Pakistan brings record number of companies to Gulfood 2026, eyes food exports

An undated file photo of Gulfood exhibition in Dubai. (Gulffood/ Website)
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Updated 30 January 2026
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Pakistan brings record number of companies to Gulfood 2026, eyes food exports

  • Pakistani exhibitors will present a diverse and high-quality portfolio of agro-based and value-added products
  • A Pakistan-UAE Business Conference will connect Pakistani exhibitors with international buyers at the exhibition

ISLAMABAD: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is set to mark a historic milestone at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai today, Monday, by leading the country’s largest-ever participation at the exhibition, showcasing agro-based and value-added products to push Pakistani food and beverage exports.

Since its inception in 1987, Gulfood has become a powerful trade forum and has been driving the global food and beverage industry forward. The event, running from Jan. 26 till Jan. 30 at Dubai World Trade Center, will bring together thousands of global exhibitors and industry stakeholders from over 130 countries.

This year, TDAP is facilitating an unprecedented 67 Pakistani companies across four specialized pavilions, covering Rice, Pulses and Grains; World Food; Beverages; and Meat and Poultry sectors. In addition, a significant number of Pakistani firms are participating independently, reinforcing the nation’s growing presence in the global marketplace.

“Pakistani exhibitors will present a diverse and high-quality portfolio of agro-based and value-added products, ranging from premium Basmati rice, cereals, and meat to honey, pink salt, and horticultural produce,” the Pakistani information ministry said.

“The showcase also includes processed and frozen foods, herbal products, spices, and dairy items.”

A major highlight of the five-day event is Pakistan Biryani Festival, where visitors can experience the distinct aroma and superior quality of Pakistani rice firsthand, according to the ministry.

The “Taste of the World — Gulfood 2026 (Pakistan)” initiative will feature live masterclasses using authentic Pakistani ingredients to spotlight the country’s rich culinary heritage and its expanding capabilities in the global Hotel, Restaurant and Café (HORECA) sector.

TDAP will actively contribute to the global dialogue on food security through a panel discussion, titled “Global Futuristic View and Smart Agri-Food Systems.”

“To further strengthen bilateral economic ties, TDAP and the Trade Section of the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai will host a Pakistan-UAE Business Conference and a B2B Networking Dinner,” the ministry said.

“This gathering will connect Pakistani exhibitors with international buyers and distributors to enhance export potential.”


Pakistan deputy PM speaks with Iranian FM as Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles and drones

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Pakistan deputy PM speaks with Iranian FM as Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles and drones

  • Ishaq Dar expresses concern over evolving regional situation as both officials agree to remain in contact
  • Pakistan earlier reminded Tehran of its mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia during diplomatic outreach

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, including recent missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia that were intercepted by the Kingdom’s air defenses.

The call comes as Islamabad remains in contact with both Tehran and Gulf states to prevent the widening Iran conflict from spilling further across the region, particularly after attempted strikes on Saudi territory, a sensitive development for Pakistan, which signed a mutual defense pact with the Kingdom last year.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry said Dar raised concerns about the evolving regional situation during the conversation.

“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke this evening with the Foreign Minister of Iran, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The DPM/FM expressed concern over the evolving regional situation. The two agreed to remain in touch on the developments,” it added.

The ministry did not share details of the conversation, though it came amid fast-moving developments in the region, with Saudi Arabia saying its air defenses intercepted multiple missiles and drones early on Friday.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s adviser on political affairs Rana Sanaullah said Pakistan was in contact with Iran to discourage attacks on Gulf countries and prevent misunderstandings.

“Such attacks should not be carried out from Iran’s side,” he told Geo TV.

Prior to that, the deputy prime minister told Pakistan’s Senate that Islamabad had engaged both Iran and Saudi Arabia at the outset of Iran’s retaliation in the region, reminding Tehran of its defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and conveying assurances from Riyadh that Saudi territory would not be used against Iran.

Pakistan says its administration is striving to end the conflict, though the United States-Israeli strikes on Iran, which triggered the war and led to its spillover, have only intensified.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday some countries had begun mediation efforts but insisted Tehran would defend its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” on his Truth Social platform as the confrontation shows little sign of easing.