Show embodies Dubai’s rise as global epicentre of food innovation, investment, and industrial transformation; returns this year with a record 32% show growth from 2024; features 2,500 exhibitors from 79 countries across 21 halls, covering the full spectrum of production value chain
The Middle East has become a magnet for investment, talent, and technology as it redefines the geography of global food production. As supply chains recalibrate in the wake of geopolitical and economic shifts, manufacturers are moving operations closer to the UAE and the wider GCC, drawn by their unmatched logistics infrastructure, open trade routes, and advanced industrial policies.
With Dubai ranked as the number one destination for global foreign investment projects, Gulfood Manufacturing stands at the crossroads of this economic shift, catalysing the next wave of food manufacturing growth across MENA, South Asia, and Africa. Fuelling this transformation is the region’s leadership in artificial intelligence adoption. Growing at an impressive rate of 43.65% CAGR through 2033, MENA is fast becoming the engine room of AI-driven industrialisation.
With a record 32% show growth from 2024, Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 returns to Dubai World Trade Centre from 4-6 November 2025, marking its largest and most globally diverse edition to date. Driven by surging international demand and the rapid evolution of manufacturing technologies, the event unites 2,500 exhibitors from 79 countries across 21 halls, encompassing the full spectrum of the production value chain: Ingredients, Processing, Packaging, Supply Chain Solutions, and Control & Automation.
Anchored by 90% participation from the world’s leading food manufacturing brands including Chocolake, IMCD, Multivac Middle East FZE, and SIG and complemented by a wave of bold new innovators, the show embodies Dubai’s rise as the global epicentre of food innovation, investment, and industrial transformation. This rapid expansion mirrors the region’s investment momentum: across the GCC, governments have pledged over $3.8 billion into food technology and agri-innovation to fortify local processing and food security, while the global food processing machinery market is expected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 6.1%, increasing by around $21.69 billion by 2029, driven by AI-powered automation and APAC investment flows.
Commenting on the show’s significance, Mark Napier, Vice President and Director – Exhibitions & Events, Dubai World Trade Centre, says, “Dubai stands at the perfect inflection point for global industrial transformation. Under Operation 300bn and the UAE leading AI adoption in manufacturing, the nation is powering a new wave of advanced, intelligent production. As the world’s industries realign toward technology-driven efficiency and sustainability, Dubai’s strategic position, infrastructure, and policy vision make it the natural focal point for change. Gulfood Manufacturing sits at the heart of this evolution, its exponential growth reflects the region’s role as the hub of AI-driven industrialisation.”
Destination for Industry-defining Innovation
Global industry leaders consistently choose Gulfood Manufacturing as the stage to unveil their most significant, industry-defining innovations, a testament to the show’s scale and influence.
In the ingredients sector, powerhouse names including ADM, Brenntag, dsm-firmenich, FSL, Ingredion, Kerry, ROBERTET, Symrise AG, and Tate & Lyle are propelling exponential growth at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025. The 11th edition will unveil a treasure trove of trends such as, breakthroughs in biotech-derived actives, precision fermentation, AI-powered flavour mapping, and next-generation stabiliser systems, marking the global shift toward health-conscious, sustainable consumption.
Across processing and packaging, pioneers such as Heat and Control, Husky Technologies, Ishida, KHS, Krones AG, Middleby Middle East FZE, Rieckermann GmbH, Sidel, and TNA Solutions are redefining smart manufacturing. Expect breakthroughs in IoT-enabled sensors, AI vision systems reducing waste by up to 25%, modular machinery, and eco-engineered packaging solutions that bring efficiency, intelligence, and sustainability to every layer of production.
FoodTech Summit: Future of Food
At the heart of this year’s agenda, FoodTech Summit will host a 50% increase in new speakers including those from Hive Capital, Mars, Titan Capital, and Unilever, alongside other visionary futurists, technologists, policymakers, and innovators exploring the next frontier of industrial food. Discussions will span tech for cold chain integrity in emerging markets, the future of food-tech funding, and whether alternate proteins truly represent the next evolution in global nutrition.
Renowned global AI strategist and investor Mark Minevich will explore how intelligent, self-adapting systems are transforming production including living supply chains, superhuman safety, zero-waste efficiency, and AI-driven food sovereignty. Together, these sessions cement the summit’s position as the ultimate global think tank, combining connections and knowledge to pave the way for the next wave of industrial revolution.
For latest updates on Gulfood Manufacturing 2025, and to register, visit www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com
