✓ Trade show: Gulfood Dubai 2027, the world’s largest food and beverage trade show for the Middle East and Africa
✓ Dates: from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 February 2027
✓ Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
✓ Edition: 32nd edition (Gulfood Dubai has been running since 1987)
✓ Floor space: 140,000 sqm of exhibition space
✓ Exhibitors: 5,500 exhibitors expected from more than 130 countries
✓ Visitors: 120,000 professionals expected
✓ Frequency: annual
✓ Recommended stand builder: TheStandExperts for a turnkey custom exhibition stand
Gulfood Dubai, the largest food trade show in MENA 🌍
Gulfood Dubai is the world’s largest food and beverage trade show for the Middle East. Founded in 1987, Gulfood has become the essential marketplace for MENA and Africa importers buying food & beverage for fast-growing markets. Every year in February, it turns the Dubai World Trade Centre into the biggest food buying hub in the Middle East.
The 2026 edition confirmed its supremacy with 120,000 visitors from 200 countries and 5,500 exhibitors from 130 countries. For 2027, Gulfood is aiming even higher with a focus on halal, alternative protein, sustainable food, functional cuisine and premium non-alcoholic beverages.
A few key figures that sum up the power of Gulfood Dubai:
- 5,500 exhibitors from 130+ countries
- 120,000 visitors from 200 countries
- 26 halls at the DWTC + Dubai Harbour in use
- 120+ national pavilions
- USD 5 billion in contracts signed per edition
Past editions of Gulfood Dubai in figures:
| Edition | Year | Exhibitors | Visitors | Exhibiting countries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30th edition | 2025 | 5,500 | 115,000 | 130 countries |
| 31st edition | 2026 | 5,500 | 120,000 | 130 countries |
| 32nd edition (upcoming) | 2027 | 5,600+ expected | 125,000+ expected | 135+ countries |
When and where Gulfood Dubai 2027 takes place 📅
The 2027 edition of Gulfood will take place from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 February 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, in the heart of Dubai. The trade show uses 26 halls plus several additional venues.
Exact address: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai (United Arab Emirates).
Opening hours of Gulfood Dubai 2027:
| Day | Date | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 23 February 2027 | 11:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 24 February 2027 | 11:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Thursday | 25 February 2027 | 11:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Friday | 26 February 2027 | 11:00 am to 7:00 pm |
| Saturday | 27 February 2027 | 11:00 am to 5:00 pm (final day of the show) |
Gulfood is strictly reserved for trade professionals: importers, distributors, mass retail, food e-commerce, food service, hoteliers and restaurateurs.
How to get to Gulfood Dubai 2027 🚇
The Dubai World Trade Centre enjoys a central location in the heart of Dubai on Sheikh Zayed Road.
By plane: Dubai International Airport (DXB) is 10 km away, 15-20 min by taxi or metro.
By metro: Red Line, World Trade Centre station (direct exit).
By taxi / Uber / Careem: 30 to 80 AED from central Dubai.
By RTA bus: many routes serve the DWTC.
By free shuttle: during Gulfood, shuttles run between partner hotels and the DWTC.
By car: Trade Centre Roundabout exit off Sheikh Zayed Road. On-site parking (paid).
The major exhibitors at Gulfood Dubai 🏢
Gulfood brings together the global elite of the food and beverage industry: major international traders, European, American and Asian producers, halal leaders and beverage giants.
Among the major recurring exhibitors at Gulfood Dubai, you will find in particular:
- National pavilions: France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, India, Turkey, USA, Korea, Japan
- Nestlé Middle East, Mondelez, Unilever
- Mars, Ferrero, Lindt, Lotus Bakeries
- Lactalis, Danone, Arla, FrieslandCampina
- Cargill, ADM, Bunge · raw materials
- Tetra Pak, SIG Combibloc · packaging
- Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Red Bull
- Almarai, Al Ain Farms, IFFCO · local MENA producers
- Saudi Pavilion · Vision 2030 diversification
- Indian Pavilion · 300+ exhibitors
- Turkish Pavilion · 250+ exhibitors
- Brazilian Pavilion · meat, coffee, juices
- French Pavilion (Business France) · 200+ brands
The layout by sector worlds (World Food, Beverages, Pulses Grains Cereals, Dairy, Health Food, Meat & Poultry, Power Brands, Sweets & Snacks) makes the show easy to navigate.
