Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 will bring food manufacturers, technology providers, investors and policymakers together at Dubai World Trade Centre from November 3 to 5 under the theme “Powering Food Security Through Manufacturing Innovation”. The exhibition comes as the UAE seeks to expand the contribution of its food and beverage sector to GDP from AED 30 billion to AED 40 billion by 2028. The country is also targeting an increase in food trade from AED 25 billion to AED 40 billion, around 20,000 new jobs and AED 2 billion in annual food import substitution through local production.
The UAE aims to support up to 200 food factories and increase local food production capacity by between 15% and 30%. The objectives form part of efforts to strengthen domestic food manufacturing and support the wider food security agenda under the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051. Gulfood Manufacturing will cover the food production value chain, including ingredients, processing, packaging, supply chain management, automation and control technologies.
Major processing and packaging companies including GEA, Heat & Control, Husky, Ishida, KHS, Krones, Middleby, Multivac, SIG Combibloc, Sidel, Tetra Pak and TNA are expected to participate. Ingredients companies including ADM International, BUNGE, Cargill, Döhler, DSM, Givaudan, IFF, IFFCO, MANE and Symrise will also be represented.
The exhibition will focus on technologies including advanced processing and packaging, next-generation ingredients, robotics and automation, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, traceability, cold-chain systems and predictive planning. 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.”
Industry participants will also highlight developments in production efficiency and food processing. Vijay Injeti, Head of Sales and Business Development, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Intralox, said manufacturers are looking to increase throughput while maintaining safety and consistency as production volumes rise across the region.
Yannick Lefevre, Sales Manager, MEA and LATAM, FAM STUMABO, said growing food production and value addition across the Gulf and India are increasing demand for precise processing technologies that can improve yield and reduce waste. Khaled Abo El-Nasr, General Manager of Döhler MENA, said food security depends on supply reliability and that stronger supply networks can help manufacturers manage disruption and secure ingredients.
Gulfood Manufacturing will run alongside ISM Middle East, Private Label Middle East and GulfHost. ISM Middle East will focus on confectionery and snacks, while Private Label Middle East will connect retailers, brands and contract manufacturers. GulfHost will showcase equipment and technologies for commercial kitchens and foodservice operations.
