By Desmond Nleya
Dubai – The curtain comes down today on Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s largest and most influential food and beverage exhibitions, with exhibitors and investors expressing overwhelming satisfaction with the outcomes of the five-day global summit.
The prestigious World Food Expo, hosted in Dubai, attracted participants from more than 195 countries, bringing together thousands of exhibitors, investors, policymakers and food industry leaders under one roof.
This year’s edition was further elevated by the confirmation of India as the official partner country, showcasing its vast agri-food capacity, innovation, and global trade ambitions.
Speaking to Daily Times on the final day of the summit, several exhibitors described Gulfood 2026 as “marvellous, eye-opening and transformational” for their businesses.
“This platform has exceeded our expectations. We connected with buyers from across continents in just a few days. Gulfood is not just an exhibition; it’s a gateway to global markets,” said Rajesh Kumar, an Indian food exporter participating under the official partner pavilion.
Another exhibitor from Europe echoed similar sentiments, saying the summit played a critical role in expanding business networks.
“The organisation was world-class. The exposure we received here will definitely help us grow our brand across borders,” said Maria Gonzalez, a specialty foods exhibitor from Spain.
Beyond business transactions, Gulfood 2026 reinforced the idea that food is a universal language—one that transcends borders, cultures and politics.
Exhibitors noted that the event served as a powerful bridge between nations, uniting people through shared tastes, traditions and innovation.
“Food is more than an economy; it is a way of life. Events like Gulfood remind us that despite our differences, we are connected by what we eat and how we share it,” said Ahmed Al Mansouri, a regional distributor based in the UAE.
The summit was also praised for its inclusivity, with African countries such as Tanzania drawing significant attention from visitors due to the uniqueness and authenticity of their products.
Tanzanian exhibitors reported strong interest in spices, coffee, tea, cashew nuts and organic food products.
Visitors attending the expo also commended the diversity and scale of the event.
“Walking through Gulfood feels like travelling the world in one place. You experience different cultures through food, and that is powerful,” said John Peterson, a food industry consultant.
As Gulfood 2026 concludes today, stakeholders agree that the summit has once again cemented its status as a global hub for food trade, innovation and cultural exchange.
With record participation, meaningful partnerships and renewed focus on sustainability and inclusivity, the event has left a lasting impression on the global food industry.
For many exhibitors and visitors alike, Gulfood is not just an annual event—it is a meeting point where the world speaks one language: food.
