Hospitality News
Largest-ever Gulfood 2024 Drives Transformation, with Global Food Futurists to Point where the Industry Goes Next

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced that Gulfood, the largest annual food and beverage sourcing event in the world, will take place from 19-23 February 2024, as the future of the food industry comes into focus. Gulfood continues to be the gold standard event for the global F&B community, with a record 5,500+ exhibitors and visitors from over 190 countries, and with a footprint spanning 24 halls.
International policymakers and F&B industry leaders have their sights firmly fixed on global food systems, and how they can be transformed to feed an ever-growing global population, while simultaneously building resilience and mitigating the impacts of climate change, to avoid future crises. Innovations in ag-tech (a market set to almost double in size between now and 2030), the increasing use of AI in food production, reducing food loss and waste (which currently accounts for over a third of global food production), public-private partnerships, and investment in alternative proteins such as cultured meat can all help reduce food deprivation and feed the world through to 2050 and beyond.
“Gulfood will be the first opportunity in 2024 for the global F&B industry to convene, and gain insight from some of the world’s leading food futurists into where the global food industry goes next. Gulfood will be the only platform to identify the business opportunities and forge the business partnerships brought about as the industry enters a new era, defined by paradigm-shifting technology such as AI”, commented Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre.
“By accelerating innovation and speeding the spread of trends, technology has transformed the food market from end-to-end. The next decade will see this transformation continue. Technologies like AI will accelerate our understanding of human health, and influence consumer behaviour, and shifting demographic patterns will create new centres of cultural power. It’s a fascinating time to look to the future of food.” said Tom Cheesewright, Applied Futurist and Inspire Conference Speaker.
A Showcase for Real Food, A Platform for Real Business
Under the theme ‘Real Food, Real Business’, Gulfood 2024 will bring together global brands including: Agthia, Al Ain Dairy, Americana, Dilmah, Hype Beverages, Japan Farmed Fish Export Association, JBS, Lactalis, Meat & Poultry Ontario, Monin, Tilda, Wilmar – as well as thousands of new exhibitors – to showcase authentic food products, ingredients, and culinary practices, make real business connections and seal in excess of USD 12 billion in commercial deals. They will be joined by new country pavilions including: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Venezuela.
“Ghitha Holding, a subsidiary of International Holding Company PJSC (“IHC”), which owns 55 subsidiaries, 3 associates and 1 joint venture is thrilled to welcome the visitors and all business and government partners in the upcoming Gulfood 2024, as we see the region further boosting the economical trade between different verticals. As Gulfood is a place where F&B businesses innovate for a more brighter future, we are confident that Gulfood will be a fruitful place of collaboration and further business growth with focus on greater sustainability across the region”, commented Falal Ameen, CEO – Ghitha Holding.
Be Inspired by F&B Thought Leaders
The Gulfood Inspire Conference will dive into a range of trending topics, including the tech-powered future of digitalisation, trailblazing innovations, the shift from linear to circular food systems, capitalising on investment and funding opportunities, and reimagining a global food system centred on food safety, security and transparency.
Over 200 ministers, global F&B leaders, entrepreneurs, futurists, chefs, scientists and academia from all facets of the industry will lead a series of engaging keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, showcases and workshops, providing insights into the future of the F&B industry and unlocking new opportunities for growth and competitiveness.
Confirmed speakers across the 5 days include: Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Denmark. Gary Urteaga, Founder and President of Jenesiz Capital, and first investor in Nutrishake Andino (now Nutri.co), a foodtech startup specialising in R&D of nutritional snacks using Andean cereals and superfoods like quinoa and amaranth. CTO & Founding Director of Nourish Ingredients – Dr. Anna El Tahchy. Global Food Futurist & Food Scientist – Tony Hunter; Innovation Trends Futurist – Daniel Levine; Food Futurologist – Dr. Morgaine Gaye; Applied Futurist – Tom Cheesewright; Bill McDowell, VP of the Institute of Food Technologists; Dr. Miray Zaki, MD and Head of Sustainability Investments at Gulf Capital, Supply Chain Technology Expert – Erin Grover, Raymond Tham K W, Founder and MD of Mycrocell and many more.
Michelin Star Chefs make Dubai Debut in World’s Largest Live chef Showcase
Popular feature Top Table returns to Gulfood 2024, with a star-studded line-up of internationally renowned chefs showcasing traditional cooking methods, elevating authentic ingredients, and revealing the stories behind the world’s most beloved dishes.
Across the five days of Gulfood, over 100 chefs will present various cuisines across a series of masterclasses and chef talks. Top names participating in the programme include: Chef Alain Passard of L’Arpege, Chef Enrico Cerea of da Vittorio, Chef Joan Roca of El Celler de Can Roca, Chef Begona Rodrigo of La Salita, chef Mark Donald of The Glenturret and chef Pepe Solla of Sola restaurant. Home-grown talent includes: Chef Akira Back of Akira Back in Dubai, and Chef Vladimir Mukhin of White Rabbit Krasota in Dubai. This year’s theme highlights the union of heritage and traditional culinary practices with modern, trendsetting innovative techniques. For the first time ever, Top Table will host chefs with over 21 Michelin stars between them, in one exceptional live culinary showcase.
The Dubai World Cuisine movement, launched during the last edition of Gulfood, will also be back, with a series of city-wide dinner collaborations. Dubai World Cuisine provides a platform for homegrown chefs to collaborate harmoniously with culinary icons from around the world, shaping the cultural identity of Dubai and helping establish it on the world’s culinary map. Bringing exceptional talents from Europe, that will impart their legacy, heritage, and cultural richness through ancient and traditional cooking techniques, seamlessly merging them with modern and innovative approaches. Our aim is to bridge between the old and the new world, embracing sustainability in its culinary practices.
Watch the Culinary Stars of the Future
The YouthX Chef Challenge, a launchpad for empowering promising F&B talent with a career-changing experience, will also be back in an expanded, international format for its third edition at Gulfood 2024.
The international grand finale of the third edition of the YouthX Challenge will pit teams from leading restaurants and hotels in the UAE (SLS and Atlantis The Palm), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Four Seasons Riyadh), Kenya, and the USA against each other for a chance to win an internship at an international 3-Michelin star restaurant. Last year’s winners recently completed a successful internship with Chef Heinz Beck at La Pergola in Rome.
Gulfood has garnered interest from top brands in Dairy, Beverage (category sponsor – Al Jameel Intl.), Fats & Oils, Pulses & Grains (category sponsor – Supple Tek), Meat & Poultry (category sponsor – Sadia), Power Brands (category sponsor – Ghitha), Ready-To-Eat (category sponsor – Hungritos), Bakery (category sponsor – Prima International), and World Food, to innovate for a more sustainable, thoughtful, and brighter future for the entire global F&B ecosystem across the world.
*Tickets for Gulfood are currently on sale at a special offer rate of AED 345 for a 5-day pass (instead of regular full price of AED 595) for a limited period only.
Hospitality
Coop House weekly offers: your new go-to in Mirdif

