Dates

    6–8 Oct 2026

    City / country

    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Venue

    ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi

    Time

    9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    20 Floor Picks

    Matched booths for Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition

    Get my picks

    Exhibiting at?

    Enter your business email to get a free first Exclusive Spotlight worth 250$.

    Explore Spotlights
    Register / Buy Tickets

    Are you the organiser of this event?

    Notable exhibitors

    Companies exhibiting at Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition include 24K Golden Coffee, 3 GUYS COFFEE, A B K Gardens and Apiaries, A.N.J.distribution, s.r.o. and A.U.F Egypt.

    • 24K Golden Coffee
    • 3 GUYS COFFEE
    • A B K Gardens and Apiaries
    • A.N.J.distribution, s.r.o.
    • A.U.F Egypt

    Event overview

    Overview

    Global Food Week 2026 will be held from 6 to 8 October at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, focusing on building future-ready food systems through innovation and sustainability.

    The event will unite governments, agri-producers, manufacturers, and investors from across the food value chain.

    TL;DR

    1. 1Dates: 6-8 October 2026
    2. 2Location: ADNEC Centre, Abu Dhabi
    3. 3Expected attendance: 42,000 visitors
    4. 4Unique sectors: 8
    5. 5Participating countries: 92

    Why visit

    Visitors will gain insights into sustainable practices, network with industry leaders, and discover innovative solutions to food security challenges.

    Why exhibit

    Exhibitors will have access to pre-screened buyers, opportunities for business expansion, and the chance to showcase their products to a global audience, enhancing visibility and establishing their brand as an industry leader. The event addresses critical global food security challenges and fosters collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. It plays a vital role in enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring long-term food security.

    Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

    Who this event is for

    Visitor profile

    Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

    Policymakers and government officials
    Industry experts and innovators
    Investors and entrepreneurs
    Retailers and distributors
    Agri-producers and manufacturers
    Food technology providers

    Exhibitor profile

    Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

    Food producers and farmers
    Exporters and importers
    Agricultural equipment suppliers
    Food manufacturers and innovators
    Logistics and supply chain companies
    Industry associations and government bodies

    Product categories

    Key solution areas showcased across the event.

    Innovative food technologies and solutions
    Sustainable agricultural practices
    Local and international food products
    Food processing and packaging technologies
    Agri-tech solutions
    Value-added food products

    Location & Facilities

    Venue

    Open in Google Maps

    ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Attend

    Entry & tickets

    Event days & opening times

    DayOpening hours
    9:00 AM –6:00 PM
    Register

    Who runs the show

    Organisers

    Capital Events

    How the last edition performed

    Previous edition

    Last edition

    2025

    Completed

    This edition

    2026

    Visitors: 42,000

    Next edition

    Not announced yet

    Impact

    A bigger and stronger platform

    Global Food Week 2026 will be held from 6 to 8 October at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, focusing on building future-ready food systems through innovation and sustainability. The event will unite governments, agri-producers, manufacturers, and investors from across the food value chain. The event addresses critical global food security challenges and fosters collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. It plays a vital role in enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring long-term.

    Exhibitor outcomes

    Real business growth

    Exhibitors will have access to pre-screened buyers, opportunities for business expansion, and the chance to showcase their products to a global audience, enhancing visibility and establishing their brand as an industry leader. The event addresses critical global food security challenges and fosters collaboration among industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators. It plays a vital role in enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring long-term food security. Exhibitor categories include Food producers.

    Intelligence

    Market context

    Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

    Middle East — Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (GCC)

    Why it matters

    Abu Dhabi is one of the most import-dependent food markets in the world — the UAE sources the large majority of its food from abroad — and it sits at the centre of a GCC re-export corridor reaching Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Africa and South Asia. Global Food Week, with ADIFE at its core, aggregates buyers from Gulf retail chains, hotel and catering groups, airline catering, distributors and government food-security programmes in one venue in the capital. For exporters, it is a compact route to qualification meetings, distributor shortlisting and halal/regulatory orientation in a market where shelf space is won through local partners rather than direct sales.

    Industry trends

    Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

    01

    Food security and import diversification

    UAE and wider GCC national food-security strategies are driving import diversification, local production incentives and long-term supply contracts — a direct opening for exporters with reliable cold-chain and volume capacity.

