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Global Interest for Gulfood 2026 Surges Days After the Mega Food Event’s Expansion Announcement at 2025 Show

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gulfood 2026

Building on the hugely successful Gulfood legacy, and in response to record demand from the global F&B community, Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC) announcement of Gulfood 2026 has already attracted interest from key industry sectors during the 2025 show. Marking a milestone in its evolution, the expansion taking place 26-30 January 2026, allows Gulfood to further advance its pivotal role in creating value and impact for the global food sector, enabling it to fully service the entire F&B network, and firmly placing the event as the epicentre of international food trade.

Two Venues, Double the Impact

Dubai Expo City, host of both Expo 2020 Dubai and COP28, is on course to become a premier international business district, and the largest purpose-built indoor events and exhibitions venue in the region. With the twin-venue offering greater capacity to grow and meet swelling space demand, it will include new sectors to the existing Gulfood umbrella offering tremendous added value to participants, expanding the food trade and innovation ecosystem necessary to boost the advancement of the global food industry.

The Future of Gulfood Celebrated

Aligned with its robust growth trajectory, Gulfood 2026 will present immense opportunities for disruptors and new product innovations, giving exhibitors a first-mover advantage in a ripe market at the first major food event of the year. Leading and new-to-market F&B brands will have ample opportunities to showcase a broader array of products and services on the expansive show floor; more creative presentation capabilities and first-time exhibitors will have a brand-new platform to showcase ground-breaking innovation to a diversified global community of buyers across the industry.  

“Gulfood 2025 has been a huge success for all our brands and after the announcement of 2026, we have already booked our stands for next year and 2027. We have been exhibiting at Gulfood for 27 years, and this strategic move to have two locations is something we are excited about. I believe separating the exhibitors will make it easier for our target consumers to find and visit us, benefiting everyone involved in 2026,’ comments Bhushant Ghandi, Division Manager at Truebell.

Having exhibited for the past four editions Jordi Montfort, Secretary General, Spanish Poultry and Meat Association offered. ‘With the business we are developing here in the region, it’s very exciting to know what’s ahead. Gulfood 2026 will be a strategic point for the Spanish meat sector’s plans as we are continuing to establish and scale our business in the UAE and wider GCC region.’

‘Gulfood 2025 has allowed us to get more than 500 leads to business, so we are excited for Gulfood 2026.  Gulfood’s expansion for next year will make it easier to differentiate between the segments and easier for visitors to navigate throughout the space,’ added Anand Bhesdadiya, Director at Stallion Commodities (India) Pvt LTD.

Food Universe in One Show: Expanded Sectors and Incorporation of Other Gulfood Events

New sectors on tap for the 2026 edition include: Digital Innovation, Startups, Logistics, Fresh & Perishables, Health, Wellness & Functional Foods, Next-Gen Food and Beverages, Hospitality, HoReCa, Foodservice Innovation, and more. Existing sections, Power Brands, Pulses & Grains, Fats & Oils, Meat & Poultry, Beverages, World Food and Dairy will return.

Other events under Gulfood will be incorporated into the mega show’s new format. Gulfood Green, a platform for the entire food ecosystem to exchange insights on sustainable practices, food security, food waste and solutions from farm to fork. Gulfood Startups connects the entire global F&B start-up community with venture capitalists (VCs), angel investors, incubators, accelerators and innovation builders.

Catering to the burgeoning HoReCa and food service industry, GulfHost, MENA’s premier hospitality and foodservice equipment event will join. The addition presents a significant opportunity for the industry to explore the latest in smart kitchens, artificial intelligence (AI) & automation, sustainable solutions, and modular innovations designed to help elevate operations and customer experiences.

Gulfood Logistics, a new addition, will bring together all aspects of logistics, from supply chain management and cold chain solutions to cutting-edge innovations in transportation and storage, offering a wide-ranging view of the logistics ecosystem shaping the F&B industry will be added.

Comprehensive operational preparations are already underway to ensure a smooth citywide experience for exhibitors and visitors during the event, with special attention placed on parking solutions, visitor flow, easily accessible premium hotel accommodation, airport proximity and connective public transport to accommodate the large number of expected attendees across both venues, for a seamless experience, reflecting Dubai’s leading position in hosting world-class mega-events. Registrations for inclusion in Gulfood 2026 are now open.

Hospitality

A SOPHISTICATED DEBUT THIS RAMADAN: INDILIGHT INTRODUCES A NEW EXPRESSION OF IFTAR AT FAIRMONT THE PALM

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There is a particular feeling to Iftar – a moment shaped as much by reflection as by gathering. This Ramadan, it becomes the setting for the UAE debut of Indilight, a halal-certified turkey meat brand introduced through a collaboration with Fairmont The Palm.

Naturally lean and refined in flavour, turkey lends itself to a contemporary interpretation of Ramadan dining. Indilight’s approach centres on purity and balance – an ingredient chosen not only for its nutritional integrity, but for its ability to carry flavour. Its premiere reflects a broader shift in the region’s culinary landscape, where attention turns toward provenance, intention, and a more thoughtful relationship with food.

