Your Essential Guide to Planning Your Visit to Gulfood 2024

In just less than a week, Gulfood opens its doors to thousands of F&B professionals and 5,500+ exhibitors from more than 190 countries gathering to fill 24 expansive halls of Dubai World Trade Centre. The stage is set for an unparalleled global food and beverage showcase like never before.

Such a vast event can seem overwhelming — that’s why we’ve compiled an essential checklist to help streamline your experience, ensuring that your every moment at Gulfood is as convenient as possible.

Here are the top 8 things you can do to ensure a stress-free visit:

1) Secure your entry by registering online

Kickstart your Gulfood visit smoothly by registering online, which can be done in just two simple steps via our website.? Get your 5-day all-access pass for just AED 595.

Registering early means less time in line and more time exploring.

2) Skip the wait by printing your badge at home

Once you have completed your online registration, you’ll receive a copy of your badge on your registered email. To make entry as quick as possible, print it out before you arrive. This way, you can simply pick up a Gulfood lanyard at the venue, skip the registration lines, and dive straight into the heart of the event.

It’s your quickest route to exploring all that Gulfood has to offer.

3) Plan the best ways to reach Gulfood

There are a number of ways to get to the venue, but our top recommendation for avoiding traffic and parking woes is through the Dubai Metro. You have direct access to the venue through the Dubai World Trade Centre station via the Red Line. Visit the Dubai Metro website for more information on schedules and fares.

If you prefer to travel by car, Dubai Taxis offer reliable service and can be booked at +97142080808. Alternatively, use the Careem app with the code GULFOOD24 for 20% off on two rides a day to and from the venue, applicable on selected car types (terms and conditions apply).

Driving? Paid on-site parking is available (but limited) across the following locations on-site:

• Exhibition Street Multistorey Car Park
• Al Mustaqbal Multistorey Car Park
• Sheikh Rashid Tower Multistorey Car Park

Or you can drive to the following Dubai Metro stations, park your car, and take the metro to the venue:

• Centre Point Metro Station (31min away from the venue)
• Etisalat Metro Station (32min away from the venue)
• Jebel Ali Metro Station (35min away from the venue)
• The Multi-storey parking building near Max Metro Station (3min away)

There will also be free shuttle buses to the venue running daily from 7AM - 8PM across three pick-up and drop-off points: Dubai Mall Za’abeel Expansion, Al Wasl Club, and Al Kifaf.

4) Expand your F&B network with the Gulfood Connexions Meetings Programme

Take advantage of our Gulfood Connexions Meetings Programme, designed exclusively for our exhibitors and registered visitors. Through this bespoke programme, our dedicated team can help align your goals with the right contacts and coordinate meetings prior to the event.

If you're already signed up as an exhibitor or visitor, simply log in to explore the programme further, or for any assistance, please contact us at [email protected].

5) Download the official event mobile app

Transform your smartphone into the ultimate Gulfood guide with the official event mobile app. Get instant access to an extensive directory of exhibitors and products, navigate the event agenda and the venue map, and connect with key industry players through the Gulfood Connexions Meetings Programme with a single tap.

It's your all-in-one tool for planning and optimising your Gulfood visit. Download it now on the App Store or Google Play.

6) Find your way around the venue with the interactive floor plan

With the official event app in hand, you can access the interactive floor plan to search and filter through over 5,500 exhibitors and find the quickest route to their stands. The floor plan enables you to efficiently navigate the space from wherever you are so you never miss out on a must-see exhibitor.

7) Plan your day in advance

Gulfood is certainly packed with culinary innovation and expertise, offering several features and activities that are sure to elevate your knowledge and understanding of what’s next in the world of F&B.

• Gulfood Inspire: Hear from the brains of the food world who are changing the game. Think big ideas, trends, and kitchen insights from the best in the business. View the agenda for the sessions and workshops.
• Gulfood Top Table: Masterclasses, panels and a chance to see what's next in the food scene, all led by top-notch chefs. See who’s presenting at Gulfood Top Table.
• YouthX Young Chef Challenge: Six of the best hotel teams battling it out in the kitchen for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Meet the young talents who have dared to take on the challenge.
• Dubai World Cuisine: A mix of Dubai’s finest chefs and global culinary stars, all cooking up a storm — both onsite and around the city — to put Dubai’s food scene on the map. Check out our lineup of talented chefs.
• Blend Studio: See mixologists and brewers crafting the most unique drinks you’ve ever tasted.

And that’s not all, we also have all-new exciting features for you this year:

• The Tasting Room: Dive into the world of unique flavours with expert-led tasting sessions. It’s a must for any foodie.

• Flame & Bake: Ever wondered about the secrets to perfect dough? This is your chance to learn from the masters of pizza and bread.

It’s truly a power-packed lineup of enriching experiences you absolutely will want to make the most of. Make sure to plan your day in advance so you don’t miss a beat on the features most relevant to your interests.

8) Share the Gulfood experience by inviting a friend

If you’ve already crossed off everything from this Gulfood prep list, there’s one final step to truly amplify your experience: bring someone along.

The Gulfood experience is made better when experienced with like-minded peers. Plus, it’s a great way to multiply the networking opportunities and insights you’ll gain. Tag your plus-one in the comments or simply share this article with them.

You're now all set to navigate the world's largest F&B sourcing event like a pro! Curious to learn more about what makes Gulfood a must-attend in the F&B world? Visit our website to find out.