Gulfood: dates, what is exhibited and how to prepare
Gulfood is the leading annual food and beverage trade fair in the Middle East, held in Dubai each March. It brings together food producers, suppliers,…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 21 September 2026
Gulfood is the leading annual food and beverage trade fair in the Middle East, held in Dubai each March. It brings together food producers, suppliers, and importers to showcase products and build business in the Gulf region. Spanish exporters use it to enter high-value markets with strong purchasing power.
Fact sheet
- Dates
- 2027-03-15 → 2027-03-19
- City
- Dubái, United Arab Emirates
- Venue
- Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Exhibition Centre (Expo City Dubai)
- Organiser
- Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)
- Frequency
- anual
- What is exhibited
- Productos alimentarios, proveedores, innovaciones y tendencias del sector F&B para facilitar el comercio internacional.
- Official website
- https://www.gulfood.com/
Source: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)Data for 2026-09-14Verified on 21 September 2026
Other fairs in the sector
- Alimentaria BarcelonaBarcelona
- AnugaCologne
- BIOFACH – World’s Leading Trade Fair for Organic FoodNúremberg
- Fruit AttractionMadrid
- ProWein DüsseldorfDüsseldorf
- Salón GourmetsMadrid
- SIAL – Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL Paris)París
- Summer Fancy Food ShowNueva York
- Wine Paris & Vinexpo ParisParís
Export to the Gulf through Gulfood
The United Arab Emirates is Spain's largest market in the Middle East for food and beverage exports. Gulfood is where distributors and importers from the Gulf, North Africa, and Asia source their suppliers.
Your export costs will include booth rental, travel, and accommodation in Dubai for three days. Registration and booth setup typically start one month before the fair. The fair attracts over 100,000 visitors, most of them trade buyers from the region.
Spanish products with geographical indication status—such as jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, or Rioja wine—often attract attention at Gulfood because they signal quality and command premium prices in Gulf retail.
Prepare your pitch in English. Most buyers speak English as a second language, and distributors often work across multiple countries. Have printed catalogues with product specifications, certifications, and pricing. Bring samples if regulations allow.
Questions about exporting to Gulfood
What is the typical contract length with a Gulf distributor?
Distribution agreements in the Gulf typically run for one to three years with automatic renewal clauses. Many distributors expect exclusivity for their territory in exchange for minimum order volumes. Negotiate the exclusivity zone (country, city, or region) and the minimum annual purchases before you sign.
How long does it take to ship food from Spain to Dubai?
Sea freight from a Spanish port to Dubai takes 30 to 40 days. Air freight takes 2 to 4 days but costs significantly more. Most food exporters use sea freight for regular shipments and air freight for samples or urgent orders.
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