    02

    Halal certification and labelling compliance

    Halal assurance plus GCC labelling, shelf-life and Arabic-packaging rules are the first gate for any new supplier; certification and documentation quality often decide which brands reach distributor shortlists.

    03

    Agri-tech, vertical farming and alternative proteins

    Gulf capital is funding controlled-environment agriculture, water-efficient farming and alternative-protein ventures to cut import reliance, creating demand for technology, inputs and joint-venture partners.

    04

    Private label and value formats in GCC retail

    Large Gulf retail groups continue to expand own-brand ranges, so suppliers able to deliver consistent quality at value price points and support private-label programmes are in strongest demand.

    05

    Cold chain, ports and logistics investment

    Continued investment in Khalifa Port, free zones and regional rail and road links is shortening lead times into the GCC and raising expectations on temperature-controlled delivery from new entrants.

    Plan your trip

    Travel & logistics

    Local currency · AED

    Arrival airports

    Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

    AUH

    Zayed International

    Inter-emirate taxi or coach to Dubai World Trade Centre.

    to venue

    30–45 min to Dubai

    by car

    Hotel tiers

    A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

    Budget
    Capital Centre / ADNEC district and Abu Dhabi mainland gateways

    USD 90–140 / night

    Rates are approximate per room per night for the October show week and rise sharply on peak dates — book as early as possible.

    source
    Mid-range
    Capital Centre district, directly adjoining or within walking distance of ADNEC

    USD 140–220 / night

    Best balance of walkability and price for exhibitors and buyers who want to avoid daily taxis.

    source
    Premium
    Capital Gate / ADNEC and the creek-side Sheikh Zayed Bridge area, 10–20 min from the venue

    USD 280–480 / night

    Suited to delegations, hosted buyers and executives needing meeting space and full-service facilities on site.

    source

    Local transport

    Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

    taxi

    Estimated costAED 80–110 (approx. metered taxi or rideshare, ~25–30 km)
    Best forZayed International Airport (AUH) → ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi

    Metered Abu Dhabi taxis and Careem/Uber both pick up at the airport terminals; 25–40 min depending on traffic.

    ride_hail

    Estimated costAED 25–60 typical cross-city trip (Careem, Uber and Yango operate in Abu Dhabi)
    Best forHotel / city centre ↔ ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi

    Rideshare is widely used and usually the simplest option; surge pricing applies around show opening and closing times.

    bus

    Estimated costAED 2 per local journey on a Hafilat card (approx., top up at stations/kiosks)
    Best forAbu Dhabi city bus network to Capital Centre / ADNEC

    Abu Dhabi has no metro network — buses run by the Integrated Transport Centre are the public option. The Nol Card and Dubai Metro referenced in earlier drafts apply only if you extend your trip to Dubai.

    airport_bus

    Estimated costAED 4–7 approx. (Hafilat card; confirm current ITC route and fare before travel)
    Best forZayed International (AUH) to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi

    Airport bus services connect the terminal with the city and major hotel areas — slower than a taxi but inexpensive.

    intercity_bus

    Estimated costAED 25–35 approx. one way (E100/E101 services)
    Best forAbu Dhabi Central Bus Station ↔ Dubai (if extending your trip)

    Frequent intercity coaches link the two cities; journey time is roughly 1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 30 min depending on traffic.

    parking

    Estimated costUsually free or nominal at ADNEC car parks — confirm event-day parking arrangements and rates with the organiser
    Best forSelf-drive to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi

    On-site parking exists at ADNEC but fills quickly on show days; arrive before hall opening.

    metro

    Estimated costAED 4–8.50 (Nol Card single journey)
    Best forWorld Trade Centre Metro Station (Red Line) to venue

    RTA Red Line stops at World Trade Centre — buy or top up a Nol Card at the station.

    Plan your trip

    Visa & entry documents

    Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

    Visa required
    On-arrival available
    ATA Carnet: accepted

    GCC nationals travel on ID; many Western, East Asian and Gulf nationalities receive a free 30- or 90-day visa on arrival. Rules change — confirm your specific nationality and permitted stay on the UAE Government portal (u.ae) or ICP (icp.gov.ae) before booking.

    The UAE is an ATA Carnet contracting party and Abu Dhabi/Dubai chambers support temporary admission of exhibition goods — confirm carnet validity with your issuing chamber and coordinate freight, clearance and on-site handling with the organiser's appointed freight partner.