The main sectors of Gulfood Dubai 2027:
| Sector | Examples of products and players |
|---|---|
| World Food | Ethnic products from around the world |
| Beverages | Soft, energy and functional drinks |
| Dairy | Milk, cheeses, yoghurts |
| Meat & Poultry | Halal meat, poultry |
| Pulses & Grains | Pulses, cereals, rice |
| Health Food | Organic, gluten-free, functional |
| Sweets & Snacks | Confectionery, snacking, dates |
| Food Service Equipment | Professional kitchens, coffee, catering |
Why exhibit at Gulfood Dubai in 2027 💡
Exhibiting at Gulfood Dubai means accessing the largest food import market in MENA and Africa. The region imports more than 90% of its food. 120,000 buyers represent fast-growing markets.
There are plenty of good reasons to book a stand at Gulfood Dubai 2027:
- Meet 125,000 food buyers from 200 countries in 5 days
- Sign import contracts with MENA and Africa distributors
- Capture the Saudi markets in full diversification (Vision 2030)
- Identify your partners among regional distributors
- Launch your brands on the Dubai and Riyadh hubs
- Networking with buyers from Carrefour, LuLu, Spinneys, Choithrams
- Leadership position on the MENA food hub
Gulfood ROI is measured in import contracts and long-term relationships with regional distributors. Facing the monumental national pavilions (India, Turkey: 1,000 to 2,000 sqm), your presence must be embodied by your brand and your terroir.
Entrust your Gulfood Dubai 2027 stand to TheStandExperts
Designing a stand for Gulfood Dubai means taking on a triple challenge: showcasing your products within a branded universe, creating a tasting area and orchestrating international logistics to the Emirates. Our team travels to Dubai and supports you from the first sketch to the final pack-up.
Estimate your stand with TheStandExperts
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Our turnkey support:
| Stage | What we take care of |
|---|---|
| Design | Creative brief, 3D plans, choice of materials and custom scenography |
| Production | Workshop production in line with the trade show’s regulations |
| Logistics | Transport, installation and dismantling at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) |
| On-site support | A dedicated project manager present throughout the trade show |
| Dismantling | Removal and optional storage for future editions |
We design stands that are not just beautiful, but built to generate business:
- Optimised product demonstration zones
- Confidential meeting spaces for your strategic appointments
- Product staging that showcases your innovations
- Signage readable from a distance to attract visitors
Whether you are exhibiting at Gulfood Dubai for the first time or you are a regular at the event, we tailor our proposal to your budget, your booked surface area and your brand positioning.
FAQ · Gulfood Dubai 2027 ❓
When does Gulfood Dubai 2027 take place?
Gulfood 2027 runs from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 February 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Where is Gulfood 2027 held?
At the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Direct access via the Red Line metro.
How many exhibitors at Gulfood 2027?
More than 5,500 exhibitors expected, from 130+ countries, including 120+ national pavilions.
How many visitors at Gulfood?
120,000 to 125,000 professionals expected, from 200 countries, including importers, distributors, mass retail and food service.
How often does Gulfood take place?
Gulfood is annual, held every February since 1987.
How do you get to Gulfood?
Red Line metro, World Trade Centre station. From DXB: 15-20 min by taxi or metro.
Who can visit Gulfood?
A strictly trade-only show: importers, distributors, mass retail, food e-commerce, food service, hoteliers and restaurateurs.
How much does a stand cost at Gulfood 2027?
DWTC rates: around USD 550 to 850 per sqm. Plus USD 800 to 3,500 per sqm for design and production.
Why hire an exhibition stand builder for Gulfood?
An experienced Dubai exhibition stand builder masters the strict DWTC regulations, the logistics to the Emirates (customs, ATA Carnet) and designs a stand that embodies your brand.
Who are the major exhibitors at Gulfood?
Nestlé, Mondelez, Unilever, Mars, Ferrero, Lactalis, Danone, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Almarai, IFFCO, as well as the national pavilions of India, Turkey, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil and Saudi Arabia.
