- GITEX GLOBAL and Gulfood will relocate to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai in 2026.
- DEC is undergoing a US$2.7 billion expansion to become the region’s largest purpose-built venue.
- The strategic move aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), aiming to double the economy by 2033.
- The relocation supports Dubai’s future growth in technology, F&B, investment, and tourism.
A monumental shift is coming to the global events calendar. GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest tech and AI event, and Gulfood, the world’s largest F&B sourcing event, are making a landmark move to the expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai in 2026. This decision, formalized on Day 2 of GITEX GLOBAL 2025, is more than a change of venue; it’s a strategic move to cement Dubai’s position as a global hub for mega-events, fueling the next chapter of the Emirate’s economic growth.
The driving force behind this relocation is the unparalleled expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre. DEC is undergoing a US$2.7 billion upgrade to become the largest purpose-built indoor events and exhibitions venue in the region. This future-proof infrastructure is strategically integrated within the Expo City Dubai master plan and located near the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport.
This ambitious investment directly supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) goal of doubling the economy by 2033. By providing the necessary scale and state-of-the-art facilities, Dubai is ensuring it can attract and host the world’s most influential gatherings, reflecting its vision to lead in technology, trade, and tourism.
The move introduces new dates and formats for both mega-events:
- GITEX GLOBAL 2026: Will feature a premier Summit on December 7, followed by an immersive Exhibition from December 8–11, focusing on nation-scale AI and emerging tech.
- Gulfood 2026: Will run from January 26–30 across two venues: DEC and the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC).
This relocation is a symbolic progression, moving from the long-standing home at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to a venue designed to embody the smart, sustainable city model of Expo City. It amplifies Dubai’s role as a global platform where innovation meets strategic investment.
Even as the 2026 move was being finalized, the 2025 events buzzed with energy. Day 2 of GITEX GLOBAL featured headline discussions on AI-native societies with Sam Altman (OpenAI) and Peng Xiao (G42). They emphasized that the future of AI is about access and making “intelligence abundant and cheap.” On the show floor, HPE unveiled its Sovereign AI Factory, and innovators like Mangobot displayed humanoids capable of surgical procedures.
Meanwhile, Expand North Star focused on social impact tech and significant funding, including a US$2 million investment by AHOY Technology into Mobility Fintech Group (MFG) for the automotive fintech sector. This continuous flow of deals and discussions highlights the deep capacity for innovation that the new DEC venue is designed to accelerate.
The relocation of GITEX GLOBAL and Gulfood to Expo City Dubai in 2026 is a clear indicator of Dubai’s future-focused strategy. This massive infrastructural upgrade ensures the Emirate remains the ultimate global hub for technology, trade, and tourism.
Learn more about how the DEC expansion is setting the standard for the future of global events!
