DUBAI: Pakistan is set to significantly expand its footprint at Gulfood 2026, the world’s leading food and beverage trade exhibition, as the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) prepares the country’s largest-ever participation at the event.
Gulfood 2026 will be held from January 26 to 30 at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Expo City, bringing together thousands of exhibitors, buyers and industry stakeholders from more than 130 countries.
The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) will facilitate the participation of 67 Pakistani companies across four specialised pavilions, covering Rice, Pulses and Grains, World Food, Beverages, and Meat and Poultry.
In addition to the official TDAP-backed exhibitors, several Pakistani firms will take part independently, underscoring the country’s growing confidence and competitiveness in global food markets.
Pakistani companies will present a broad portfolio of agro-based and value-added products, including premium basmati rice, cereals, pulses, meat and poultry, honey, pink salt, and horticultural produce. The display will also feature processed and frozen foods, spices, herbal products, and dairy items, reflecting efforts to move beyond raw exports and into higher-value segments.
Beyond the exhibition floor, Pakistan’s presence will be reinforced through a series of high-profile side events. These include the formal inauguration of the Pakistan Pavilion, media engagements, and culinary showcases designed to highlight the country’s food heritage and export potential.
One of the key attractions will be the Pakistan Biryani Festival, offering international visitors a chance to experience the quality and aroma of Pakistani rice-based cuisine. Another initiative, “Taste of the World – Gulfood 2026 (Pakistan),” will feature live cooking masterclasses using Pakistani ingredients, aimed at promoting the country’s growing role in the global hotel, restaurant, and catering (HORECA) industry.
TDAP will also contribute to policy-level discussions on global food systems. During a panel titled “Global Futuristic View and Smart AgriFood Systems,” TDAP officials are expected to highlight Pakistan’s agricultural strengths, the adoption of artificial intelligence in food production, and the challenges posed by climate change to food security and sustainability.
To strengthen bilateral trade ties, TDAP, in collaboration with the Trade Mission of Pakistan in Dubai, will host a Pakistan–UAE Business Conference and a business-to-business networking dinner. The events are intended to connect Pakistani exporters with international buyers, distributors, and investors, with a focus on expanding export volumes and long-term partnerships.
Throughout Gulfood 2026, TDAP will also promote its upcoming flagship exhibition, FoodAg 2026, as part of its broader strategy to position Pakistan as a reliable global supplier of high-quality food products.
For international observers, Pakistan’s expanded presence at Gulfood reflects a wider push to diversify exports, increase value additio,n and integrate more deeply into global food supply chains at a time of heightened focus on food security and resilient trade.