The Coop House is turning weekdays and weekends into mini occasions. With the Coop House weekly offers, the Mediterranean-meets-Italian favourite at Mirdif City Centre now pairs comfort dishes with sharp value and a touch of theatre. Moreover, the space mixes rustic textures and modern lines, so families, foodies, and casual diners feel instantly at home. Meanwhile, the menu still delivers its signatures—wood-fired pizzas, rich pastas, coastal seafood, and playful crossovers like the Risotto Biryani—yet the new line-up adds a rhythm to every day.
Coop House weekly offers: Pizza & Pasta Night (Thursdays)

Every Thursday from 6 PM, dinner shifts into comfort mode. Guests choose from creamy Penne Alfredo, bubbling Lasagna al Forno, classic Spaghetti Bolognese, or aromatic Truffle Mushroom Risotto. For pizza lovers, options include a blistered Margherita, smoky Pepperoni, and earthy Spinach & Mushroom Bianca. Even better, the Live Pasta Station brings flair as the chef finishes dishes to order—steam, sizzle, and all. Each main comes with a soft drink for AED 69, so you can wind down the week with flavour and fun.
Coop House weekly offers: Seafood Nights (Fridays)
Fridays from 3 PM, the kitchen leans into seaside comfort. The Seafood Linguine is generously tossed with prawns, calamari, and mussels in a light cherry-tomato sauce. Meanwhile, the Pan-Seared Salmon with herbed roast vegetables keeps things wholesome. For bolder palates, Chargrilled Prawns with lemon butter or Grilled Calamari with spicy salsa deliver a satisfying kick. Naturally, each seafood dish with a soft drink is AED 79, turning Friday into your coastal reset.
Business Lunch that feels special (Mon–Thu)

