India is set to make a significant mark at Gulfood 2026, the world's largest annual food and beverage event, scheduled to take place in Dubai from January 26 to 30. For the first time, India has been designated as the Partner Country for Gulfood. This year's event is particularly noteworthy as it will be held across two mega venues for the first time: the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
India's participation will include a showcase of 161 exhibitors, highlighting the country's diverse agri-food ecosystem. The Indian pavilion has doubled in size compared to the previous year, demonstrating the expanding footprint of Indian agri-food exports, the rising global demand for Indian products, and increased participation from exporters, institutions, and startups. The Indian showcase spans 1,434 square metres. Exhibitors from 25 states and regions of India will be participating, highlighting the vast agricultural and regional diversity of the country.
A key highlight of India's presence at Gulfood 2026 is the "Bharati Pavilion," an initiative by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to promote export-ready agri-food and agri-tech startups. Located in the Startup Zone at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Bharati Pavilion will feature eight high-potential Indian startups that were selected through a national-level process from over 100 applicants. These startups will showcase technology-driven solutions aligned with the "Farm to Foreign" vision.
Gulfood 2026 has sold out over 280,000 square metres of event space across both venues, marking an unprecedented 100 percent expansion in a single year. The event will bring together more than 8,500 exhibitors showcasing 1.5 million products from 195 countries. Gulfood 2026 is expected to attract around 98,000 visitors.
India will have a strong presence at both the Dubai Exhibition Centre and the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Dubai Exhibition Centre will host the World Food Hall, Pulses, Grains and Cereals Hall, and Gulfood Green, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, and future food systems. The Dubai World Trade Centre will host the Beverage Hall and the Startup Hall, including the Bharati Pavilion.
India's participation is strategically aligned with the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which has accelerated trade facilitation and market access. India's Partner Country status is being amplified through extensive branding across Dubai, including metro stations, bus wraps, and fuel stations to enhance global brand recall. The pavilion features a dedicated culinary demonstration area where chefs will showcase the versatility of Indian ingredients to international buyers. India is positioning itself as a reliable contributor to global food security and resilient supply chains through displays emphasizing quality, traceability, and compliance with international standards.
Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president of Dubai World Trade Centre and chief executive officer of Kaoun International, organiser of Gulfood, said, "This is a world-record moment for Gulfood, Dubai and the global food and beverage industry".
