U.S. Beef Remains Top-of-Mind with Buyers at Gulfood

The U.S. red meat industry was very well-represented last week at Gulfood in Dubai, U.A.E., where more than 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries displayed their wares. Billed as the world’s largest food trade show, Gulfood doubled its capacity in 2026, operating simultaneously across two separate locations in Dubai.

Several USMEF members joined USMEF staff and representatives to meet potential buyers from the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia and North Asia.

In addition to the steadfast interest in U.S. beef expressed at the show, USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom noted optimism surrounding the recent resolution of an impasse affecting U.S. beef in the U.A.E. Full access for U.S. beef has been restored and export levels are increasing.

“The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service was integral in this whole process within the U.A.E. on regaining access,” says Halstrom.

USMEF’s participation at Gulfood was made possible by the Beef Checkoff Program and USDA’s Regional Agricultural Promotion Program.