Dubai traffic tightens as Gulfood draws global crowds

Traffic across key commercial corridors in Dubai has slowed markedly as Gulfood 2026 opens its doors, prompting authorities to issue travel advisories and urging commuters to plan additional time for journeys near major exhibition hubs. The scale of the food and beverage show, running from January 26 to 30, has brought an exceptional influx of visitors, exhibitors and logistics traffic into the city during a working week already known for heavy movement.

Organisers expect record attendance at the 30th edition of Gulfood, with more than 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries presenting an estimated 1.5 million products. The event spans two large venues—Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre—requiring significant daily movement of delegates between hotels, conference facilities and exhibition halls. Road authorities have cautioned that peak congestion is likely during morning arrivals and late-afternoon departures, particularly along Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Roundabout and routes linking Expo City with central districts.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has advised motorists to consider public transport where possible, noting increased frequency on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro serving the World Trade Centre station. Bus services have also been adjusted to accommodate the surge, while ride-hailing operators report higher demand and longer wait times around the venues. Corporate fleets and freight operators supplying exhibition stands have added to pressure on arterial roads, especially during overnight build-up and early-morning restocking windows.

The congestion highlights the growing logistical footprint of mega-events in the emirate, which has positioned itself as a global meeting point for trade and industry exhibitions. Gulfood’s expansion to a dual-venue format reflects the scale of participation from manufacturers, traders and retailers across agribusiness, packaged foods, hospitality supply chains and food technology. Industry analysts note that the exhibition’s breadth now rivals the largest sector gatherings worldwide, driving economic spillovers for hotels, airlines, catering services and last-mile logistics providers.

City planners have sought to mitigate disruption through staggered access times for exhibitors and coordination with traffic police to manage junction flows. Variable message signs on highways have been updated to alert drivers of delays and suggest alternative routes. Despite these measures, commuters working in nearby districts such as DIFC, Downtown Dubai and Al Satwa have reported longer-than-usual travel times, particularly during the evening rush.

The event arrives amid sustained growth in Dubai’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector. Government data shows the city hosting hundreds of large-scale business events annually, a strategy tied to broader goals of diversifying the economy and strengthening its role in global trade. Gulfood, in particular, has become a bellwether for trends in food security, sustainable sourcing and supply-chain resilience, drawing senior policymakers and executives whose security and transport requirements add further complexity to traffic management.

Hospitality operators near the venues report high occupancy levels, with many international delegations opting for hotels within walking distance to avoid road delays. Others have adjusted schedules to off-peak hours, holding early breakfasts or late dinners to work around congestion. Logistics firms servicing exhibitors say deliveries have been rescheduled to night-time slots where permitted, though this places added strain on staffing and compliance with noise regulations.