Evening one
Monday 15 FebruaryAfter the show floor closes: dinner and a short evening outing.
Gulfood 2027: what to do in Dubai after hours
15 to 19 February 2027 · ExpectedDubai, United Arab Emirates
Gulfood keeps attendees on the show floor all day and leaves the evenings, the day after and partners' days free. This guide covers dinners that need booking, evening outings, a companion day and the day after in Dubai.
Airport to Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubai International (DXB) is on the metro red line; downtown is 20 minutes away. Dubai World Central (DWC) serves the airshow site.
Metro red line to World Trade Centre station.
Public transport directions to Dubai World Trade Centre
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Deira and Bur Dubai | Older districts on the metro. |
| Mid-range | Downtown and Business Bay | Near the Burj and malls. |
| Splurge | Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah | Beach resorts. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Rove Downtown
- Mid-range: Vida Downtown
- Splurge: Atlantis The Palm
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual show week schedule for 15 to 19 February 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Evening two
Tuesday 16 FebruaryTeam dinner night. Book early: every group in town wants the same tables.
- EatAl Ustad Special Kebab
- After darkDubai Marina and DIFC.
Companion day
Tuesday 16 FebruaryFor partners who came along and do not have a badge.
- Full dayAquaventure water park
The day after the show
Saturday 20 FebruaryPush the flight back a day. A full free day costs little and the city empties out.
- Half-dayBurj Khalifa At the Top
- EatRavi Restaurant
- FreeJBR beach.
Team outing
For corporate groups of 10 to 40: private tours and tastings book out first.
Family-friendly picks
- Dubai Aquarium.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Dubai Marina and DIFC.
7 tours worth booking for Gulfood
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Aquaventure water park | Full day | Families |
| Abu Dhabi day trip | Full day | Everyone |
| Burj Khalifa At the Top | Half day | Families |
| Old Dubai and souks walking tour | Half day | Food lovers |
| Museum of the Future | Half day | Bad weather, Families |
| Desert safari with BBQ dinner | Evening | Families, Night owls |
| Dubai Marina dhow dinner cruise | Evening | Tired legs, Night owls, Food lovers |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Dubai Mall.
- Etihad Museum.
Getting around on event days
- Metro red and green lines; Nol card. Dubai World Trade Centre has its own metro stop.
- Uber and Careem work across the Gulf and are the easiest way around.
- Dress modestly in malls, souks and religious sites; beach clubs and hotels are relaxed.
- Check current travel advisories for the region before travelling and keep bookings flexible.
Day trips from Dubai
- Abu Dhabi: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Hatta: 1.5 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Gulfood.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is Gulfood 2027?
The next edition is 15 to 19 February 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Dubai World Trade Centre?
Dubai International (DXB) is on the metro red line; downtown is 20 minutes away. Dubai World Central (DWC) serves the airshow site. Metro red line to World Trade Centre station.
Where should I stay for Gulfood?
For most visitors the best base is Downtown and Business Bay: Near the Burj and malls.
What can we do between sessions at Gulfood?
Good short outings in Dubai include Burj Khalifa At the Top, Old Dubai and souks walking tour, Museum of the Future. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near Gulfood?
Family-friendly picks: Burj Khalifa At the Top, Desert safari with BBQ dinner, Museum of the Future. Dubai Aquarium.
How far is Dubai World Trade Centre from Dubai centre?
About 3 km in a straight line. Metro red line to World Trade Centre station.
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