Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 in Dubai will bring together manufacturers, technology providers, investors, and policymakers as the UAE envisions growth in food production, trade, and industrial capabilities.
The UAE’s food and beverage sector is entering a new phase of industrial growth, with the country targeting an increase in the sector’s contribution to GDP from AED 30 billion to AED 40 billion by 2028. Food trade is expected to rise from AED 25 billion to AED 40 billion, while the sector is projected to create around 20,000 new jobs.
The UAE also aims to achieve AED 2 billion in annual food import substitution through local production, support up to 200 food factories and increase local production capacity by 15–30 per cent. Together, these targets underline the scale of the shift underway as the UAE and wider GCC region strengthen food security and expand local food manufacturing.
Building the industrial capacity to manufacture, process and distribute food at scale will be central to converting these ambitions into sustained economic growth.
Against this backdrop, Gulfood Manufacturing returns to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from November 3–5, 2026, under the theme ‘Powering Food Security Through Manufacturing Innovation’. The event will bring together food manufacturers, suppliers, investors, technology providers and policymakers from across the global food industry.
Aligned with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, the exhibition covers the complete F&B production value chain, including ingredients, processing, packaging, supply chain solutions, control and automation. It will provide a platform for manufacturers to explore the technologies, expertise and partnerships required to build more efficient and resilient food production systems.
Food Manufacturing Technology Takes Centre Stage
Global processing and packaging companies, including GEA, Heat & Control, Husky, Ishida, KHS, Krones, Middleby, Multivac, SIG Combibloc, Sidel, Tetra Pak and TNA, will be joined by ingredients companies such as ADM International, BUNGE, Cargill, Chocolake, Döhler, DSM, Givaudan, IFF, IFFCO, MANE and Symrise.
Supply chain and technology specialists, including ACME, Addverb, Delta Systems and Kanoo Machinery, will also showcase solutions for the evolving food manufacturing landscape.
The exhibition will focus on advanced processing and packaging, next-generation ingredients, robotics and automation, AI and digital manufacturing, traceability, cold chain and predictive planning. For food manufacturers, the emphasis is on practical technologies that can improve production efficiency, increase throughput, reduce waste and bring production closer to the market.
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 Exhibitions. One Connected Food Value Chain
Complementing Gulfood Manufacturing’s focus on production and industrial capability, ISM Middle East, Private Label Middle East and GulfHost extend the proposition across the wider food and hospitality value chain, from product innovation and sourcing to retail, private label and foodservice operations.
ISM Middle East will spotlight the latest confectionery and snack innovations, connecting buyers with the products, brands and suppliers shaping the category. Private Label Middle East will connect retailers, brands and contract manufacturers with fully customisable private label solutions spanning food, non-food and branding services. GulfHost will showcase the latest equipment, technologies and solutions driving greater efficiency across commercial kitchens and foodservice operations.
Together, the four exhibitions present an end-to-end commercial ecosystem spanning the food value chain, giving buyers and industry leaders access to the technologies, products, suppliers and partnerships driving growth across the sector.
Registration is free for trade professionals. To register and learn more about Gulfood Manufacturing, please visit www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com
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