PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) says Malaysia’s participation in the 31st edition of Gulfood generated RM1.76bil in export sales, surpassing its initial target of RM1.5bil.
The event, held from Jan 26 to 30, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre, marked Malaysia’s largest-ever participation at the trade fair.
In a statement, Matrade said the total export sales represented a 5.4% increase from the RM1.67bil recorded in 2025, supported by demand for palm oil-based products, beverages, processed foods, sauces and health supplements.
Matrade coordinated the participation of 118 Malaysian exhibitors, up 31% from 90 the previous year, with support from nine ministries and agencies.
Chief executive officer Abu Bakar Yusof said the historic sales figure of RM1.76bil validates the impact of the Malaysia-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement on bilateral trade relations, even though the agreement is still at an early stage.
“By deepening economic cooperation, reducing trade barriers, and broadening market access, the agreement has empowered our small and medium enterprises and exporters to offer more competitive pricing and faster delivery to buyers in the UAE as well as the Middle East and North Africa region.
“Malaysian companies are encouraged to leverage this preferential access to secure larger business deals and strengthen their footprint in the region and beyond,” he added.
Chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said: “The success is a result of many months of preparations and coordination that require all parties to streamline the strategies to elevate Malaysian brands in a unified manner.”
He said as Gulfood is the first export promotion programme undertaken by Matrade for 2026, the results set the tone for the remaining 52 promotion programmes to be carried out this year.
The 32nd edition of Gulfood is scheduled for March 15 to 19, 2027.
Matrade said it plans to coordinate an even larger participation and is exploring an expanded Malaysian pavilion to meet rising exporter interest and drive further food and beverage export growth in the region.
