Global Food Week returns to Abu Dhabi with record 92 countries

Abu Dhabi is hosting its largest edition ever of Global Food Week from October 6 to 8, with 2,580 exhibitors and brands from 92 countries at ADNEC. The event, under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is organized by ADNEC Group in partnership with ADAFSA. This year's Global Food Week aims to expand on the success of the 2025 edition, which saw 58 agreements worth AED 6.6 billion.

A new business-to-consumer (B2C) model has been introduced, enabling members of the public to meet producers, discover products and make purchases onsite. An enhanced Shop to Show feature allows local and international exhibitors to sell directly, reaching new customers and gathering consumer insights.

The exhibition spans eight sectors along the food value chain, including the newly introduced Animal Feed Sector. It also features the second edition of the Global Food Security Summit, which convenes governments, multilateral institutions, and private-sector leaders to discuss food system resilience and readiness for future disruptions. The summit includes an inaugural Abu Dhabi Honey Symposium, focusing on sustainable beekeeping and its role in food security.

Organizers are pleased with the record growth in the event, with exhibition space expanding by 25% to about 42,000 square meters and the number of exhibitors rising by 18% year-on-year. Participating countries have increased by 23%, including 26 first-time participants. National exhibitors account for 67% of the lineup, with international companies making up the remaining 33%. Small and medium enterprises represent 22% of the exhibitors. UAE remains a vital hub for global food supply chains, according to Sheikh Mohammed.