Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 will convene food manufacturers, technology companies, investors and policymakers in Dubai as the UAE advances its ambitions for stronger food production, trade and industrial development.
The UAE’s food and beverage sector is moving into an important period of industrial expansion. The country plans to grow the sector’s GDP contribution from AED 30 billion to AED 40 billion by 2028, while food trade is expected to increase from AED 25 billion to AED 40 billion. The strategy is also forecast to generate approximately 20,000 additional jobs.
Further objectives include achieving AED 2 billion each year in food import substitution through domestic production, supporting as many as 200 food factories and expanding local production capacity by between 15 and 30 per cent. These commitments reflect the scale of the transformation taking place as the UAE and the broader GCC pursue greater food security and develop stronger domestic food manufacturing capabilities.
Turning these objectives into lasting economic value will depend on developing the industrial infrastructure required to manufacture, process and distribute food efficiently at scale.
In this environment, Gulfood Manufacturing will return to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from November 3–5, 2026, with the theme ‘Powering Food Security Through Manufacturing Innovation’. The event is expected to attract food manufacturers, suppliers, investors, technology specialists and policymakers from throughout the international food industry.
Supporting the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, the exhibition will span the entire F&B production value chain. Its scope includes ingredients, processing, packaging, supply chain technologies, controls and automation. The platform will enable manufacturers to assess the technologies, knowledge and commercial relationships needed to create more productive and resilient food production operations.
Advanced Technology at the Heart of Food Manufacturing
Leading processing and packaging companies such as GEA, Heat & Control, Husky, Ishida, KHS, Krones, Middleby, Multivac, SIG Combibloc, Sidel, Tetra Pak and TNA will participate alongside ingredient suppliers including ADM International, BUNGE, Cargill, Chocolake, Döhler, DSM, Givaudan, IFF, IFFCO, MANE and Symrise.
Specialists in supply chain management and industrial technology, including ACME, Addverb, Delta Systems and Kanoo Machinery, will also present solutions designed for the changing food manufacturing sector.
Key areas of focus will include high-performance processing and packaging, innovative ingredients, robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, traceability, cold chain management and predictive planning. The event will highlight practical solutions that allow food manufacturers to raise production efficiency, increase output, minimise waste and locate manufacturing closer to end markets.
Mark Napier, Vice President, Gulfood Manufacturing, inD, said: “Strengthening food manufacturing capacity is fundamental to advancing the UAE’s food security and economic ambitions. A more capable and agile manufacturing base can support greater local production, attract investment, accelerate technology adoption and strengthen the supply chains underpinning the food economy.
“As a global trade and manufacturing hub, Dubai is uniquely positioned to connect regional manufacturers with international investors, technology providers and supply chain partners. Gulfood Manufacturing and its co-located platforms bring this wider ecosystem together, creating opportunities to forge partnerships, access new technologies and build the capabilities needed for the next phase of regional growth.”
Vijay Injeti, Head of Sales and Business Development, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Intralox, said: “As production volumes rise across the Middle East and Africa, manufacturers are looking for ways to increase throughput without compromising safety or consistency. At Gulfood Manufacturing, we are looking forward to hearing directly from processors about the challenges on their production floors and exploring how automation, hygienic design and predictive maintenance can help them operate more reliably and efficiently.”
Yannick Lefevre, Sales Manager, MEA and LATAM, FAM STUMABO, said: “Across the Gulf and neighbouring India, food production and value addition are growing rapidly, creating a clear need for smarter, more precise processing. At Gulfood Manufacturing, we look forward to meeting companies who are focused on improving yield, reducing waste and increasing capacity, and showing how the right cutting technology can translate those priorities into measurable gains on the production floor.”
Khaled Abo El-Nasr, General Manager of Döhler MENA, said: “Food security starts with supply reliability. At Döhler, we are strengthening our global network and supply chain to help customers navigate disruption and secure the ingredients they need to innovate and grow. Gulfood Manufacturing gives us the opportunity to engage directly with manufacturers, technology providers and industry leaders, exchange ideas and turn emerging opportunities into practical solutions for our customers.”
Four Shows Connecting the Complete Food Value Chain
Alongside Gulfood Manufacturing’s emphasis on industrial production and manufacturing capability, ISM Middle East, Private Label Middle East and GulfHost will broaden the offering across the food and hospitality ecosystem. Together, they cover areas ranging from product development and procurement to retail, private-label manufacturing and foodservice.
ISM Middle East will present new developments in confectionery and snacks, bringing buyers together with the brands, products and suppliers influencing the market. Private Label Middle East will connect retailers, brand owners and contract manufacturers with adaptable private-label solutions across food, non-food products and branding. GulfHost will feature equipment, technologies and services designed to improve productivity in commercial kitchens and foodservice environments.
Taken together, the four exhibitions create an integrated commercial platform covering the full food value chain. Buyers and industry decision-makers will be able to identify the products, technologies, suppliers and partnerships supporting expansion across the sector.