Weekdays from 12 PM to 3 PM, the Business Lunch brings a three-course menu that’s anything but routine. Start with Figs & Walnut Salad or creamy Tomato Burrata, then move to Rotisserie Chicken with velvety hummus and freshly baked fuchsia bread, or Basil Pesto Linguine. To finish, pick a rich Chocolate Fondant or a light Tiramisu. Thoughtfully portioned and swiftly served, the set menu lands at AED 79—perfect for colleagues, client catch-ups, or a solo upgrade to your workday.
Happy Hours, happier afternoons (Mon–Wed)
From Monday to Wednesday, 4 PM to 6 PM, take a well-earned pause. With 40% off the total bill, you can graze on crispy Dynamite Prawns, Feta & Beetroot Salad, golden Fried Calamari, or indulgent Truffle Fries topped with cheese and herbs. Pair your picks with an iced tea, a classic mocktail, or a freshly brewed coffee. Because the window sits before dinner, it’s an easy meet-up slot for friends and families alike.
Breakfast Tray for Two (daily)

From 9 AM to 1 PM, mornings start strong. The Breakfast Tray for Two blends Mediterranean and Arabic favourites: fluffy scrambled eggs, warm shakshouka, creamy labneh, hummus, foul medames, mini croissants, soft breads, jams, and marinated olives. It arrives with freshly brewed coffee or signature iced tea—all for AED 99. It’s abundant, shareable, and perfect for a relaxed start.
Spin the Wheel surprises (select days)
On quieter days, spending AED 75 or more earns a spin at The Coop House prize wheel. You might land exclusive discounts, complimentary bites, or a sweet treat to take home. It’s a simple touch, yet it keeps the experience playful and rewarding.
Plan your visit
You’ll find The Coop House at Mirdif City Centre, an easy stop for families and after-work diners. Because the venue is equally suited to quick lunches and long catch-ups, it works for almost any plan. And since the Coop House weekly offers run across multiple dayparts, you can pick the moment that fits—Thursday pasta theatre, Friday seafood, a weekday power lunch, or a leisurely breakfast.
Ultimately, the new offers are about more than price points. They’re about rhythm—adding dependable moments of flavour to your week. Come for the pizzas and pastas; stay for the seafood and sweets; return for the service and the way the room feels when the plates hit the table. That’s how regulars are made.
Check out our previous post, DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan: Hilton’s first hotel
Hospitality
DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan

Hilton has marked a milestone with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali—its first hotel in Pakistan—bringing the brand’s signature welcome to one of the country’s most beloved hill stations. Set in the Galiyat region, roughly 85 kilometers from Islamabad, the mountain retreat blends contemporary comforts with alpine scenery, offering a year-round base for families, couples, adventurers, and business travelers.
DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan: Hilton’s first foothold
The debut signals clear confidence in Pakistan’s tourism trajectory. As Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, notes, destinations with rich heritage and natural charm are primed for growth. Therefore, placing Hilton’s first flag in Nathiagali feels both strategic and guest-centric: travelers gain access to an international hospitality standard, while local tourism benefits from global visibility and jobs.
Where alpine scenery meets warm hospitality
Steps from Lalazar Park, the hotel sits within easy reach of Mushkpuri Top, Miranjani Peak, Ayubia National Park, the Dunga Gali Pipeline Track, and St. Matthew’s Church—many within five kilometers. Consequently, guests can plan mellow strolls, scenic drives, or summit days without long transfers. Meanwhile, pine forests and rolling meadows frame the property, creating postcard views in every season—from crisp summers to snow-blanketed winters.
Rooms, dining, and wellness for every season
DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan features 110 rooms, including 14 suites that look toward the Mushkpuri and Miranjani hills. Thoughtful layouts, plush bedding, and mountain-view nooks make downtime feel restorative after a day outdoors. For dining, the lobby-level Coffee Shop serves fresh brews and gourmet bites; Shogun brings a refined Pan-Asian menu; and Zareen on the third floor spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a global touch. At the Lalazar Terrace Café, guests can linger over specialty teas, high tea, or a barbecue buffet under an open sky.
Wellbeing is central here. A curated spa menu covers soothing massages and holistic therapies, while a fully equipped fitness center supports daily routines. Additionally, the indoor infinity pool—with floor-to-ceiling panoramas—turns every swim into a viewpoint.
Meetings, celebrations, and memorable gatherings
Whether you are planning a board meeting or a mountain wedding, the property offers flexible venues and experienced support. Two signature banquet halls—Mushkpuri and Miranjani—each host up to 200 guests, ideal for receptions, conferences, or gala dinners. For more intimate sessions, Sohni and Nouri provide smaller meeting rooms. Moreover, tailored catering, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and in-house audiovisual support help events run smoothly from first brief to final toast.
New experiences on the horizon
DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan will soon introduce the country’s first mountain padel court, a private-cinema lounge, a children’s zone, and beauty salon services—enhancing the “all-ages, all-seasons” profile. Additionally, the on-site helipad simplifies arrivals and departures, particularly for celebratory occasions or executive retreats that benefit from time-saving transfers.
Hospitality with local impact
Partnerships shape successful openings. Owned and managed by The Baron Pakistan (Pvt) Limited, the hotel aligns international brand standards with local stewardship. As Managing Director Imtiaz Muslim underscores, the collaboration supports regional tourism while delivering lasting value to guests and communities. In practice, that means more training, broader career pathways, and a hospitality experience that honors place as much as it embraces polish.
Hilton Honors benefits, made simple
Members of Hilton Honors can unlock familiar advantages when booking directly via Hilton’s preferred channels. Because the app streamlines check-in, room selection, and Digital Key access, guests can move from arrival to relaxation quickly. Furthermore, the flexible Points-and-money slider helps members tailor stays to their budget—useful for families or groups planning longer mountain breaks.
Plan your Nathiagali escape
The Galiyat hills combine fresh air, pine scent, and sweeping viewpoints with easy access from Islamabad. Therefore, DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan makes a compelling base: mornings can start with a summit walk; afternoons might drift into spa time; evenings can stretch over terrace tea as the valleys glow. With new activities debuting soon, travelers will find more reasons to return—across seasons and occasions.
Check out our previous post Atlantis Dubai Executive Director of Sales: Dean Walsh Appointed
Hospitality
Atlantis Dubai Executive Director of Sales: Dean Walsh Appointed


Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Atlantis Dubai has named Dean Walsh as its new Executive Director of Sales, a promotion that reflects his proven leadership and impressive track record. In this role, he will spearhead global leisure market growth for both Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis The Royal, two of the world’s most iconic luxury destinations.
Driving Leisure Market Growth for Atlantis Dubai
Since joining Atlantis Dubai in August 2023, Dean Walsh has enhanced the resort’s presence in key markets such as the UK, Europe, and Australasia. By aligning sales strategies with the brand’s commercial vision, he boosted market share across major leisure segments. Leading a global team of 15, he drove strong revenue growth while fostering collaboration and ensuring sales execution stayed aligned with broader business goals.
Expanding Responsibilities as Executive Director of Sales
In his new position, Walsh will direct and oversee Atlantis Dubai’s leisure sales strategy across both domestic and international markets. He will also manage Directors and Managers responsible for leisure segments worldwide, reporting directly to Kyp Charalambous, Vice President of Sales.
Charalambous praised the appointment, stating: “Dean’s proven track record, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him the ideal leader to guide our sales team through its next chapter of growth.”
Experience Across Global Luxury Hospitality
With nearly 20 years of hospitality experience, Dean Walsh brings extensive expertise to Atlantis Dubai. He has held senior sales roles at leading brands such as InterContinental, One&Only Resorts, Viceroy, W Hotels, and Jumeirah. Throughout his career, he has built high-performing teams, forged strong partnerships, and consistently delivered revenue growth across competitive markets.
Strengthening Atlantis Dubai’s Global Position
The appointment underscores Atlantis Dubai’s commitment to strengthening its commercial success while continuing to deliver world-class guest experiences. By placing Walsh at the helm of its leisure sales strategy, Atlantis Dubai is preparing to expand further into international markets and attract a new wave of travelers to its extraordinary resorts.
Check out our previous post on Kempinski Hotels Guest Experience Elevated with New Leadership
-
Tech News1 year ago
Denodo Bolsters Executive Team by Hiring Christophe Culine as its Chief Revenue Officer
-
VAR5 months ago
Microsoft Launches New Surface Copilot+ PCs for Business
-
Tech Interviews1 year ago
Navigating the Cybersecurity Landscape in Hybrid Work Environments
-
Tech News2 months ago
Nothing Launches flagship Nothing Phone (3) and Headphone (1) in theme with the Iconic Museum of the Future in Dubai
-
Tech News1 year ago
Brighton College Abu Dhabi and Brighton College Al Ain Donate 954 IT Devices in Support of ‘Donate Your Own Device’ Campaign
-
VAR1 year ago
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Clash Of The Folding Phenoms
-
Editorial10 months ago
Celebrating UAE National Day: A Legacy of Leadership and Technological Innovation
-
Tech Features1 year ago
The Middle East to Lead with Next-generation Mission Critical Communication Advancement