Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 to drive food security through manufacturing innovation

The UAE’s food and beverage sector is entering a new phase of industrial growth. The country aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from AED 30 billion to AED 40 billion by 2028. At the same time, the UAE aims to increase food trade from AED 25 billion to AED 40 billion. It also plans to create around 20,000 new jobs and achieve AED 2 billion in annual food import substitution through local production. Against this backdrop, Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 will return to Dubai World Trade Centre from November 3 to 5. The event will take place under the theme “Powering Food Security Through Manufacturing Innovation.” The exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, investors, technology providers and policymakers across the food production value chain.

Building regional manufacturing capacity

Aligned with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, the exhibition will cover the wider F&B production ecosystem. This includes ingredients, processing, packaging, supply chain solutions, control and automation. Moreover, the event will showcase technologies designed to support more efficient and scalable food production. These include advanced processing and packaging, next generation ingredients, robotics, automation, AI and digital manufacturing. The program will also highlight traceability, cold chain technologies and predictive planning. Together, these solutions aim to help manufacturers increase efficiency, reduce waste and produce closer to market.

Technology takes center stage

The exhibition will place particular emphasis on technologies that can support higher output without compromising production standards. According to Mark Napier, Vice President of Gulfood Manufacturing, stronger manufacturing capacity is central to the UAE’s food security and economic objectives. He also highlighted Dubai’s role in connecting regional manufacturers with international investors, technology providers and supply chain partners. Moreover, exhibitors will address specific production challenges. Intralox will focus on automation, hygienic design and predictive maintenance. Similarly, FAM STUMABO will showcase cutting technologies designed to improve yield, reduce waste and increase production capacity. Döhler MENA will focus on supply reliability and resilient ingredient supply chains.

Four exhibitions, one food value chain

Gulfood Manufacturing will take place alongside ISM Middle East, Private Label Middle East and GulfHost. Together, the four exhibitions extend the offering across the wider food and hospitality value chain. ISM Middle East will focus on confectionery and snack innovation. Meanwhile, Private Label Middle East will connect retailers, brands and contract manufacturers with customizable private label solutions. GulfHost will showcase equipment, technologies and solutions for commercial kitchens and foodservice operations. As a result, the four exhibitions will create an end to end platform spanning food production, sourcing, retail, private label and foodservice. The combined offering will connect buyers with the technologies, products and partnerships supporting the sector’s next phase of growth.