Dubai is making global exhibition history as Gulfood, the world’s largest annual food and beverage event, hosts India as its partner country for the first time and becomes the first exhibition to operate simultaneously across two mega venues. Running from January 26 to 30, 2026, the event spans the Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
India’s participation at Gulfood 2026 marks a significant milestone, with 161 exhibitors showcasing the country’s diverse agri-food ecosystem. The Indian pavilion has doubled in size compared with last year, reflecting the expanding footprint of Indian agri-food exports, rising global demand for Indian products and increased participation from exporters, institutions and startups. A key highlight of India’s participation is the Bharati Pavilion, APEDA’s flagship initiative to promote export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups. Located in the Startup Zone at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the pavilion features eight high-potential Indian startups selected through a national-level process from more than 100 applicants.
Gulfood 2026 has sold out more than 2,80,000 square metres of event space across both venues, recording an unprecedented 100 per cent expansion in a single year. India has a strong presence at both locations. Dubai Exhibition Centre hosts the World Food Hall, Pulses, Grains and Cereals Hall and Gulfood Green, focusing on sustainability, innovation and future food systems. The Dubai World Trade Centre hosts the Beverage Hall and the Startup Hall, including the Bharati Pavilion.
Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president of Dubai World Trade Centre and chief executive officer of Kaoun International, organiser of Gulfood, said: “This is a world-record moment for Gulfood, Dubai and the global food and beverage industry.”The event brings together more than 8,500 exhibitors showcasing 1.5 million products from 195 countries, with 40 per cent first-time exhibitors and the largest national participation to date from major producing markets including India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United States.
