Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, visited the 31st edition of Gulfood, marking the largest edition in the history of the world's leading food and beverage sourcing event. Gulfood 2026 runs until 30th January across more than 280,000 square metres at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai and the Dubai World Trade Centre, with the participation of over 8,500 exhibitors from around 195 countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event features more than 1.5 million products across all segments of the global food industry, reinforcing its position as a leading commercial platform driving growth and innovation in the global food ecosystem. His Highness's visit took place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, with Gulfood 2026 being the first event held at the newly expanded venue. The revamped venue marks a milestone for Dubai's exhibitions sector and reinforces the emirate's role as a global hub for trade and industry.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid affirmed that the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for trade and industry and as an international platform convening markets, producers, and innovators, reflecting its commitment to advancing international cooperation in the food sector, a key pillar of global economic stability and food security. His Highness said that the future of the food sector depends on the ability to innovate, adopt advanced technologies, and enhance market efficiency, adding that the UAE remains committed to building a resilient economic ecosystem that enables vital sectors to grow and provides an open environment for ideas and quality investments.
During his visit, His Highness was accompanied by several dignitaries, including H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. His Highness visited a number of participating country pavilions, where he was briefed on a wide range of food products and innovative solutions that reflect the diversity of global markets.
The tour included visits to the pavilions of the United States, Russia, Trkiye, Italy, India, Spain, and Ukraine, where His Highness took an interest in food industries, agricultural products, and food processing activities. The tour also included visits to the pavilions of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, where His Highness was apprised of the latest trends and innovations in the food industry.
Gulfood 2026 delivers an integrated ecosystem on a global scale, having doubled in size and impact. The $2.7 billion expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre reflects Dubai's long-term vision for macroeconomic leadership, multilateral trade, and global connectivity, further strengthening the emirate's position as a leading destination for events with global influence. Marking its most globally representative edition to date, Gulfood serves as a unified platform for the world's food economies, significantly supporting the expansion of global trade pathways.
