DUBAI – Thailand has strategically positioned itself as the dominant force in the global halal food market with its expansive national pavilion at Gulfood 2026. The event, a cornerstone of international food and beverage trade, serves as the platform for the ‘Kitchen of the World’ to deepen its commercial relationships and showcase its extensive range of certified export-ready products to a global audience.
A high-level Thai delegation, led by Thanita Khomphatraporn, Advisor to the Minister of Commerce, officially inaugurated the pavilion at the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). The ceremony underscored a concerted government effort to bolster economic diplomacy and trade expansion. Key figures including Surinthorn Sunthornsanan, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, and Pitichai Ratananaka, Director of the Thai Trade Center Dubai, were present to guide national export initiatives and facilitate market entry for Thai businesses.
The Thai presence is both substantial and meticulously organized. A cohort of 194 exhibitors is displaying a diverse portfolio of premium halal-certified goods. The offering spans from the world-renowned Thai jasmine rice and shelf-stable tropical juices to fresh produce like mangoes and dragon fruit, alongside a variety of ready-to-eat meals and curries. This strategic showcase is designed to convert visibility into tangible business opportunities, enabling direct engagement with international buyers and key decision-makers.
To optimize the experience for trade professionals, the exhibition is logically segmented across two major venues. At the DEC, three dedicated halls feature World Food (ready-to-eat items, snacks, sauces), Rice, Pulses, and Grains, and Gulfood Fresh for fresh fruits and vegetables. Concurrently, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the Beverages Hall and the Meat and Poultry Hall highlight Thai drinks and halal-certified meats, respectively.
Beyond mere display, the pavilion functions as an integrated trade platform. It emphasizes Thailand’s unwavering commitment to international standards, with all participating exporters compliant with ISO, HACCP, and Halal certifications. This adherence guarantees food safety, reduces audit timelines for buyers, and accelerates product shelf approvals. On-site support from staff and interpreters ensures seamless navigation and negotiation, with structured post-event follow-ups to cement the trade partnerships forged during the exhibition.
Trade officials and importers are invited to explore the Thailand Pavilion at both the DEC and DWTC throughout Gulfood 2026 to engage with exporters and discover the breadth of Thailand’s halal culinary expertise.