ABU DHABI: The UAE’s expanding appetite for dairy products and locally developed food businesses is taking centre stage at Global Food Week 2026 in Abu Dhabi, where international companies, farmers, food producers and agri-tech innovators are meeting buyers and consumers.
The third edition of Global Food Week is being held from October 6 to 8 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the event is built around food security, innovation, sustainability and international collaboration.
The event has also broadened its role this year. Alongside its business and investment focus, Global Food Week introduced a consumer-facing “Shop at the Show” experience, allowing visitors to purchase products directly from participating producers and brands. India is the Guest of Honour for the 2026 edition.
Dairy remains a major part of the UAE food market
The increased attention on dairy comes as the UAE market continues to expand.
Research from Mordor Intelligence puts the UAE dairy market at $2.53 billion in 2025 and estimates it will reach $3.28 billion by 2031, representing a projected compound annual growth rate of 4.45 per cent between 2026 and 2031. The research estimates the 2026 market at $2.64 billion.
Milk accounted for about 40 per cent of the market in 2025, according to the research, while cheese was the second-largest category. Yoghurt is forecast to be among the faster-growing segments over the coming years.
The market reflects the UAE’s unusually diverse consumer base, with products ranging from everyday milk and yoghurt to speciality cheeses, butter, ghee and premium imported dairy.
Dubai represented about 40 per cent of the UAE dairy market by value in 2025, according to Mordor Intelligence, underscoring the importance of the country’s major retail, hospitality and food-service centres to dairy demand.
Global brands meet local demand
Global Food Week provides a broad platform for companies operating across the food chain, including dairy producers and speciality food businesses.
The official event programme includes dedicated areas covering natural foods, agriculture and agri-tech, with local farmers able to showcase products to international buyers, distributors and hospitality businesses. The AgriTech Forum is also examining areas such as AI-powered agricultural production, sustainable farming and technologies designed to strengthen food supply chains.
That combination is significant for the UAE because food security is not limited to producing more food locally. It also involves improving agricultural technology, supply-chain resilience, market access and the ability of domestic companies to develop products that can compete beyond the UAE.
From traditional products to new food formats
One of the clearest examples is the UAE’s camel-milk industry.
Global Food Week is providing a platform for camel milk and other locally rooted products alongside international food brands. The event’s wider programme places emphasis on moving agricultural and food innovations from production and research towards investment, commercialisation and international markets.
The focus fits the UAE’s broader push to connect food heritage with technology and modern consumer products. Camel milk, in particular, gives Emirati producers a product with a distinctive local identity while opening opportunities in overseas markets.
The event is also highlighting dates, honey and coffee, with dedicated platforms covering production, processing, packaging, trade and market access.
Food security moves beyond the supermarket shelf
The broader message from Global Food Week is that food security increasingly depends on the entire value chain.
The 2026 programme brings together governments, producers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, investors, researchers and innovators. The Global Food Security Summit, held alongside the exhibition, has focused on issues including artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, resilient supply chains, sustainable water management and international partnerships.
For the UAE, that approach links consumer demand with a wider economic objective: building a food system that can respond to population growth, changing consumption patterns and global supply disruptions while giving local businesses greater access to international markets.
Global Food Week 2026 is scheduled to conclude at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi on October 8. The organisers have positioned the event as a platform for connecting the UAE’s domestic food ecosystem with international trade, investment and innovation.
What is Global Food Week 2026?
Global Food Week 2026 is a major food and agriculture event being held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from October 6 to 8, bringing together businesses, governments, investors, farmers and food-sector innovators.
When is Global Food Week 2026 taking place?
The event runs from October 6 to October 8, 2026, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.
What is the UAE dairy market worth?
Mordor Intelligence estimates the UAE dairy market was worth $2.53 billion in 2025 and projects it to reach $3.28 billion by 2031.
Which dairy product has the largest market share in the UAE?
Milk was the largest product category, accounting for about 40.12 per cent of the UAE dairy market in 2025, according to Mordor Intelligence.
Why is camel milk important to the UAE food sector?
Camel milk combines a product closely associated with UAE heritage with opportunities for modern product development and international trade.
What food sectors are featured at Global Food Week?
The event covers areas including dairy, natural foods, agriculture, agri-tech, dates, honey, coffee and wider food manufacturing and distribution.
What is new at Global Food Week 2026?
The 2026 edition introduced a “Shop at the Show” consumer experience, expanding the event beyond its traditional business and trade focus. India is also participating as Guest of Honour.