Throughout the holy month, the partnership takes form at Seagrill, where Chef Darren Andow composes eight dishes that explore turkey within the framework of familiar Ramadan flavours. There is harees, slow and comforting; kabsa, fragrant and layered; and delicately spiced preparations that balance depth with lightness. Each plate reflects a sensitivity to both tradition and the evolving rhythms of modern dining.

First presented during an intimate Chef’s Table gathering on February 24, the experience introduces the brand through texture, aroma, and shared ritual. Set against the shoreline of Palm Jumeirah, with the evening unfolding at its own unhurried pace, the collaboration signals Indilight’s arrival in the region – not as a statement, but as a presence that settles naturally into the landscape of modern Ramadan dining.

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Hospitality

 SUN SIYAM VILU REEF MALDIVES ENHANCES ITS OCEAN EXPERIENCES WITH NEW PRIVATE MARINE ADVENTURES

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Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, part of Sun Siyam’s Privé Collection, unveils an expanded portfolio of water-based experiences designed to highlight the natural beauty and vibrant marine life of its surrounding atolls. Thoughtfully curated to combine energy, exploration and moments of calm, the new offerings invite guests to experience the Maldives from a fresh perspective. Building on its popular Jet Car, SeaBob and windsurfing activities, the resort now enhances its watersports programme with private speedboat journeys and bespoke marine excursions, each tailored for small groups seeking meaningful ocean encounters.

Private Speedboat Journeys

Available daily from the Watersports Centre, the new private speedboat experiences provide an intimate way to discover the hidden gems of Dhaalu Atoll. Designed for one to four guests, each excursion ensures flexibility, personalised attention and access to some of the region’s most captivating marine locations. Guests may choose from four hour, five hour or full day itineraries, all complemented by a freshly prepared BBQ lunch. From colourful coral gardens to untouched sandbanks, each journey reveals the Maldives in its most authentic and captivating form.

The Signature Full Day Adventure

At the heart of the programme is the Full Day Adventure Trip, an immersive exploration of Vaavu Atoll’s most iconic marine sites. Highlights include:

  • The Coral Garden, known for its rich biodiversity and striking reef formations
  • The Turtle Point, where sea turtles glide through crystal clear waters
  • The Nurse Shark Point, offering a rare opportunity to observe these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat

The experience concludes with a relaxed beachside lunch on a secluded sandbank, surrounded by uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean.

Waves of Adventure and Calmness

For guests seeking both exhilaration and restoration, the Waves of Adventure and Calmness programme pairs a private two hour snorkelling safari or Jet Ski safari with a full body massage at the resort. Designed to move seamlessly from ocean thrill to island serenity, the experience reflects the effortless balance that defines Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.

As part of the Sun Siyam Privé Collection, a curated portfolio of distinctive island retreats, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef continues to offer elevated yet approachable experiences rooted in personalised service and the natural beauty of the Maldives. Here, every guest is invited to experience a genuine sense of wonder and an authentic connection to the Maldivian spirit, where the thrill of discovery meets the quiet calm of a natural sanctuary.

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Hospitality

CANCRO EXPANDS UAE PRESENCE WITH LAUNCH AT AL MAYA STORES AND ONLINE AHEAD OF RAMADAN

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In time for the Holy Month, Cancro has announced its retail expansion into Al Maya Group stores across the UAE, alongside enhanced online availability designed to support Ramadan wellness routines.

With hydration and recovery becoming central to health conversations during Ramadan, Cancro’s formulations are positioned to support individuals observing the fast by helping replenish essential nutrients and maintaining electrolyte balance between Iftar and Suhoor. As consumers increasingly prioritize energy management, focus, and overall wellbeing during the Holy Month, the brand’s expanded availability ensures convenient access both in-store and online at a time when wellness purchasing peaks.

“Hydration remains one of the most critical aspects of fasting. Strategic replenishment during non-fasting hours can significantly influence how individuals feel the following day. By supporting electrolyte balance and recovery overnight, Cancro integrates seamlessly into post-Iftar and pre-Suhoor routines, helping consumers better manage fatigue and maintain productivity throughout the day,” said xxx at Cancro.

The partnership with Al Maya strengthens Cancro’s physical retail footprint across key UAE locations, aligning with increased supermarket footfall during Ramadan grocery cycles. As families prepare for Iftar gatherings and Suhoor essentials, Cancro is positioned as a practical addition to the Ramadan basket, reinforcing proactive health management during the Holy Month.

Complementing its retail presence, Cancro has also optimized its e-commerce platform to deliver a seamless purchasing journey. The website now features a streamlined checkout process, Apple Pay integration for faster transactions, secure payment gateways, and Ramadan-exclusive bundles designed to encourage convenient restocking. With direct-to-door delivery available across the UAE, customers can purchase effortlessly between busy schedules and evening commitments.

Ramadan represents one of the most significant retail periods in the UAE, particularly within the health and wellness category. By combining strong supermarket distribution through Al Maya with an enhanced direct-to-consumer online channel, Cancro is strategically positioned to capture growing demand while offering flexibility in how customers choose to shop.

As Ramadan approaches, Cancro invites consumers to prioritize hydration, recovery, and sustained performance as part of a balanced fasting routine. The range is now available at Al Maya stores across the UAE and online via Cancro’s official website.

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