DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday visited Gulfood 2025, the largest edition in the event’s history.
Bringing together 4,595 exhibitors from 106 countries, the landmark 30th edition is taking place from 17-21 February at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), featuring more than one million products under the theme ‘The Next Frontier in Food’.
The global food and beverage (F&B) industry’s premier event serves as an essential platform for international businesses to strengthen engagement, explore new trade opportunities, and witness the latest innovations shaping the sector’s future.
Gulfood 2025
During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted Gulfood’s remarkable growth over the years, noting that its expansion reflects Dubai’s pivotal role in fostering business, trade, and knowledge exchange. He underscored the exhibition’s contribution to food security and sustainable development, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to driving global partnerships and industry innovation.
“The UAE is dedicated to serving as a global hub for partnerships and knowledge exchange, enabling solutions that address present and future challenges. Dubai remains a meeting point for inspiring ideas and innovative approaches that enhance quality of life worldwide,” His Highness stated.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also emphasised the significance of Dubai’s exhibitions sector in advancing the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double foreign trade and establish 400 new trade partnerships by 2033. He noted that events such as Gulfood reinforce Dubai’s position as a gateway for businesses looking to expand their international presence.
Tour of the exhibition
During his tour, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. The delegation explored key sections of the expansive one-million-square-foot exhibition, spanning 24 halls at DWTC.
The Ruler of Dubai also visited pavilions and booths of several national companies, commending their contributions to the National Food Security Strategy 2051. Among the notable local and GCC companies showcased at the event were Farzana and MGM, where His Highness was briefed on their latest products and market strategies.
Accompanying Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum were senior government officials, including Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA); Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai Economy and Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority; and Marwan bin Ghalita, Acting Director General of Dubai Municipality.
Strengthening global trade
Gulfood 2025 places strong emphasis on strengthening global trade relationships, with a particular focus on fostering commercial ties with Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. The event brings together key stakeholders from F&B manufacturing, supply chains, and retail, further reinforcing Dubai’s role as a central hub for global food trade.
With exhibitors from 106 countries, the event continues to serve as a powerful engine for international business expansion, offering participants a platform to explore emerging market trends, forge new trade agreements, and discover cutting-edge innovations that will shape the future of food security and sustainability.