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Hospitality News
Forward Fooding Discusses Key Trends in Food Innovation
Forward Fooding, is the world’s first collaborative platform for the food & beverage industry fostering innovation via FoodTech Data Intelligence and corporate-startup collaboration. Headquartered in London with satellite offices in Barcelona and Rome, they run a global network of AgriFoodTech entrepreneurs powered by entrepreneurs since 2015. They act as an ecosystem enabler to provide the necessary support and velocity to enable meaningful collaborations and partnerships between established food organizations and AgriFoodTech startup and scaleup companies globally. Alessio D’Antino, CEO and co-founder of Forward Fooding, shared his insights and vision for the future of the food industry with JNS Media International at Gulfood 2023.
In your opinion, what are the key trends in food innovation?
Over the last decade, we have seen food innovation shifting more and more towards technology-enabled solutions that can promote and bring more efficiency and sustainability to the food system. Looking back at 2022, it is clear that the FoodTech industry, the emergent sector of technology-enabled solutions across the supply chain, reached an inflection point. While 2021 saw a surge in investments and skyrocketing valuations, we saw a more measured approach to valuations in 2022. While some have suggested that this marks the end of an era of easy access to capital, this is not necessarily bad news for FoodTech. This shift can usher in more opportunities to focus on a broader range of innovations and improve existing solutions. In fact, this is already happening. Right now, we are seeing entrepreneurs becoming more creative and focused on developing a new generation of FoodTech innovations, building on the work that is being done so far. This is giving rise to a series of exciting developments. For instance, when it comes to alternative proteins we are seeing more attention being paid to market strategies and, in the case of lab-grown meat, more capital is flowing towards enabling technologies and services. Renewed attention has also been paid to hybrid meat products, which combine plant-based meat with conventional meat or biotech-made ingredients, due to their unique ability to merge the benefits of multiple products into one. On the other hand, when observing innovation on the upstream side of the supply chain, the current economic downturn has taken its toll on vertical farming companies, which are rather capital intensive and require new funding to scale up production methods through significant investments in R&D. However, entrepreneurs are developing new solutions to address vertical farming challenges. As a result, we expect to see a shift towards more scalable solutions such as precision farming, which optimizes resource usage, and biotechnology innovations that can enhance crop resilience. These solutions have the potential to ‘upgrade’ the vertical farming industry and make it more resilient and commercially viable in the long run.
How do you see the relationship between traditional food companies and food tech startups evolving in the Middle East?
The Middle East is undoubtedly an exciting emerging hub for food innovation, with numerous partnerships and initiatives which have the ambition of creating world-class innovation platforms. In my view, innovation will be a key factor in propelling this region forward, perhaps more so than in other areas of the world. Historically, the Middle East has been heavily reliant on imported foods in order to meet local demand. However, recent global events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, have made it challenging to sustain this approach. Consequently, food companies in the region are proactively seeking ways to boost their self-sufficiency in food production. Collaborations with FoodTech companies offer an excellent opportunity to achieve this goal. As time passes, these two entities will increasingly come together, resulting in even stronger, more resilient, and sustainable food systems for the region.
With the increasing interest in sustainable food options, what role do you see foodtech playing in shaping the future of food in the Middle East?
I believe the Middle East has an exceptional opportunity to reinvent itself as a prominent food production region powered by cutting-edge technology. Consumers all over the world are increasingly demanding and expecting better products from food brands, placing greater importance on transparency and sustainability in their dietary choices. In this context, locally sourced products can offer a sustainable alternative to imported goods. Achieving this goal, however, requires adopting innovative production methods that reduce reliance on industrialized farming practices, for instance, and minimizing the environmental impact of transportation and overall carbon footprint. FoodTech is indispensable in driving this transformation, as it offers a wide range of innovative solutions that can be applied across the food production value chain.
How can established players in the hospitality industry collaborate with foodtech startups to drive innovation and create new opportunities for growth?
In a world of ‘policrysis’, the food industry, including the hospitality sector, is facing increasing challenges and pressure due to the increased volatility of the current economy. Innovation can address these issues while also creating economic opportunities. If we look at the issue of food waste, for example, measuring how much is wasted through technology (e.g., AI applied to smart scales) can help businesses lower their operating costs while showcasing more transparency and meeting the needs of more environmentally conscious customers. Another opportunity for cost reduction for the hospitality sector comes from the use of robotic technologies, which, in some cases, have proven effective in increasing sanitary standards, generating better margins, and scaling operations. The breadth of innovations available today all over the world is astonishing.
We believe the ‘secret recipe’ to take advantage of these innovations lies in making sense of the technology landscape and identifying the most suitable solutions that can help tackle real business challenges. This is Forward Fooding have excelled at by working elbow-by-elbow with the entrepreneurs who have developed these exact solutions over the last decade.
