Regional Food Production Targets Drive Trade Show Focus The UAE is pursuing ambitious food sector expansion, targeting an increase in the sector's contribution to GDP from AED 30 billion to AED 40 billion by 2028, alongside plans to grow food trade from AED 25 billion to AED 40 billion and create around 20,000 new jobs. The country is also targeting AED 2 billion in annual food import substitution through local production, supporting up to 200 food factories and increasing local production capacity by 15–30 per cent.
Exhibition Brings Supply Chain Together Gulfood Manufacturing returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from November 3–5, 2026, under the theme "Powering Food Security Through Manufacturing Innovation." The show will feature global processing and packaging leaders including GEA, Heat & Control, Husky, Ishida, KHS, Krones, Middleby, Multivac, SIG Combibloc, Sidel, Tetra Pak and TNA, alongside ingredients suppliers ADM International, BUNGE, Cargill, Chocolake, Döhler, DSM, Givaudan, IFF, IFFCO, MANE and Symrise. Supply chain specialists including ACME, Addverb, Delta Systems and Kanoo Machinery will also participate. The exhibition spans the full F&B production value chain—from ingredients, processing and packaging to supply chain solutions, control and automation—and aligns with the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051.
Supplier Outlook on Regional Demand Mark Napier, Vice President of 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." Vijay Injeti, Head of Sales and Business Development, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Intralox, stated: "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, added: "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 Co-Located Shows Span Full Value Chain Gulfood Manufacturing is complemented by three co-located exhibitions: ISM Middle East will spotlight confectionery and snack innovations; Private Label Middle East will connect retailers, brands and contract manufacturers with customisable solutions; and GulfHost will showcase commercial kitchen and foodservice equipment and technologies. Registration is free for trade professionals at www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com.
Why It Matters
For regional food manufacturers and suppliers, the exhibition signals a structural shift toward localized production and import substitution. Operators looking to expand capacity, adopt automation, or secure partnerships with technology providers and ingredient suppliers will find concentrated buyer access aligned with government growth targets.
For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.
Written by FBM Publications Editors