    Official visa page

    Weather

    October in Abu Dhabi is the tail end of the hot season: expect daytime highs around 33–36°C and overnight lows of 25–27°C, with very little rain (typically under 5 mm for the month) and rising coastal humidity. Venues are heavily air-conditioned, so a light layer for meeting rooms and conference halls is worth packing.

    Plan for the climate

    Check temperatures and pack accordingly

    Venue connectivity

    Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to United Arab Emirates.

    Ride-hailing

    Taxis

    Public transit

    Car rentals

    Cultural notes

    Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

    Business dress and modesty

    Business attire is standard at Gulf trade shows. Modest dress — covered shoulders and knees — is expected in public buildings and places of worship, and a light jacket or cardigan is useful given strong air-conditioning in the halls and conference suites.

    Greetings and etiquette

    Greet with a handshake using the right hand and avoid offering your left. Small talk before business is normal and appreciated. The working week runs Monday–Friday with Friday prayers; during any Ramadan period, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours.

    Tipping, alcohol and water

    Tipping around 10% at restaurants is customary (service charge is often already added). Alcohol is served only in licensed hotel bars and restaurants, and public intoxication is an offence. Tap water is desalinated — drink bottled water.

    Practical guides

    Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

    Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

    Flights

    Destination: AUH

    Book flights to AUH (Abu Dhabi) when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue.

    Visa

    Most international visitors need some form of UAE entry permission. Citizens of GCC states and many visa-waiver nationalities (EU/Schengen, UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and others) receive a free 30- or 90-day visa on arrival; other nationalities must obtain a pre-arranged tourist e-visa through a UAE airline, hotel or licensed agent (approx. USD 90–135, typically 3–7 working days). Exhibitors and stand-build crews should carry an invitation/registration confirmation from the organiser and confirm their category before booking flights. Verify your nationality and current rules on the UAE Government portal (u.ae) before travel.

    Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

    Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

    Generally free for waiver nationalities, though some passport holders pay a fee for the on-arrival stamp. Carry return ticket, hotel booking and show registration confirmation. Fees vary by duration and provider (roughly AED 350–650). Exhibitors should also request the organiser's visa support/invitation letter with their stand confirmation.

    Official

    Transport

    Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

    Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Zayed International (AUH). Allow road or rail time to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

    Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi: Capital Centre / ADNEC district and Abu Dhabi mainland gateways: Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre (walkable to ADNEC), Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate; Capital Centre district, directly adjoining or within walking distance of ADNEC: Aloft Abu Dhabi (linked to ADNEC), Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana; Capital Gate / ADNEC and the creek-side Sheikh Zayed Bridge area, 10–20 min from the venue: Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi (Capital Gate tower, adjacent to ADNEC),

    Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Abu Dhabi; confirm local availability before travel.

    Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

    Parking: On-site parking is available at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

    Weather

    Plan and pack for the event climate.

    Month: October 2026

    Temperature: 33–36°C daytime highs, 25–27°C overnight lows (October, Abu Dhabi)

    Seasonality: October is the transition out of the hot season: rainfall is rare (typically under 5 mm for the month) and coastal humidity climbs through the month. Expect strong indoor air-conditioning at ADNEC — pack a light layer and plan outdoor transfers for early morning or evening.

    Packing: October is the transition out of the hot season: rainfall is rare (typically under 5 mm for the month) and coastal humidity climbs through the month. Expect strong indoor air-conditioning at ADNEC — pack a light layer and plan outdoor transfers for early morning or evening.

    Plan your trip

    Planning

    Best day to visit: Wednesday 7 October 2026 (Day 2)

    Day 2 gives the fullest aisles and the densest programme: the opening ceremony and first-day VIP tours are done, exhibitors are fully staffed and focused on serious conversations, and buyer-matching plus conference sessions run at peak. If you can only attend one day, arrive for the 10:00 hall opening and protect the mid-afternoon window for follow-ups; keep Day 3 morning free if you need second meetings or contract discussions.

    1

    Confirm passport validity and UAE entry requirements — Ensure your passport is valid well beyond your stay and check UAE entry visa rules for your nationality before booking travel to the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (6-8 October 2026).

    2

    Book flights to Zayed International Airport (AUH) — AUH is the primary gateway to Abu Dhabi; allow buffer time for immigration and the drive to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

    3

    Reserve a hotel near ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi — Pick accommodation within easy reach of the venue and check cancellation terms ahead of the October 2026 show dates.

