Dubai’s flagship food-and-beverage trade fair, Gulfood, kicked off its 31st edition on 26 January with a dramatic expansion to two locations: the traditional Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City. Organisers say more than 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries have filled over 280,000 m², effectively doubling floor space year-on-year.
The dual-venue format is a logistical stress-test for Dubai’s transport and hospitality ecosystem. The Roads & Transport Authority has boosted Red Line Metro frequencies, and hotels from Downtown to Jebel Ali report occupancy above 90 %. Visa desks at Dubai airports expect a surge in on-arrival visit, event and maritime tourism visas—the latter catering to cruise passengers berthed at Port Rashid who are shuttling to the show.
![Gulfood 2026 Opens Across Two Dubai Venues, Driving Record Business-Travel Demand]()
For visitors who prefer to arrange travel documents in advance, VisaHQ can simplify the process. The platform allows applicants to upload paperwork, track status and receive guidance for UAE visit, business or event visas in one place; full details are available at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/
For corporate travel planners the expansion means longer transit times between meetings and a premium on accommodation near Expo City. Advisers recommend booking staff into one venue zone only and using the Metro Route 2020 link to avoid unpredictable Sheikh Zayed Road traffic. Exhibitors bringing temporary staff should note that UAE Visit Visas for Events remain capped at 60 days, with overstays carrying hefty penalties.
The show’s growth cements Dubai’s status as the Middle East’s commercial meeting hub and underscores why the UAE continues to refine short-term work and visitor visa products aimed at exhibitors, buyers and contractors.
The dual-venue format is a logistical stress-test for Dubai’s transport and hospitality ecosystem. The Roads & Transport Authority has boosted Red Line Metro frequencies, and hotels from Downtown to Jebel Ali report occupancy above 90 %. Visa desks at Dubai airports expect a surge in on-arrival visit, event and maritime tourism visas—the latter catering to cruise passengers berthed at Port Rashid who are shuttling to the show.
For visitors who prefer to arrange travel documents in advance, VisaHQ can simplify the process. The platform allows applicants to upload paperwork, track status and receive guidance for UAE visit, business or event visas in one place; full details are available at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/
For corporate travel planners the expansion means longer transit times between meetings and a premium on accommodation near Expo City. Advisers recommend booking staff into one venue zone only and using the Metro Route 2020 link to avoid unpredictable Sheikh Zayed Road traffic. Exhibitors bringing temporary staff should note that UAE Visit Visas for Events remain capped at 60 days, with overstays carrying hefty penalties.
The show’s growth cements Dubai’s status as the Middle East’s commercial meeting hub and underscores why the UAE continues to refine short-term work and visitor visa products aimed at exhibitors, buyers and contractors.
