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
SOBHA REALTY AND KEETA DRONE SIGN STRATEGIC MOU, LAUNCHING AIR DELIVERY IN SOBHA COMMUNITIES

Sobha Realty, a leading global luxury real estate developer renowned for innovation and building future-ready communities, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Keeta Drone, the pioneering green air delivery company, to introduce next-generation air delivery ecosystems across its integrated communities.
Through this strategic partnership, Sobha Realty becomes Keeta Drone’s first official Smart Community partner in the UAE, reinforcing its commitment to embedding future-ready infrastructure and sustainable technologies into the very fabric of its developments.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Sobha Realty and Keeta Drone in the presence of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), marking a significant step forward in redefining how logistics and mobility are seamlessly integrated within premium residential environments.
Keeta Drone’s technology-driven delivery ecosystem is fully equipped to introduce faster; smarter and eco-conscious last-mile logistics designed around community convenience and operational safety. Integrated within government-approved frameworks, the initiative supports Sobha Realty’s vision of building future-ready communities where innovation enhances everyday resident experiences.
The partnership represents a natural progression toward Smart Community Vision, where infrastructure is designed not only to meet present-day expectations but to anticipate the needs of tomorrow, shaped by intelligent, adaptable solutions.
Leveraging its Backwards Integrated model, Sobha Realty is uniquely positioned to enable the safe, efficient and scalable deployment of air delivery networks within its communities. This capability allows for precise integration of advanced technologies while maintaining the highest standards of quality, setting a new benchmark for innovation-led residential experiences in the region.
The collaboration will be implemented in phases, with all activations operating within government-approved frameworks, underscoring both organisations’ commitment to safety, compliance, and responsible innovation.
Dr.Mao, President, Keeta Drone, said: “This partnership with Sobha Realty represents a defining moment for us. Our collective aim is to support communities that stand for quality, precision and long-term thinking – core values that are deeply embedded in our DNA. Together, we are not just signing an agreement; we are laying the foundation of what the future of urban living in the UAE looks like. We are proud to welcome Sobha Realty as our Smart Community Partner, enabling the future, and we look forward to bringing this vision to life for their residents across 2026 and beyond.”
Mr Francis Alfred, Managing Director, Sobha Realty, said: “At Sobha Realty, our vision of luxury extends beyond design and craftsmanship to the intelligent ecosystems that power everyday living. This partnership is not about introducing a new service; it’s about reimagining how communities’ function in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.
Our Backwards Integration model allows us to engineer and integrate such advanced technologies with precision, safety and long-term scalability. By collaborating with Keeta Drone, we are taking a decisive step towards building self-sustained, future-ready communities where innovation, sustainability, and convenience are seamlessly embedded into the resident experience. This is the next frontier of smart living, and Sobha Realty is proud to be leading it.”
H.E. Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) said: “The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is pleased to support the responsible advancement of air deliveries by Keeta Drone within the native community of Sobha Hartland, reflecting our commitment to embracing innovation that is beneficial to the city’s future mobility ecosystem in the Emirate of Dubai.”
Both Keeta Drone and Sobha Realty have also expressed their intention to explore opportunities beyond the UAE as Keeta Drone’s deployment roadmap grows and Sobha Realty continues its international expansion.
Hospitality
UBK AT MÖVENPICK JLT UNVEILS A MONTH-LONG LINE-UP OF SOCIAL NIGHTS, SIPS, AND SIGNATURE MOMENTS
UBK at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers is turning up the energy with a month-long line-up of weekly themed nights designed for Dubai’s after-work crowd, weekend seekers, and everyone in between. Known for its laid-back vibe and bold personality, UBK brings together drinks, bites, games, and social experiences that give guests a reason to return throughout the month.
Ladies Night – Pour Decisions (Ladies Edition)
Tuesdays belong to the ladies. Enjoy and have fun, paired with a bite and UBK’s signature Between the Buns.
Quiz
Midweek gets competitive with UBK’s weekly quiz night. Roll up your sleeve and get ready for some fun!
P.E.T. – Pints, Eats & Tails
Sundays slow things down with a pet-friendly social where guests can bring their furry companions and unwind together over food and drinks.
Every Sunday | From 12 PM onwards
With something happening every day, UBK continues to stay true to its ethos of keeping things social, unpretentious, and full of personality. Whether it’s a quick after-work drink or a full weekend session, UBK is all set to keep the calendar booked and the glasses full.
Hospitality
MATCHA LOVERS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU: COFFEE PLANET DROPS LIMITED-EDITION FLAVOURS

If your current obsession is anything matcha, you’ll want to get this on your radar. Homegrown UAE brand Coffee Planet is celebrating Matcha Month with the launch of three new iced drinks, and yes, they’re as good as they sound.
Say hello to Mango Matcha, Strawberry Matcha, and Pumpkin Spice Matcha, a mix of fruity, creamy, and subtly spiced flavours designed for peak Dubai sipping. Think vibrant green layers and pastel-toned iced drinks that are made for your Instagram feed.
Known for its no-fuss approach, Coffee Planet keeps it simple while always getting it right. With prices starting from AED 29 and availability across all UAE outlets, these are easy, go-to drinks whether you’re on a mid-mall stroll or ordering online.
The catch? These limited-edition drinks are only available throughout May, so consider this your sign to try them all before they’re gone.
Available at: All UAE outlets, including JVC Circle Mall, Dubai Hills (Business Park), Dubai Hills Mall, Foundry Downtown, Etihad Plaza, Fountain Views (Dubai Mall), among others, as well as online via Careem, Keeta, Deliveroo, Noon, and Talabat.
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