Jiwon Hwang, Hyunsoo Kim
Is this for you?
This event is aimed at: Importers, Distributors, Retailers, Wholesalers, Foodservice & catering buyers, Government trade delegations.
Travel info sources: https://www.visitdubai.com · https://icp.gov.ae (entry/visa) · https://www.rta.ae (Metro)