His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday visited the 31st edition of Gulfood, which is being held as the largest edition in the event’s history.
Gulfood 2026 runs until January 30 across more than 280,000 square metres at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai and the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event features more than 8,500 exhibitors from around 195 countries, showcasing over 1.5 million products spanning all segments of the global food industry.
Sheikh Mohammed’s visit took place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, with Gulfood 2026 becoming the first event hosted at the newly expanded venue. The expansion marks a major addition to Dubai’s exhibitions infrastructure and supports the emirate’s position as a centre for global trade and industry.
During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE continues to consolidate its role as a global hub for trade and industry and as a platform connecting markets, producers and innovators. He said the food sector remains a key pillar of global economic stability and food security.
He said the future of the food industry depends on innovation, the adoption of advanced technologies and improved market efficiency. He added that the UAE remains focused on building an economic environment that supports growth in vital sectors and provides opportunities for ideas and investment.
Sheikh Mohammed said Dubai will continue to serve as a global meeting point for cooperation across strategic sectors and for the development of solutions that support sustainable growth and quality of life.
Accompanying Sheikh Mohammed on the tour were Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; and Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
Sheikh Mohammed visited several country pavilions, where he was briefed on food products and industry solutions highlighting global market diversity and supply chain developments. The tour included pavilions from the United States, Russia, Türkiye, Italy, India, Spain and Ukraine, with discussions covering food industries, agricultural products, processing activities and export capabilities.
He also visited the Saudi Arabia and Egypt pavilions, where officials presented developments in food production, technology use and sustainability initiatives.
Gulfood 2026 has doubled in size and scope, forming an integrated ecosystem for global food trade. The $2.7 billion expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre supports Dubai’s long-term plans for trade connectivity and large-scale international events.
This year’s edition includes expanded participation from major food-producing countries such as Egypt, India, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Türkiye and the United States, alongside first-time participation from Libya, Luxembourg, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden and Uganda.