Abu Dhabi opens largest-ever Global Food Week at ADNEC, running to 8 October

Centre · 1The largest-ever edition of Global Food Week opened on 6 October 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), running until 8 October. 1 Centre · 2It is held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, and is organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. 1 2 Centre · 1Gulf News reports 2,580 exhibitors, buyers, investors and policymakers from 92 countries; exhibition space is up 25 per cent to about 42,000 square metres, exhibitors and brands are up 18 per cent, and participating countries are up 23 per cent on the previous edition. 1

Centre · 1International exhibitors account for 33 per cent of participation and national exhibitors 67 per cent, with small and medium-sized enterprises about 22 per cent of exhibitors; last year's event saw 58 agreements worth Dh6.6 billion signed. 1 Centre · 1New features include a "Shop at the Exhibition" consumer offering, a dedicated animal feed sector and the inaugural Abu Dhabi Honey Forum, while India is Guest of Honour with its own pavilion. 1 Centre · 2The second Global Food Security Summit, themed "Together Towards Food Security for All", opened on 6 October with speakers from 30 countries; Gulf News says it runs 6 and 7 October. 1 2

Centre · 1The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) are taking part, including an FAO Policy Council on 7 and 8 October on agrifood systems in the Near East and North Africa. 1 Centre · 1In a statement on X, Sheikh Mansour said the UAE continues to work with partners to develop innovative solutions, aiming for "a more resilient and efficient food system that preserves resources and adapts to emerging challenges". 2 Centre · 1The National adds that the summit examines pressures including climate change, geopolitical tension, supply-chain disruption and rising costs, and recalls that Minister of State Khalifa Al Marar warned on 17 September at the UN that threats to supply chains could push tens of millions into acute food insecurity. 2

Centre · 1Eleven Emirati small and medium-sized businesses are exhibiting with support from the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, whose chief executive, Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, said the aim is to help them build commercial relationships and access markets. 3 Centre · 1During the week the Khalifa Fund will sign an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority covering training, entrepreneurship, investment and knowledge exchange, including pilot and proof-of-concept programmes. 3