Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Tours Gulfood 2026 as Expanded Global Food Expo Launches in Dubai

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated and toured Gulfood 2026 on January 26, marking the launch of the largest edition in the event's history. The landmark food and beverage expo, spanning both the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai and the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), showcases an unprecedented scale of global participation.

Record-Breaking Scale and Participation

Gulfood 2026 has set new benchmarks, featuring:

• Over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries.
• More than 1.5 million products across the entire food and beverage spectrum.
• 280,000+ square meters of exhibition space—double the size of previous years.

This dual-venue format is a world-first for a food trade show, highlighting Dubai's capacity to host mega-events and its central role in global food trade.

Sheikh Mohammed's Tour and Strategic Vision

During his tour, Sheikh Mohammed visited major national pavilions, including the United States, Russia, Turkey, India, Italy, Spain, and Ukraine. He was briefed on innovations in agriculture, food processing, and supply chain logistics. On social media, he emphasized that "The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for trade and industry," underscoring the expo's importance for food security, sustainability, and international economic cooperation.

Venue Expansion: A Dh10 Billion Investment

The event's massive scale is enabled by the recently upgraded Dubai Exhibition Centre, which received a Dh10 billion investment to become a premier venue for global gatherings. This expansion reinforces Dubai's competitiveness as a leading destination for business, logistics, and major international exhibitions.

A Comprehensive Global Food Ecosystem

Gulfood 2026 covers the full breadth of the industry:

• Core Sectors: Beverages, dairy, seafood, grains, and meats.
• Innovation Focus: Food-tech, sustainable packaging, and digital supply chain solutions.
• Venue Split: DWTC hosts established global brands, while DEC at Expo City highlights staple commodities and emerging market verticals.

Driving Global Trade and Partnerships

By connecting producers, buyers, and innovators from nearly 200 nations, Gulfood solidifies Dubai's role as the critical East-West trade corridor for food. The expo serves as a dynamic platform for launching new products, forging cross-border partnerships, and shaping future market trends.

Also Read: Dubai Food Guide: From Street Bites and Budget Cafés to Michelin-Recognised Dining

Conclusion: A Defining Event for the Global Food Industry

Running until January 30, Gulfood 2026 is more than an exhibition—it's a powerful engine for global economic collaboration. Its record-breaking size and strategic importance underscore the UAE's unwavering commitment to advancing global trade, innovation, and food security. For industry stakeholders worldwide, it remains the must-attend event to discover, connect, and drive the future of food.