Major Food Events in 2025: UAE, Saudi Arabia
Last Updated: October 2025
As the food and beverage industry continues to thrive in the MENA region, 2025 will offer an exceptional lineup of major food events in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. These events serve as prime opportunities for business owners to network, showcase their products, and secure valuable partnerships. Whether you’re looking to expand your brand or tap into new markets, the following list includes the best exhibitions and festivals to help you achieve your goals. From cutting-edge food technology to the latest culinary trends, these events are ideal for establishing connections and driving your business forward.
Why Food Events in UAE, Saudi Arabia in 2025, 2026 are Important to Attend for Business Owners
Major Food Events in 2025 and 2026 UAE Saudi Arabia
Attending food events in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader MENA region in 2025 and 2026 is crucial for business owners looking to expand their presence and capitalize on the region’s growing demand for innovative food and beverage products. These events offer a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, potential partners, and customers in a market that is known for its rapid growth and dynamic consumer base. By participating in these events, business owners can gain valuable insights into emerging trends, demand, discover new technologies, tools for supply chain management and explore regional business opportunities. Additionally, these events provide an excellent platform to showcase products, enhance brand visibility, and establish long-term relationships that can drive growth and success in the competitive MENA market.
List of Key Food Events in UAE, Saudi Arabia in 2025-2026
1. Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 – Dubai, UAE
Dates: 4–6 November 2025
Why it matters: One of the largest regional F&B manufacturing and processing trade fair, attracting suppliers, automation firms, and food innovators from 100+ countries.
Market-insight angle: Monitor how manufacturers localize production under the UAE’s “Operation 300bn” vision; benchmark technologies driving sustainability and supply-chain efficiency.
2. The Saudi Food Show 2025 – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Dates: 12–14 May 2025
Focus: Saudi Arabia’s flagship F&B sourcing and distribution event under Vision 2030.
Why attend: Spot trends in import substitution, private-label manufacturing, and mega-project catering (e.g., NEOM Hospitality).
Market research value: Essential for tracking how Saudi’s food-security strategy translates into B2B opportunities for regional and global brands.
3. ISM Middle East 2025 – Dubai, UAE
Dates: 15–17 September 2025
Theme: Confectionery & snack innovation.
Why it matters: A showcase of evolving tastes, sugar-free innovations, functional ingredients, and packaging sustainability.
Analytical focus: A very good event for studying consumer preference shifts in premium and healthy snack segments across GCC markets.
4. Gulfood 2026 – Dubai, UAE
Dates: Expected February 2026
Significance: The region’s largest food and beverage sourcing event, covering 5000+ brands and 120+ pavilions.
Value for research: Early-year data collection on supplier diversity, regional price trends, and demand hotspots across key categories such as dairy, beverages, and plant-based foods.
Website: Gulfood
5. Saudi Food Expo 2026 – Riyadh, KSA
Dates: Expected May–June 2026
Why it matters: Emerging as a key networking hub connecting regional food producers, distributors, and tech providers.
Focus: Spotlight on food processing, retail tech, and franchise expansion.
Analytical benefit: Collect intelligence on new entrants, franchising models, and investment interest in Saudi mid-tier manufacturing.
Regional Market Takeaways
UAE & KSA as innovation centers: Strong alignment with national strategies (Operation 300bn & Vision 2030).
Digitalization of F&B analytics: Companies increasingly rely on customized dashboards and data platforms (Accurate ME’s niche).
Cross-border supply-chain integration: Rise in intra-GCC sourcing partnerships and private-label deals.
Focus on sustainability: Eco-packaging, waste reduction, and local sourcing dominate conference topics.
About Accurate Middle East
At Accurate Middle East, we specialize in providing tailored business development solutions for companies looking to expand and thrive in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the broader MENA region. With our deep knowledge of the local market, we offer comprehensive services, including market entry strategies, business networking, B2B market research, and regulatory support. Our expertise spans multiple industries, with a focus on helping food and beverage companies navigate the complexities of entering and succeeding in this vibrant and growing market. Whether you’re looking to showcase your products at major food events, form strategic partnerships, or understand market dynamics, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to take your food business to the next level? Participate in Major Food events in the UAE and KSA in 2025!
To discuss how we can help you navigate the best food events in the region and create a successful market entry strategy, distributor contacts or entry to retail contact us today. Talk to us via Whatsapp or over the phone in the UAE +971 50 599 5603. Alternatively, you can request a callback or a free consultation by clicking the button below or fill in the brief to get a proposal within 24 hours. Let’s work together to expand your presence in the MENA food industry and unlock new growth opportunities.
To explore more opportunities and discover where top decision-makers and distributors meet, read our full article on key business events in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in 2026 — a detailed guide prepared by Accurate Middle East Consulting. It highlights the most influential exhibitions and B2B platforms across healthcare, food, technology, energy, and sustainability sectors in the GCC.
 | |
Author: | |
| Ekaterina Novikova Senior Researcher | |
| 15+ years of experience in feasibility studies, market studies, business intelligence in the UAE, KSA, and GCC. Senior Researcher at Accurate Middle East Research and Consulting in Dubai. Linkedin profile |
