Gulfood 2026: Two Venues, One Giant Week
If you thought Gulfood was big before, you haven't seen the plans for 2026. For the first time in its history, the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event has become too big for one venue.
Gulfood 2026 will span across two massive locations: the traditional Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and the new Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City. With over 6,500 exhibitors and 100,000+ visitors expected, this isn't just a trade show anymore - it's a city-wide takeover.
Here is your survival guide to navigating the new dual-venue format.
Gulfood 2026: Executive Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 26 – 30, 2026 |
| Locations | 1. DWTC (Sheikh Zayed Road) / 2. DEC (Expo City Dubai) |
| Scale | 6,500+ Exhibitors / 190+ Countries |
| New Sectors | Gulfood Fresh, Grocery Trade, Logistics, Startups |
| Transport | Dubai Metro (Red Line connects both venues) |
| Essential Tool | CardSync (For scanning leads at both sites) |
The "Dual-Venue" Challenge
The biggest change this year is logistics. The two venues are roughly 45 minutes apart by car (depending on traffic) or connected via the Metro Red Line.
Where do you need to be?
- •Go to DWTC for: The core commodity sectors like Meat & Poultry, Dairy, Beverages, and World Food.
- •Go to DEC (Expo City) for: The new future-focused sectors. This includes the Innovation Tech Hub, Gulfood Startups, and the new Grocery Trade vertical.
Insider Tip: Do not try to visit both venues in one day. Plan your schedule to spend full days at each location to avoid losing hours in transit.
3 Trends Shaping the 2026 Floor
- 1. The "Tech" Vertical
F&B is officially becoming a tech industry. The new Innovation Tech Hub at DEC will showcase AI-driven supply chain solutions, smart farming, and automated retail. If you are selling food tech, this is your new home.
- 2. Agri-Food & Sustainability
With the UAE’s push for food security, expect massive government backing for "AgriTech" exhibitors. Vertical farming, water-saving irrigation, and sustainable packaging are no longer niche - they are the headline acts.
- 3. "Power Brands" Expansion
The biggest global FMCG brands are expanding their footprint. The "Power Brands" sector is taking up more space than ever, focusing on securing massive distribution contracts for Africa and South Asia.
The "Venue Amnesia" Problem
With two venues and 6,500 exhibitors, your brain is going to hit its limit by Day 2. The danger is meeting a fantastic distributor at DWTC in the morning, then taking the metro to DEC. By the time you get back to your hotel, you have a pocket full of mixed cards.
- •Did I meet this guy at the Dairy Hall or the Tech Hub?
- •Was he the one who wanted the samples sent to Jeddah or Riyadh?
The Must-Have:
You cannot rely on memory when the event is this big. Use CardSync to tag your leads by location:
- •Snap the card immediately.
- •Voice Note the Location: "Met at DEC, Hall 2. Interested in the new SKU."
- •Tag It: Use a text note to tag "DWTC" or "DEC" so you can segment your follow-up list later.
3 Survival Tips for Dubai
- 1. Master the Metro (Red Line)
Taxis between DWTC and Expo City will be expensive and stuck in traffic. The Dubai Metro Red Line is your lifeline. It connects World Trade Centre Station directly to Expo 2020 Station. It’s clean, fast, and costs a fraction of an Uber.
- 2. Hydrate & Dress Light
Even in January, Dubai can be warm, and the AC inside the halls is strong. Wear layers. And remember, you are covering two massive campuses—wear the most comfortable shoes you own.
- 3. Book Dinner Reservations NOW
With 100,000 visitors in town, every good restaurant in DIFC and Downtown will be fully booked. If you plan to take clients out, book your tables before you get on the plane.
Summary
Gulfood 2026 is going to be a marathon of logistics and opportunity. The "Dual-Venue" format changes the game—you need to be smarter with your time and your data. Don't let the commute kill your deal flow.
