Gulfood strengthens role as strategic pillar of UAE food economy and global agri-trade

Food & FMCG

Gulfood strengthens role as strategic pillar of UAE food economy and global agri-trade

Gulfood 2026 continued to reinforce its position as a cornerstone of the UAE’s food economy and a major driver of global agri-trade, as day three of the event marked a significant shift in the platform’s evolution from a trade exhibition into a system-shaping global food ecosystem.

Building on its recent dual-venue expansion, Gulfood announced its entry into a new continent with the launch of Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya, extending its reach while placing agri-tech, innovation and future food solutions at the centre of the farm-to-fork continuum. The move further strengthened the UAE’s role as a global hub for food trade diplomacy and cross-border growth.

Policy alignment and ecosystem partnerships

Highlighting its role as a catalyst for ecosystem-wide collaboration, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and the UAE Food Cluster signed a strategic memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening cooperation across the food and agriculture value chain. The UAE Food Cluster also recognised Gulfood with a prestigious award for its contribution to building a robust national food ecosystem and connecting food clusters globally.

Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food Cluster, said the cluster strategy has helped unite ecosystem players and position the UAE as a smart global food hub capable of addressing emerging challenges.

Deal-making and global market access

Commercial activity remained central to the event through the Big Deal Hub, which continued to position Gulfood as a large-scale deal-making platform connecting buyers, suppliers and growth markets. Participants highlighted the value of pre-arranged meetings in accelerating partnerships and improving business outcomes.

Returning national pavilions also underlined Gulfood’s status as a global convening point, with exhibitors citing strong engagement, seamless organisation and renewed access to international buyers following extended absences from the show.

Platform for launches, scale and investment

Gulfood 2026 also served as a launchpad for new products, investments and brand debuts. Several global and regional players unveiled innovations targeting quality, sustainability and consumer health, while major investments were announced across food manufacturing and ingredients.

Among the key developments, Al Ghurair Foods launched PURL, a new food ingredients brand, alongside a $20 million investment in a UAE-based meat coating systems plant.

Innovation and start-ups in focus

As the exhibition progressed, attention turned increasingly towards agri-tech, food-tech start-ups and sustainable innovation. The event showcased advancements in precision aquaculture, functional nutrition and plant-based proteins, highlighting scalable solutions aligned with future food security goals.

Industry leaders and innovators emphasised Gulfood’s role in connecting global buyers with integrated, sustainability-driven food systems, spanning aquaculture, alternative proteins and scientifically validated nutrition solutions.

Gulfood Innovation Awards

Reinforcing its focus on creativity and excellence, the Gulfood Innovation Awards recognised outstanding achievements across 11 categories, celebrating innovation in products, packaging, logistics and health-focused solutions across the global food and beverage sector.