    4

    Register online for your visitor badge — Complete visitor registration via the official event site globalfoodweek.ae and keep the confirmation for badge collection.

    5

    Download the hall plan and conference programme — Map the halls and sessions you want to prioritise across the three show days.

    6

    Request B2B meetings with target exhibitors — Use any matchmaking or meeting tools listed on the organiser site to pre-book appointments.

    7

    Shortlist exhibitors and product segments — Build a shortlist of food, agri-tech, and processing suppliers you want to meet on site.

    8

    Arrange local transport to the venue — Plan taxi or ride-hail from AUH and your hotel to ADNEC, and confirm return options for the evening.

    9

    Prepare business documents and cards — Bring printed registration confirmation, a company profile, and business cards for networking.

    10

    Pack for warm October weather in Abu Dhabi — October in Abu Dhabi is hot; bring light business attire plus a layer for air-conditioned halls.

    11

    Confirm meetings and save your pass — Reconfirm scheduled appointments and store your badge or pass on your phone.

    12

    Travel and collect your badge on arrival — Arrive in Abu Dhabi with buffer time and collect your badge at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi before entering the halls.

    Side trips

    2

    Dubai

    Al Ain

    Networking spots

    3

    Organiser business-matching / B2B lounge, ADNEC exhibition floor

    ADNEC-linked hotel bars and lobbies (Aloft Abu Dhabi, Andaz Capital Gate)

    Capital Centre cafés and restaurants around ADNEC

    Budget

    Costs & budget

    Cost reference

    Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

    visa_fee

    visitor · visa_on_arrival_waiver_nationalities

    —

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · uae_tourist_evisa_30_60_day

    USD 90–135 / per person

    estimate

    hotel_night

    visitor · mid_range_near_ADNEC

    USD 140–220 / per room per night

    estimate

    per_diem

    visitor · meals_and_local_transport

    USD 75–120 / per person per day

    estimate

    visa_fee

    visitor · Entry visa

    USD 90 / per application

    official

    Decision

    Visit, exhibit, or skip?

    Should you go?

    Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

    QUESTION 1 OF 6

    What is your primary role?

    Decision matrix

    Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

    visit

    You have 2–3 days on the floor, a written supplier shortlist and want to test Gulf demand and pricing before spending on a stand.

    Best for

    Food, beverage and ingredients buyers, importers, distributors, HoReCa procurement teams and brands scouting GCC market entry without committing to floor space.

    Min. budget

    $550.00

    Timeline

    4–6 weeks before arrival (visitor registration, flights to AUH, ADNEC-area hotel, visa if required)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    October is peak season in Abu Dhabi and ADNEC-area hotels sell out — book rooms and flights early.

    Trade-visitor entry rules and registration deadlines are set by the organiser — confirm before travelling.

    exhibit

    You already sell into the GCC or hold qualified Gulf distributor leads and can staff the stand for all three show days.

    Best for

    Exporters, food manufacturers, halal-certified producers, packaging and food-processing equipment suppliers targeting GCC buyers, distributors and private-label retail programmes.

    Min. budget

    $2,200.00

    Timeline

    6–9 months before the show (space contract, stand design and build, freight and customs, staff visas, marketing)

    Risks

    Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

    Freight, customs clearance, stand build and staffing sit on top of the space cost and vary widely by footprint.

    Availability of prime hall positions at ADNEC is limited — confirm space rates and allocation with the organiser (Capital Events).

    skip

    Budget or staffing is constrained this cycle, or your product documentation and import compliance are not yet ready for the UAE market.

    Best for

    Companies whose GCC pipeline is already served by local agents or distributors, or whose products are not yet compliant with UAE import, labelling and halal requirements.

    Timeline

    n/a — revisit for the next edition or a narrower regional show once market-entry requirements are met

    Risks

    Skipping the region's flagship Abu Dhabi food-trade platform leaves shelf-space and distributor conversations to competitors for a full annual cycle.

    Gallery

    Photos

    Official imagery from Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition
    Official imagery from Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition

    Trust footer

    Sources

    6

    References

    2

    Publishers

    0

    Date checked

    1

    Capital Events

    2

    Global Food Week

    Digital business cards for the show floor

    Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

    Create a free card