Preview: Gulf Bar Show 2025
The first bar and beverage trade show in the Middle East and North Africa region, The Gulf Bar Show, will unite industry professionals at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai on 7-8 April.
The Gulf Bar Show (GBS) is set to make history as the first dedicated bar and beverage trade show in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing on culture, craftsmanship and community.
The inaugural two‐day event will feature 200 exhibitors showcasing global and regional brands, alongside more than 30 seminars, masterclasses, tasting sessions, workshops, and symposiums.
Hugo Goncalves, co‐founder of the event, says: “The Gulf Bar Show is designed to bring the global bar community to the Middle East. It offers a unique blend of education, networking, and product discovery, featuring top brands, industry leaders, and emerging trends.
“GBS is not just a trade show – it’s a platform for driving the evolution of the region’s bar culture and creating meaningful industry connections.”
Covering more than 4,500 square metres of floor space, the fair will be hosted in a beautiful setting at the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The venue will be transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration, with several themed areas. These include The Terrace with its Cigar Lounge, Les Aperitifs, Cold Sober (dedicated to no‐ and low‐ABV brands), and planet‐loving and wellness spaces.
The main hall will focus on technology and liquor, while the MENA Heritage Hall will highlight regional participants and products. Additionally, the Networking Hall will be reserved for GBS talks.
The GBS is designed to be an annual must‐attend event that fosters industry growth through collaboration. Each year, it aims to increase visibility for emerging brands, and facilitate valuable partnerships, serving as the definitive meeting place for the bar and beverage community, including frontline professionals, major distributors, and investors.
Additionally, it provides MENA‐based professionals with the opportunity to network on a global scale, highlighting the region’s vibrant bar and beverage scene.
According to Goncalves, the show aims to create an environment where professionals leave “feeling inspired, better connected, and equipped with the knowledge and tools to elevate their businesses”.
Visitors can explore new products, techniques, and insights that enhance their craft. For exhibitors, the show provides an opportunity to connect with decision‐makers, showcase innovations, and gain visibility in a rapidly growing market.
Goncalves discusses the importance of trade shows in today’s economic climate by saying: “Trade shows are more vital than ever,” he says.
“They provide a platform for professionals to connect, discover new products, and stay ahead of industry trends. In today’s economic climate, with shifting consumer preferences and evolving regulations, trade shows offer a critical opportunity for brands and venues to engage in meaningful conversations, forge valuable partnerships, and gain insights that can help future‐proof their businesses.
“In the UAE and the Gulf market specifically, where distribution channels and brand visibility are difficult to attain, the GBS provides a unique opportunity for smaller and emerging brands to stand out. The show levels the playing field, allowing these brands to connect directly with key decision‐makers, and gain traction in a competitive market.”
Sustainability in focus
The trade show aims to promote responsible consumption through initiatives like seminars on zero‐proof innovations and low‐ABV options, in the Cold Sober section. It will partner with local health organisations to foster mindful drinking, and provide dedicated spaces for mental health awareness, including wellness workshops and discussions on work‐life balance.
In support of environmental sustainability, the trade show will explore initiatives like ‘Green Tickets’ to support local reforestation, and may partner with the UAE’s ‘Green ‘In the UAE and the Gulf market specifically, where distribution channels and brand visibility are difficult to attain, the GBS provides a unique opportunity for smaller and emerging brands to stand out’ Sheikh’ initiative to plant mangrove trees, thereby offsetting the event’s carbon footprint.
A collaboration with B Corp consultants will aim to establish sustainable practices for trade shows, focusing on waste reduction and responsible sourcing.
Visitors can learn from leading bartenders and industry experts covering key pillars such as hospitality, sustainability, and future trends. The GBS is set to redefine the bar and beverage industry in the MENA region, offering a platform for professionals to learn, connect, and grow. Whether you are an industry veteran, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a curious enthusiast, The Gulf Bar Show invites you to be part of this transformative experience.
More information about the GBS can be found at www.gulfbarshow.com.
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