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.
Hospitality
Keeta Drone Launches New Drone Delivery Route Serving Dubai Silicon Oasis Headquarters
Keeta Drone, the pioneering air delivery company, today announced the launch of a new drone delivery route serving the headquarters office complex at Dubai Silicon Oasis, the special economic zone for knowledge and innovation and a member of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). The route brings on-demand aerial delivery to professionals working within the complex and expands the range of food and beverage brands that can be ordered through Keeta Drone.
The route was inaugurated at DSO headquarters, attended by representatives from Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and Keeta Drone. The new route builds on Keeta Drone’s established presence in Dubai Silicon Oasis, where its operations already serve RIT– Dubai University and residential communities. Through extending the network to the DSO headquarters complex, the company is introducing aerial delivery services into a commercial workplace environment, expanding the range of locations and customer segments served by its operations.

Badr Buhannad, Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis, said: “Keeta Drone’s expansion to the Dubai Silicon Oasis headquarters reflects the growing role of innovative technologies in shaping more connected and efficient urban environments. As the special economic zone for knowledge and innovation, Dubai Silicon Oasis continues to support Dubai’s ambition to build a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”
“This route creates a new scenario in which employees in an office complex experience air deliveries right within their own compound,” said Junwei Yang, General Manager, Keeta Drone. “Bringing the service to DSO HQ is a new feather in Keeta Drone’s cap, expanding access with a new location by adding new community segments to our portfolio.”
Enhancing Workplace Convenience Through Urban Air Mobility
More than 1,000 professionals working within the DSO headquarters commercial complex can now order from participating F&B brands, including Costa Coffee, Bazooka, Tortilla, We Asian, Shawarmary, Chicking, JJ Chicken, Starbucks, Raju Omlet, among others. Orders are delivered to a designated landing and collection point within the complex, allowing employees to access participating outlets without leaving the premises. The service operates daily from 09:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with operations approved by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA).
Expanding Access to New Communities and Customer Segments
The new route builds on Keeta Drone’s established presence in the area, complementing its existing delivery points near the lockers located in DSO at RIT Dubai University Campus and the Emirates Airline residential towers, as well as service locations in Nad Al Sheba Grand Mosque and Dubai Land. Operating in the area for more than a year, Keeta Drone continues to expand its network across university, residential and neighbouring communities, extending the reach of its drone delivery services to new locations and customer segments. Keeta Drone has completed more than one million drone deliveries globally, reflecting the scale and reliability of its operations. The milestone highlights the company’s continued efforts to expand drone-enabled logistics services and introduce new delivery use cases across different environments and communities.
Hospitality
This UAE National Day, Put Local on the Menu: The Emirati Founder Reimagining Dates and Camel Milk


As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 55th National Day, it’s time to recognise not only the country’s heritage, but also the homegrown entrepreneurs finding new ways to carry it forward. For young Emirati entrepreneur Rashid Gargash, that means looking at familiar ingredients through a contemporary lens and exploring how they can become part of the way people eat today.
Rashid’s journey began with research into food security and sustainable nutrition in the Middle East. His work examined the region’s agricultural realities, including desalination, groundwater challenges and available food resources. Along the way, dates and camel milk stood out as ingredients with deep connections to the UAE’s food heritage and potential for new applications.
Working alongside food scientists and researchers, Rashid explored how these ingredients could be developed into a nutritious, convenient product suited to contemporary lifestyles. The process eventually led to Rashtions, a UAE-made snack brand that combines dates, camel milk and ghee across a range of protein-rich snacks.
The range includes Date Original, Date Truffle, Cocoa Truffle and Brazilian Coffee Truffle, with products providing up to 20 grams of protein per 80-gram serving. They are made without added sugar, preservatives or artificial sweeteners.
“Rashtions began with a broader question about food security and how we could better understand and utilise the resources available in our region,” said Rashid Gargash, Founder of Rashtions. “Dates and camel milk have long been part of the UAE’s food story, and I wanted to explore how familiar ingredients could be approached through research and innovation to create something relevant to the way people eat today.”
For Rashid, the journey has also reinforced a wider lesson about entrepreneurship: innovation does not always mean starting from scratch. It can begin by looking more closely at what already exists, questioning how it is used and finding new ways to make it relevant. In the food sector, that means considering not only nutritional value, but also taste, convenience and whether a product fits into people’s everyday lives.
As the 55th UAE National Day approaches, Rashid believes supporting homegrown businesses is one way consumers can contribute to the next chapter of the UAE’s entrepreneurial story. Choosing UAE-founded brands and products made in the country can help bring greater visibility to the people developing local ideas into businesses, while demonstrating that heritage and modern innovation can work together.
Rashtions is available through ADNOC and Emarat service stations, Deliveroo and Noon, as well as directly through the brand’s website, with delivery available across the UAE.
Hospitality
From the French Riviera to Abu Dhabi: La Môme Makes Its Grand Debut with an Exclusive Four-Day Race Weekend Takeover

This December, the French Riviera comes to Yas Marina as La Môme makes its Abu Dhabi debut, in partnership with Sunset Hospitality Group, with an exclusive four-day takeover during race weekend. From 3 to 6 December 2026, the celebrated Cannes-born restaurant brings its signature mix of exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, Riviera glamour, and lively entertainment to the capital, creating a sophisticated yet vibrant setting for race-weekend dining and celebrations, minutes from the circuit.
With an established presence at the Monaco Grand Prix, where La Môme Monte-Carlo hosts a rooftop dining and hospitality experience overlooking the famous race circuit, the brand has a longstanding connection to the glamour and excitement of international motor racing. Now, La Môme brings that same spirit to Abu Dhabi, offering a sophisticated setting for long lunches, elegant dinners, and lively evenings.
At the table, La Môme’s approach is generous, expressive, and unmistakably Mediterranean. The menu celebrates quality ingredients and balanced flavours, with starters such as Artichoke Salad and Wagyu Carpaccio with Black Truffle, alongside a refined selection of Oysters and Caviar. Signature pastas and main courses include Tagliolini with King Prawns, Rigatoni with Truffle, and Japanese A5 Wagyu Sirloin.



In the evenings, Sounds of Riviera, a roaming live band from the French Riviera, will move through the restaurant performing French and Italian classics alongside international favourites. Daily DJ sets will move from laid-back Dolce Vita sounds to late-night house music.
Guided by L’Art de Recevoir signé La Môme, the French art of hospitality, the team ensures thoughtful, personalised service, genuine warmth, and attention to detail. Guests are made to feel equally at ease whether enjoying a leisurely afternoon at the table or celebrating late into the evening.
Daily lunch is served from 12PM to 7PM, followed by dinner from 7PM onwards. While guests can dine à la carte on Thursday, 3 December, minimum spends apply from Friday, 4 December to Sunday, 6 December:
- Indoor Dining: AED 500 per person for lunch; AED 1,000 per person for dinner | Terrace Dining: AED 650 per person for lunch; AED 1,200 per person for dinner.
With its combination of refined dining, a vibrant atmosphere, and a prime Yas Marina location, the takeover promises to be a highlight on the city’s social calendar and an essential stop for race-weekend gatherings.
Full prepayment is required to confirm reservations. Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, while cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability and the applicable minimum spend.
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