UAE’s food scene never sits still, and 2026 is already proving that point. With food festivals celebrating everything from street food to fine dining, the year ahead promises plenty of new flavours to explore. Here’s a guide to the food festivals confirmed for 2026, plus the annual favourites we expect to see back again. I have all the delicious details you need know, so keep reading to fid out more.
Also read: Your 2026 Ramadan Guide – Everything To Know From Shorter Work Hours, Dates, Rules & More
Confirmed Food Festivals in the UAE for 2026
1. Gulfood 2026
Dates: January 26–30, 2026
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City Dubai
One of the largest food and beverage trade exhibitions in the world, Gulfood brings together thousands of exhibitors from over 130 countries. The event focuses on global food trends, innovation, product launches, and industry networking, making it a major fixture in Dubai’s food calendar every January.
Get your tickets here on their website.
2. Taste of Dubai 2026
Dates: February 6–8, 2026
Location: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
Taste of Dubai is one of the city’s most popular public food festivals. The event features tasting-sized dishes from leading Dubai restaurants, live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, food stalls, workshops, and live entertainment.
Get your tickets here on their website.
3. Global Food Week 2026
Dates: October 6–8, 2026
Location: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
Global Food Week is a large-scale international event focusing on food security, sustainability, innovation, and future food systems. It brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and food producers from around the world.
Get your tickets here on their website.
Annual UAE Food Festivals Expected To Return In 2026 (Dates TBC)
These events take place every year in the UAE and are widely expected to return in 2026, although official dates have not yet been announced.
4. Dubai Food Festival
Expected timing: April to May 2026
Location: Across Dubai
Dubai Food Festival is the city’s flagship culinary celebration, featuring restaurant deals, food pop-ups, chef collaborations, street food markets, and city-wide dining experiences. It is one of the most anticipated food events on Dubai’s annual calendar.
5. Speciality Food Festival
Expected timing: November 2026
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre
This premium food and beverage trade event focuses on gourmet, artisanal, and specialty food products. It typically attracts chefs, hospitality professionals, retailers, and suppliers from across the region.
Find out more information on their website.
6. Taste of Abu Dhabi
Expected timing: Mid-November 2026
Location: Abu Dhabi
Taste of Abu Dhabi is an outdoor food festival celebrating the capital’s dining scene, with tasting dishes from local restaurants, live cooking demos, and entertainment. While dates are not yet confirmed, it usually takes place towards the end of the year.
Find out more information on their website.
7. Michelin Guide Food Festival Abu Dhabi
Expected timing: November 2026
Location: Abu Dhabi
Following previous successful editions, the Michelin Guide Food Festival is expected to return, bringing together Michelin-recognised chefs, curated tasting experiences, and culinary showcases.
Find out more information on their website.
