What you need to know about Gulfood 2027
15–19 March 2027 · Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre (Expo City Dubai)
Facts checked on 28 September 2026. Check the organiser's website for the latest details.
This guide covers what exhibitors need to know about Gulfood 2027. Gulfood moves from January to March and opens a few days after the expected Eid Al Fitr holiday, in two venues.
Gulfood in numbers
- 8,500+ exhibitors from 195 countries in 2026
- 280,000+ m² sold out across two venues in 2026
- Close to 300,000 attendees in 2026 (organiser figure)
- AED 168 billion in deals in 2026 (organiser figure)
What is different this year
- The dates move from 26 to 30 January (2026) to 15 to 19 March 2027, at DWTC and at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City.
- In 2026, DWTC had Beverages, Dairy, Fats and Oils, Meat and Poultry, Power Brands, Seafood and Startups. Expo City had World Food, Rice, Pulses and Grains, Fresh, Logistics and Grocery Trade. The 2027 split is not confirmed yet.
- The Big Deal Hub ran more than 3,500 planned meetings with 1,000+ premium buyers in 2026.
6 things to watch out for as an exhibitor
1. Samples cannot leave the halls
Gulfood's admission policy says Dubai Municipality rules do not allow visitors to take food or drink samples out of the halls. Do not hand out take-away samples.
2. Food permits need a local licence
Dubai Municipality's Food Activity at Events permit costs AED 160 and needs 3 working days. Only licensed food businesses with an inspection grade of A, B or C can get it, and all parties must be on FoodWatch. Ask the organiser whether your sampling needs it.
3. Agree the sample import route early
Dubai Municipality registers food items and releases shipments through its food import systems. There is no published exemption for exhibition samples. Agree the route with your freight forwarder before you ship.
4. An ATA Carnet does not work for food
Carnets do not cover food or other goods that are used up. Food samples go through a normal customs declaration, and Dubai Customs charges 5% of the CIF value on exhibition goods.
5. Supplements and packaging use Montaji
Under Dubai Municipality's 2025 guideline, consumer products brought in for an exhibition or as samples do not need registration. They must still be listed in Montaji and kept to small quantities.
6. Build-up starts just after Eid
Ramadan 2027 is expected to start on 8 February, and the Eid Al Fitr holiday to run from 9 March to 11 or 12 March. The show opens on 15 March. Clear customs before the holiday, and confirm your crews for the build days.
Who else will be there
- India was the official country partner in 2026, with more than 600 exhibitors.
- Egypt, India, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Türkiye and the USA had their largest pavilions so far in 2026.
- DP World, Maersk, MSC, Fresh Del Monte, NRTC and Unifrutti took part in the logistics and fresh sectors in 2026.
- Ghana, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, the Maldives, Qatar, Rwanda, Slovakia, Sweden and Uganda took part for the first time in 2026.
The venue and the city that week
- The show runs in two venues at the same time. The Red Line links World Trade Centre Station and Expo 2020 Station, but the ride takes time, so plan staff transport.
- Customs and permit offices can work shorter hours in Ramadan and close for Eid. Ship early.
- Hotels fill again after the Eid break.
Questions exhibitors ask
When and where is Gulfood 2027?
Gulfood 2027 takes place on 15–19 March 2027 at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre (Expo City Dubai).
How big is Gulfood 2027?
The show had 8,500+ exhibitors from 195 countries in 2026 and 280,000+ m² sold out across two venues in 2026.
What is new at Gulfood 2027?
The dates move from 26 to 30 January (2026) to 15 to 19 March 2027, at DWTC and at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City.