Global Food Week in Abu Dhabi hits record 92 countries
Abu Dhabi’s Global Food Week is returning with a record 92 participating countries and a major expansion in exhibitor reach, reflecting a shift toward direct consumer engagement alongside business-to-business trade.
What changed this year
The 2026 edition is the largest to date, hosting about 2,580 exhibitors and brands from 92 countries at ADNEC Oct. 6–8. For the first time, the event adds a business-to-consumer (B2C) model, letting the public meet producers, explore products, and buy on site. A feature called Shop to Show enables exhibitors to sell directly to visitors, aiming to broaden customer reach and gather consumer insights.
Who is affected
Local and international food producers participate, along with retailers and consumers in Abu Dhabi and visitors from other regions. The event is held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and is organized by ADNEC Group in partnership with ADAFSA, the Abu Dhabi authority for food safety and sustainability.
Practical next steps for attendees and stakeholders
If attending, plan to visit ADNEC from October 6–8 to explore products and meet producers. For businesses considering participation in future editions, review the event’s B2C components and shop features to understand potential direct-to-consumer opportunities. Monitor ADAFSA and ADNEC announcements for participant lists, safety standards, and any changes to schedules or formats.
Limits and questions
The source describes the event’s scale and new consumer-focused features but does not provide details on pricing, ticketing, or specific supplier lists. It also does not specify health or safety measures beyond the involvement of ADAFSA. For readers seeking more, check official event pages or statements from ADNEC and ADAFSA closer to the event dates.
Which sources did Setup in Bahrain review?
Setup in Bahrain reviewed the following source material before preparing this explanatory article.
The links remain visible so readers can inspect the evidence, compare dates and context, and confirm current requirements with the relevant authority.
- gulfnews.com — evidence source reviewed for this article.
Information and responsibility notice: This article is general information based on the cited material available when published. It is not legal, tax, immigration, medical, financial, banking, or investment advice; it does not create a professional-client relationship; and it is not a guarantee of outcome, availability, accuracy, or eligibility. Rules, schedules, prices, and third-party information can change. Confirm material decisions with the relevant authority and an appropriately qualified adviser before acting.