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

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
Cancro Calls for a Fresh Look at Hydration as UAE Families Return to Routine


As wellness becomes a top priority for UAE families, Cancro, a wellness-focused hydration company, is calling for a rethink of how families stay hydrated during the busy season ahead. With the UAE’s long, hot climate and demanding routines, hydration plays a critical role in maintaining focus, energy, and immunity — yet it is often overlooked.
What makes Cancro’s approach different is its use of deuterium-depleted water (DDW). Most water contains a small amount of deuterium, a naturally occurring form of hydrogen sometimes referred to as heavy hydrogen. In high amounts, deuterium can slow down how efficiently cells produce energy.
DDW has much of this deuterium removed, making it lighter. Early research suggests that it may support healthier cell function, improved energy, and faster recovery — benefits that align with today’s wellness-driven lifestyles.
Health specialists point to three areas where hydration is especially important for families in September:
- Focus & Learning: Even mild dehydration can affect concentration and memory, making it harder for children to perform at school.
- Energy & Productivity: For parents balancing work and family commitments, hydration is key to sustaining energy throughout long days.
- Immunity & Recovery: Proper hydration strengthens the body’s defenses against seasonal illnesses and supports recovery after activity.
“Families in the UAE live fast-paced, high-demand lives, often in extreme heat or air-conditioned environments that contribute to dehydration,” said Arsh Mehta, Founder of Cancro. “At Cancro, we believe hydration should be about more than quenching thirst — it’s about supporting wellbeing in a holistic way. With advanced hydration solutions like deuterium-depleted water, we aim to help families feel stronger, more focused, and more resilient every day.”
Cancro is encouraging UAE families to see hydration not as routine, but as a daily health investment — one that supports sharper minds, stronger immunity, and better energy for both children and parents.
Hospitality
DIVE INTO GREATNESS: SUN DIVING WELCOMES WORLD CHAMPION FREEDIVER ALESSIA ZECCHINI TO SUN SIYAM OLHUVELI

Sun Diving is proud to present a one-of-a-kind ocean experience with world champion freediver Alessia Zecchini on 13th October 2025. The event will be held at Sun Siyam Olhuveli’s Sunrise Beach from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Guests will have the rare opportunity to meet the athlete recognized as “The Deepest Woman in the World.”
Born in Rome in 1992, Alessia began freediving training at just 13 years old and went on to set multiple world and European records. She was the first woman to dive to 100 meters in free immersion and has since reached the deepest at 123 meters in constant weight with monofin. Her inspiring career has been celebrated worldwide, including in the movie Vertical Breath and the acclaimed Netflix documentary The Deepest Breath. Today, she continues to push boundaries while sharing her passion for the ocean and the importance of its conservation.
This unique guest engagement by Sun Diving offers dive enthusiasts the chance to meet Alessia during an informative talk. She will share her journey and experiences in freediving, reflect on her accomplishments, and discuss ocean preservation and breath control. Following her talk, a Q&A session will allow guests to connect directly with Alessia and the Sun Diving team. Sun Diving will also host an interactive beach experience where guests can try scuba and snorkel gear in shallow water with instructors. Guests can capture photos and autographs from Alessia and explore the dive booth to learn about the world of diving and special offers at Sun Diving.
“Welcoming Alessia Zecchini is an honor for us and an inspiration for our guests,” said Ahmed Nihaan, Dive Center Manager at Sun Siyam Olhuveli. “Her achievements beneath the waves embody both human potential and the importance of protecting our oceans.”
Sun Diving, the official diving arm of Sun Siyam Group, offers SSI-certified courses, snorkelling, freediving, and specialty programs across its Maldives properties. As a subsidiary, it enhances guest experiences with curated dive packages, illustrated dive maps, lifeguard programs, and eco-focused initiatives, positioning Sun Siyam as a leader in sustainable and memorable ocean adventures.
Hospitality
THE RETURN OF JAZZ & JUICE NIGHTS AT CUCINA, THE PALM

Jazz, cocktails and Italian flair are back! Cucina, The Palm is bringing back its much-loved Jazz & Juice Nights, starting Friday, 3rd October, where live music, Italian dining, and vibrant energy set the scene for an unforgettable night.
Every Friday and Saturday from 7pm to midnight, Cucina comes alive with a dynamic three-piece jazz trio led by award-nominated arranger and composer Rudo Pieterse on upright bass and vocals, accompanied by Jose Roman Nunez on piano and Janelle Bernado on drums. Their soulful melodies and lively rhythms fill the restaurant with energy, immersing guests in the sounds of classic jazz and the warm ambience of an Italian piazza.
Guest can enjoy two hours of unlimited beverages for just AED 165, featuring Italian classics such as the timeless Negroni and refreshing Aperol Spritz, alongside the Hugo Spritz and the restaurant’s signature Cucina Spritz – a mix of Martini Fiero, Martini Ambrato, berry shrub, sparkling wine, and chocolate bitters. Wine lovers can also explore Cucina’s unique wines-on-tap selection and savour an impressive selection of reds, whites and rosés.
For those seeking a complete dining experience, Cucina’s a la carte menu celebrates the essence of Italy. Guests can indulge in freshly made pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other Italian favourites, all crafted with fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes. Each dish is designed to complement the live entertainment and drinks, transporting diners to the heart of Italy for a truly immersive experience.
With the trio’s vibrant performances, Cucina’s lively yet sophisticated ambiance, inventive drinks offering and delicious à la carte options, Cucina’s Jazz & Juice Nights deliver the perfect weekend ritual – ideal for long evenings of dining, sipping and soaking up the atmosphere.
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