The UAE continues to anchor global food supply chains, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said during his visit to Gulfood 2026 in Dubai.
He toured the exhibition at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai, pointing to the country’s long-term focus on trade infrastructure and international connectivity.
In a post on X, Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE invested Dh10 billion to expand the Dubai Exhibition Centre. The goal, he noted, is simple. Support large global events. Enable trade at scale. Keep Dubai competitive.
Gulfood grows beyond a single venue
This year, Gulfood runs across two locations. Expo City Dubai and the Dubai World Trade Centre now share the event. The split reflects how fast the exhibition has grown.
According to Sheikh Mohammed, Gulfood 2026 has doubled in size compared with the previous edition.
The numbers underline that growth.
- 195 countries are participating
- 8,500 companies are exhibiting
- More than 1.5 million products are on display
That scale places Gulfood among the world’s largest food and beverage trade events.
Investment drives scale and reach
Dubai backed Gulfood’s expansion with a $2.7 billion development of the Dubai Exhibition Centre. The investment supports larger exhibitions, smoother logistics, and higher visitor capacity.
More broadly, it fits Dubai’s wider trade strategy. Build infrastructure first. Let commerce follow.
As global food supply chains face pressure from climate risks, logistics costs, and geopolitical shifts, Sheikh Mohammed said platforms like Gulfood matter more than ever.
They connect producers, buyers, and governments in one place. They also reinforce the UAE’s role as a trusted hub linking food markets across regions.
For Dubai, Gulfood is no longer just an annual exhibition. It is proof of how scale, planning, and consistency keep the UAE at the centre of global food trade.
UAE’s role in global food markets
Against a backdrop of rising global pressure on supply chains, Sheikh Mohammed underlined the UAE’s strategic position in global food markets.
He said the country continues to act as a critical connector for food trade, both regionally and internationally.
“The UAE plays a vital role in supporting food trade and strengthening supply chains,” he said. “It has been, and will remain, a central hub linking East and West.”
Beyond logistics, Sheikh Mohammed pointed to Dubai’s broader role as a platform for collaboration. He said the city will continue to bring governments, companies, and innovators together to address challenges across key industries.
“Dubai will remain a global meeting point for integrated efforts,” he said, adding that the emirate focuses on developing practical and sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life.
Inside Gulfood 2026: scale, partnerships, and global reach
Meanwhile, the scale of Gulfood 2026 reflects that ambition. The exhibition brings together more than 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, with over 1.5 million products on display. These span agriculture, food manufacturing, processing, logistics, and distribution.
Organisers say the event’s size and diversity reinforce its role as one of the world’s most important sourcing and networking platforms for the food industry.
During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed toured several national pavilions, including those of the United States, India, Italy, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Spain, Russia, and Ukraine. Officials briefed him on new food products, agricultural technologies, and export capabilities.
He was accompanied by senior members of Dubai’s leadership, including Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
Together, the visit highlighted how Gulfood continues to reflect the UAE’s long-term strategy. Build resilience. Enable trade. Connect global markets through Dubai.
Follow us on Instagram and stay updated with our current news
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday visited Gulfood 2026 at Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City.
Photo: WAM
