By Desmond Nleya
Gulfood 2026 Closes on a High Note as Global Food Leaders Applaud Transformational Summit
The curtain fell today on Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s most powerful food and beverage platforms, with exhibitors and investors hailing the five-day global summit as a resounding success.
Hosted in Dubai, the prestigious World Food Expo brought together industry players from over 195 countries, uniting thousands of exhibitors, investors, policymakers and agri-food leaders under one roof.
This year’s edition gained added stature with India confirmed as the official partner country, showcasing its immense agri-food potential, innovation capacity and expanding global trade ambitions.
Speaking to Daily Times on the final day, exhibitors described the experience as “marvellous, eye-opening and transformational.”
“This platform 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 exhibiting under the official partner pavilion.
UAE President Receives Military Escort on Official Visit to Russia
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Moscow today on an official visit to the Russian Federation, marking a significant moment in UAE–Russia relations.
As the presidential aircraft entered Russian airspace, it was escorted by a formation of military jets — a symbolic gesture of welcome and respect.
The UAE leader is accompanied by a high-level delegation including H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; alongside ministers, senior officials and members of the ruling family.
Dubai RTA Launches Public Transport Etiquette and Safety Campaign
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Keolis-MHI, has rolled out a new Safety and Public Transport Etiquette Campaign across the Dubai Metro and Tram networks.
The initiative aims to improve passenger safety, ease congestion and promote courteous behaviour during daily commutes. It forms part of RTA’s broader commitment to maintaining Dubai’s public transport system as one of the most efficient and advanced globally.
Business
Emirates NBD Capital Makes History with Indian Merchant Banking Licence
Emirates NBD Capital has become the first Middle Eastern investment bank to secure a Category I Merchant Banking licence from India’s market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
The licence enables the bank to offer a full spectrum of capital market services in India — from Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and follow-on offerings to Qualified Institutional Placements (QIPs) and local debt market arrangements — significantly expanding its footprint in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Tanzania Pavilion Emerges as Gulfood 2026 Crowd Favourite
The Tanzania Pavilion has stood out as one of the most visited and talked-about attractions at this year’s Gulfood World Summit, drawing overwhelming interest from global investors, buyers and traders.
Showcasing key institutions such as the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA), COPRA under the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Tanzania Federation of Cooperatives (TFC), the pavilion highlighted Tanzania’s growing strength in oil seeds, pulses, cereals and animal feed.
The strong presence has positioned Tanzania as a rising force in global agri-food trade, opening new export channels, strengthening partnerships and boosting foreign direct investment prospects.
International
South Africa Expels Israeli Diplomat in Diplomatic Standoff
South Africa has ordered the expulsion of Israel’s top diplomatic representative, declaring Ariel Seidman, Israel’s charge d’affaires in Pretoria, persona non grata.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation accused Seidman of violating diplomatic norms, including making public attacks on President Cyril Ramaphosa and failing to notify authorities of alleged visits by senior Israeli officials. He has been given 72 hours to leave the country.
UN Raises Alarm Over Mozambique Flood Displacement Crisis
The United Nations has warned of severe overcrowding in temporary shelters hosting nearly 100,000 people displaced by devastating floods in Mozambique.
According to national authorities, flooding since October has claimed close to 140 lives, while nearly 400,000 people have been forced from their homes. The UN has appealed for urgent international assistance to address worsening humanitarian conditions.
UK Prime Minister Seeks Reset in China Relations
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives in Beijing this week for a three-day official visit aimed at repairing strained ties and unlocking new economic opportunities for British businesses.
The first UK leader to visit China since 2018, Starmer is accompanied by a delegation of more than 60 business and cultural leaders, with stops planned in Shanghai and meetings scheduled with President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Sports
Barcelona Storm into Champions League Last 16 with Commanding Comeback
Barcelona sealed automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League last 16 with a dominant 4–1 comeback victory over Copenhagen at the Camp Nou.
After conceding early to 17-year-old Viktor Dadason, the Catalans roared back in the second half. Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Marcus Rashford secured a top-eight finish and spared Barça from the playoff round.
“When you concede in the Champions League it’s difficult, but the team showed great resilience,” said Yamal, 18.
Despite the emphatic win, concerns remain over Barcelona’s defence, which finished the league phase without a single clean sheet.
