Attending Gulf Food Awards 2027?

If you need a visa, start the process well before February 22, 2027 — 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.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) — ~5km to centre

Al Maktoum International (Dubai World Central) (DWC) — ~37km to centre

See what the expo is actually like:

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.

📿 A prayer-times app, or use the venue timetable in Phase 3 below.

🆘 Emergency: 999 · Police 999

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.

• Old Dubai (Deira & Bur Dubai) — Deira / Bur Dubai · halal
• Downtown & Dubai Mall — Downtown · mostly halal
• Global Village (seasonal) — Dubailand · halal

Approximate (Muslim World League method) — confirm locally on the day.

Downtown

The world's tallest building, fountains and aquarium.

Bur Dubai

Old Dubai wind-tower quarter; cross Dubai Creek on a traditional abra.

Abu Dhabi (~1.5h)

A stunning day trip to one of the world’s largest mosques.

Check the programme on the official event page and map out the zones you want to walk.

This event is aimed at: Halal certification bodies, Importers, distributors & wholesalers, Retail & procurement buyers, Halal trade buyers across the Middle East.