How can food and beverage companies in the Middle East ensure that they are building sustainable businesses that can withstand economic and environmental challenges?
I believe that economic and climate resilience are closely linked to the creation of sustainable food systems. In our experience, one of the key pillars of building solid foundations for a food system is to foster collaboration among local ecosystems and empower key stakeholders with the right tools and knowledge to nurture these partnerships. These ecosystems serve as a collective ‘immune system’, shielding us from external threats. Climate challenges have made it clear that the health of our planet and profitability are inextricably linked. This means that embracing technology-driven innovations offer incredible opportunities for governments and companies alike to remain competitive and resilient in the face of a constantly evolving and intrinsically more complex global food system.
Hidden behind its signature veil of intrigue, Himitsu introduces The Sake Series, a curated exploration of Japan’s most revered spirit. Available Thursday to Sunday, this new ritual invites guests to discover sake through a collection of tasting flights and pairings that celebrate the craft and character of sake.
The experience is presented in two chapters. The first, The Himitsu Sake Series, features four tasting flights (two sakes per flight, no food) priced from AED 40, and the second, The Four Seasonal Paths, offers seasonal pairings (two sakes + small plates) priced from AED 95, moving through Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
The Himitsu Sake Series
The Himitsu Sake Series introduces four curated tasting flights, priced from AED 40, each featuring two distinct sakes chosen to showcase a particular facet of Japanese brewing. Guests can explore The Earth’s Whisper, pairing two expressions that highlight clarity and umami depth; Blossoms in Balance, where floral and fruity notes create harmony; Wings of Elegance, a study in refinement and precision; and Clouds & Bubbles, a playful contrast between traditional craftsmanship and modern effervescence. Together, these flights offer a guided journey through Japan’s finest sake styles, one sip at a time.
The Four Seasonal Paths
For guests looking to explore further, The Four Seasonal Paths offers a tasting journey inspired by Japan’s four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each pairing combines two sakes with complementary small plates, designed to mirror the flavours and emotions of the season. Think hamachi carpaccio and spicy tuna handrolls for spring’s freshness, unagi nigiri and prawn tempura maki for the richness of summer, and so on. Prices start from AED 95, with each pairing designed to take guests through a progression of flavours that reflect the changing moods of the seasons.
Available from Thursday to Sunday, The Himitsu Sake Series invites guests to slow down, sip, and see sake through a new lens, quietly, behind closed doors.
Hospitality
CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH FRONT-ROW BURJ KHALIFA FIREWORKS VIEWS AT BISOU, ALBA, AND HIMITSU, IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI
This New Year’s Eve, Metafoodies Group invites guests to celebrate across Bisou, Alba, and Himitsu at Dubai Opera Plaza, offering some of Downtown Dubai’s most exclusive front-row views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks.
Set against the glittering backdrop of Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Opera Plaza transforms into one of the city’s most sought-after destinations on New Year’s Eve. With the Burj Khalifa fireworks at its doorstep, the atmosphere is electric yet effortlessly refined, creating a private vantage point for one of the world’s most iconic celebrations.
Designed to balance exclusivity and value, Metafoodies Group’s New Year’s Eve experiences offer guests the luxury of fine dining and spectacular views without the need for over-the-top packages. With early bird prices starting from AED 850 per person, guests can enjoy curated four-course menus, world-class entertainment, and a private view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks, an offering rarely seen in Downtown Dubai.
Known for its thoughtful design and imaginative concepts, Metafoodies Group continues to redefine Downtown Dubai’s dining scene. This New Year’s Eve celebration brings together the group’s signature touch: exceptional food, curated entertainment, and beautifully designed spaces, across its trio of destinations. Guests can also arrive in style via a complimentary luxury buggy service from across Downtown Dubai, ensuring a seamless and celebratory start to the night.
Location: Dubai Opera Plaza, Downtown Dubai
Timing: Doors open from 7 PM till late
Reservation: +971 58 140 6888 or booking link
Fireworks View: Guests will be escorted to Dubai Opera Garden’s private viewing deck, just before midnight for a viewing of the Burj Khalifa fireworks
Welcome the First Sunrise of 2026 at Alba, where contemporary Japanese elegance meets the radiance of the Dubai skyline. Guests are greeted with two complimentary glasses of bubbly before indulging in Akari No Yume, meaning “Dream of Light,” a four-course menu inspired by the purity and precision of Japanese cooking, crafted by Chef Vladimir Chistyakov.
The experience presents a choice between Miso King Crab Soup and Oxtail Soup, followed by four starters such as a Chef’s special selection of sushi, Wagyu Foie Tataki and more. Mains include a Miso-marinated Cod or Wagyu yakisoba, and finishing with seasonal fruit, matcha tiramisu, or chocolate fondant, all accompanied by tea or coffee.
