Gulfood is an exhibition for people who buy, produce, import and sell food and drinks. Its purpose is to connect visitors with suppliers, product ranges and markets. In 2027, it takes place on 15–19 March at two Dubai venues: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai.
A retail buyer may discover new offers, an importer may discuss working with manufacturers, and a restaurant or hotel business may look for products suited to its concept. Plan your visit around what you need to find, rather than a general wish to see a large food exhibition.
Which products should you look for?
Gulfood's description includes dairy, fresh produce, oils, beverages, meat, grains and food logistics. These are distinct markets with different needs, so choosing a category helps narrow your interests.
The organiser addresses retail and hotel chains, manufacturers, distributors, startups and investors. Some seek a finished product range, others ingredients, manufacturing partners or new ideas. Decide what role you are attending in: it determines which companies to seek out and what to ask.
For a useful discussion, describe your market, customers and sales format. How does an offer for a restaurant menu differ from a product for a shop shelf? Which product qualities are essential to your concept? What do you need to know about supply before continuing negotiations? Prepared questions help you compare your findings after the exhibition.
What to expect from the business programme
Gulfood combines trade and professional interests: product discovery, negotiations and discussion of changes in the food business. On its visitor page, the organiser highlights new categories, supply development, food technology and meetings between producers and buyers.
On the fact-check date, the detailed exhibitor list linked in the website menu was still labelled 2026. It can give an idea of the event's scale and profile, but check the 2027 participants as the new catalogue is published. Do not build a trip around a particular company until it has confirmed its participation and a meeting with you.
Five days and two venues
As the programme spans DWTC and DEC, first choose the companies and sections that interest you, then group meetings by venue. This helps preserve time for negotiations themselves.
Do not confuse Gulfood with Gulfood Manufacturing in November 2026. Manufacturing focuses on production technology, equipment and packaging. The March Gulfood is primarily relevant to people working with food products, product ranges and international trade.
Journeys for a buying team
If you are flying in with colleagues for several working days, discuss transfers between your hotel and the exhibition centres with Hola Taxi. You can describe the whole trip in one enquiry: airport pickup, exhibition journeys and hotel returns. Include passenger numbers, dates and the venue needed for each journey.
For Dubai International Airport, see the DXB transfers section. Leave a free evening for a walk; our Dubai travel guide has ideas.
Sources
Facts checked on 15 October 2026.
