Quick answer
Gulfood 2027 runs on 15 to 19 March 2027 across two venues: Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City. The show opens just days after Eid Al Fitr (expected around 9–10 March), and Ramadan (expected from around 8 February) covers most of the production window. Brief your stand in December, approve the design in January, and aim to finish production before Ramadan slows work down.
Gulfood 2027 at a glance
| Dates | 15 to 19 March 2027 (Monday to Friday) |
| Venues | Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo City Dubai |
| Opening hours | The official website lists 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Check final timings before the show. |
| Scale | The organiser highlights 8,500+ exhibitors from 195 countries |
| Sectors | 12 sourcing sectors, including fresh produce, meat and poultry, seafood, dairy, beverages, oils and fats, pulses and grains, world food, grocery trade, logistics, power brands and a startup zone |
| Who visits | Retailers, distributors, importers and foodservice buyers |
Why the 2027 timing is different
In 2027, Gulfood moves to mid-March. That puts Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr right before the show. Working hours are shorter during Ramadan, and many teams take leave over Eid, which often falls on or near the build days. If you plan as if it were a normal month, you risk a rushed build. The fix is simple: move every decision earlier.
Your countdown to Gulfood 2027
| When | What to do |
| Now to mid-December | Confirm stand size, hall and goal. Brief the design: product display, tasting or cooking area, meeting space, cold storage and stock room. |
| January | Approve the design internally and submit it to the organiser, following the exhibitor manual. Order power, water, drainage and internet. |
| Late January to early February | Start production, graphics and AV content, and lock all decisions before Ramadan. |
| Around 8 February to 9 March | Ramadan is expected. Keep production moving with shorter working hours and confirm shipping of samples. |
| Around 9–10 March | Eid Al Fitr is expected. Plan the build schedule around the holiday. |
| Build days before 15 March | Stand build, kitchen and fridge checks, product placement and a full walk-through. |
Ramadan and Eid dates depend on the moon sighting, so confirm them nearer the time. Always follow the dates and rules in the official exhibitor manual.
Exhibiting at Gulfood 2027?
Send us your stand size, hall and goals. Our Dubai team designs and builds your stand and replies within 24 hours.
What makes a food and beverage stand work
- Let buyers taste: a clean, well-lit tasting counter does more than any banner. Check the organiser’s rules for sampling, cooking and food handling early.
- Plan the back of house: fridges, freezers, sinks, waste and a lockable stock room keep the stand running for five long days.
- Show the range clearly: group products by category or market so importers find what they need in seconds.
- Meeting tables: Gulfood is a sourcing show. Buyers want to sit, taste and talk volumes and pricing.
- Packaging on display: real packs on shelves help retail buyers picture your product in store.
- Arabic and English: key messages, labels and staff in both languages help regional buyers.
Two venues: what to check
- Know your venue: confirm whether your sector is at DWTC or at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City. Brief your team and guests on the right address.
- Travel time: the two venues are far apart. Plan hotels and transport around the venue you exhibit in.
- Deliveries: each venue has its own access times and loading rules. Book delivery slots early, especially for chilled goods.
- Hotels: Gulfood week is one of Dubai’s busiest. Book rooms for your team as early as possible.
Gulfood 2027 exhibitor checklist
- Stand size, hall and venue confirmed
- Goal agreed, for example new importers, distributors or retail listings
- Stand design approved by the organiser in January
- Power, water, drainage and internet ordered
- Fridges, freezers and stock room planned
- Food sampling and handling rules checked
- Samples shipped with chilled delivery slots booked
- Production finished before Ramadan slows work
- Graphics and price lists in English and Arabic
- Staff shifts for five days, hotels and transport booked
- Lead capture and follow-up plan ready
Frequently asked questions
When is Gulfood 2027?
The official website lists 15 to 19 March 2027 at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai.
How do Ramadan and Eid affect Gulfood 2027?
Ramadan is expected from around 8 February and Eid Al Fitr around 9–10 March, just before the show. Production and approvals should be done early, as working hours are shorter and many teams take leave over Eid.
When should we start our custom stand?
Now. Brief the design by mid-December so it can be approved in January and produced before Ramadan.
Can Eventia build our Gulfood stand?
Yes. Our Dubai team designs and builds exhibition stands, including tasting counters and meeting areas, and supports your team through the show.
Plan your Gulfood 2027 stand with one team
Design, build, graphics, AV and on-site support in Dubai. Share your stand size and products and we will send a proposal.
Sources: Gulfood 2027 official website, checked 14 November 2026. Ramadan and Eid dates are estimates and depend on official announcements.
Related Eventia guides and services: exhibition stands in Dubai · Intersec 2027 exhibitor guide · ATM 2027 exhibitor guide · 2027 corporate events calendar
Other 2027 exhibitor guides: Intersec (January, Dubai) · WHX Dubai (January) · LEAP (April, Riyadh) · ATM (May, Dubai) · Big 5 Construct Saudi (May and September, Riyadh) · full 2027 calendar