Throughout the evening, a DJ, live percussionist, and avant-garde performances keep the atmosphere sleek and high-energy, ensuring guests dance well into the new year. As midnight nears, guests step onto the Dubai Opera Garden’s private viewing deck overlooking Dubai Opera Plaza for front-row views of the Burj Khalifa fireworks, a moment of light and renewal to welcome the year ahead.
Location: Dubai Opera Plaza, Downtown Dubai
Timing: Doors open from 7 PM till late
Reservation: +971 58 140 6888 or booking link
Fireworks View: Guests will be escorted to Dubai Opera Garden’s private viewing deck, just before midnight for a viewing of the Burj Khalifa fireworks
Step into the world of Gatsby at Bisou, where Parisian glamour sets the stage for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve surrounded by candlelight and rich red tones. Guests are greeted with two complimentary glasses of bubbles as 8-time Grammy-nominated pianist Ryan Roger serenades the room, setting the tone for an evening of effortless elegance.
The night unfolds with a four-course feast starting off with a choice of Crab Eclair, Foie Gras Terrine served with fresh homemade Brioche, Olivier with Duck, Crab Salad, Black caviar, or brioche and butter, with the second course being a choice of delicate pies of meat & morels served with sour cream and caviar. For the main course, guests may choose between Tournedos Rossini with foie gras and black truffle or lobster pasta, before ending on a sweet note with Bisou petit four, all accompanied by tea or coffee.
Just before the clock strikes twelve, guests will be escorted to an exclusive spot in Dubai Opera Garden’s private viewing deck for a front-row view of the Burj Khalifa fireworks, the city’s most spectacular celebration.
Location: Hidden within Alba, Dubai Opera Plaza, Downtown Dubai
Timing: From 10 PM till late
Reservation: +971 58 585 4273
Fireworks View: Guests will be escorted to Dubai Opera Garden’s private viewing deck, just before midnight for a viewing of the Burj Khalifa fireworks
From 10 PM, the lights dim and the celebration comes alive inside Himitsu, Downtown Dubai’s most elusive speakeasy, tucked within Alba. As the Burj Khalifa fireworks ignite the sky, guests can step outside to the Dubai Opera Garden private viewing deck for a front-row experience of the city’s most iconic display before returning to the hidden bar as it transforms into an intimate after-party.
Himitsu pulses with its own energy, hosting a seductive mix of music by DJ Charlotte Van de Peer, a resident DJ in London’s top spots, having previously supported worldwide acts such as Latmun, Solardo, Carl Cox at Mixmag, Foreverland with James Hype and Tita Lau, Sam Divine, and more. Alongside the eclectic music, guests can enjoy performances, and bespoke drinks from the Kagi, the bar’s legendary cocktail program offering 1296 combinations.
Entry requires a ticket priced at AED 1000, out of which AED 500 is fully redeemable on beverages throughout the night. With live DJ sets, immersive acts, and an atmosphere charged with mystery and allure, Himitsu is where the city’s most unforgettable New Year’s moments unfold.
From the architectural icon that redefined Dubai’s skyline comes a new reason to linger after sunset. ME by Meliá Dubai, the visionary masterpiece and newly honoured with a One Key distinction by the MICHELIN Guide 2025 proudly unveils its latest culinary offering – Grill by ME.
A relaxed yet refined dining affair set beside the hotel’s striking pool terrace, Grill by ME offers guests an elevated open-air buffet where contemporary dining meets effortless style. Bringing together live grill stations, curated beats, and ME by Meliá Dubai’s signature modern energy, the new concept is designed for both intimate evenings and vibrant gatherings – a place to unwind, connect, and savour the city’s unmistakable atmosphere.
The menu celebrates simplicity with style, from fresh salads and handmade pasta to sizzling grills and decadent desserts, all prepared at interactive stations. Every element is thoughtfully curated to create a dining experience that feels relaxed, refined, and distinctly Dubai.
Priced at AED 180 per person including soft beverages, Grill by ME runs Monday to Sunday, from 7 PM to 10:30 PM, at the hotel’s pool terrace. Little foodies aged six to eleven dine at half price.
Recently awarded a One Key distinction by the MICHELIN Guide 2025, ME by Meliá Dubai continues to push boundaries in design, hospitality, and dining. As the only hotel in the world designed inside and out by Zaha Hadid, it remains one of the city’s most iconic destinations – where every detail, from architecture, ambience and service is a work of art.
SOBHA FURNITURE UNVEILS ‘THE GALLERY’ — ITS FIRST FLAGSHIP SHOWROOM AT THE S IN DUBAIA SPACE TO CONNECT, COLLABORATE, AND CO-CREATE.
DISCOVER THE ART OF SAKE WITH HIMITSU’S NEW TASTING SERIES
CELEBRATE NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH FRONT-ROW BURJ KHALIFA FIREWORKS VIEWS AT BISOU, ALBA, AND HIMITSU, IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI
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