Hospitality
FHS World brings together top UAE chefs for Middle East’s first Sustainable Cook-off
Top chefs from across the UAE will come under the spotlight at the region’s first Sustainable Cook-off contest, taking place at Future Hospitality Summit – FHS World at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, 30 September to 2 October.
Celebrating the unique flavours of the UAE and culinary excellence while championing sustainability in line with government net zero directives, the competition – in partnership with The Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG), UAE Restaurants Group (UAERG), Fresh On Table and the Hospitality Asset Managers Association (HAMA) – will see locally-sourced ingredients transformed into innovative, gastronomic masterpieces to be presented to a panel of esteemed judges and served to FHS delegates.
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of FHS World organiser, The Bench, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to add the Sustainable Cook-off to our list of first-time event features and attractions at FHS World 2024. This unique competition – a natural fit with FHS World’s overarching theme of ‘Invest in our Future’ – is the perfect platform for chefs to grow, develop and foster young talent. And, with the spotlight on ESG like never before, it’s an ideal way to highlight and promote sustainable practices in terms of culinary, hotel, and event operations.
“It is also very fitting that our Sustainable Cook-off is taking place at Madinat Jumeirah – the original home of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC), now FHS. Jumeirah, our host sponsor, has proactively led the way on sustainable practices over the last decade and continues to explore ways to innovate and make major events like FHS more sustainable.”
The Sustainable Cook-off is themed ‘The Sustainable 7 Emirates’, with a focus on fresh produce from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah. The ECG and UAERG is partnering with FreshOnTable to source and secure the local ingredients, which include Manchego cheese, honey, sea bream, exotic mushrooms and edible flowers.
“At FreshOnTable, we are excited to have envisioned the concept of showcasing 7 ingredients from 7 emirates for this innovative event. The Sustainable Cook-off is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of how local ingredients and creative techniques can unite to promote a more sustainable future in gastronomy. We look forward to seeing how the UAE’s top chefs will bring this idea to life, setting new benchmarks for environmental impact and culinary creativity,” commented Atul Chopra, Founder & CEO, FreshOnTable.
The contest kicks off with a virtual format, where the chefs’ chosen recipe and photograph of the dish are submitted to judges for assessment. The top 15 will then be invited to cook their dish live at FHS World, with five chefs recreating their culinary masterpiece each day of the event. And, to ensure that FHS World delegates get a taste of the action, each creation will be replicated by the Madinat Jumeirah Culinary Team and served to FHS World attendees.
Spearheading the work, creativity and forward-thinking approach of UAE chefs is Andy Cuthbert, President of the Emirates Culinary Guild, advisor to the UAE Restaurants Group and General Manager, Madinat Jumeirah Conferences and Events.
Commenting on the Sustainable Cook-off, he said: “The UAE is firmly established as a leading hub for culinary innovation and education, and a world-class destination for gastronomes. With that, comes a responsibility to help protect the environment in line with UAE government net zero objectives. As sustainability becomes more and more important, the hospitality fraternity must continually think about how their actions today affect our planet of tomorrow. The Sustainable Cook-off is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent, imagination and green-thinking approach among some of the country’s most renowned chefs.”
“I am confident that the Sustainable Cook-Off will inspire not only the participants but also the entire culinary community to embrace sustainability and innovation. It is through events like this that we can collectively elevate the standards of our industry and continue to celebrate the unique and diverse flavors that the Emirates have to offer,” added Abdulla AlMulla, Chairman, UAE Restaurants Group.
ESG and sustainability feature heavily on the FHS World agenda, with a host of presentations and panel debates under a key conference track: People, Planet, Profit.
Hospitality
CELEBRATE KOREAN LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH SMOKI MOTO’S EXCLUSIVE SEOLLAL MASTERCLASS
Smoki Moto marks Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, with a unique culinary experience that brings one of Korea’s most meaningful traditions to Dubai. On Monday, 16th February 2026, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, Smoki Moto invites guests to take part in a Tteock Mandu Guk Masterclass, a three-hour session centred around the symbolic New Year dish (rice cake and dumpling soup) that represents longevity, renewal and good fortune.
More than a lesson in technique, the afternoon offers insight into the customs and rituals that define Seollal, when families gather to share food and welcome a fresh start.
The experience begins with an introduction to the significance of Tteock Mandu Guk, the rice cake and dumpling soup customarily eaten to mark the New Year. Guests will then watch a chef-led demonstration on creating a clean, balanced broth before stepping into the kitchen. There, they will prepare elements such as egg garnishing (jidan), classic toppings and signature Korean dumpling-folding techniques. Each guest will go on to cook their own bowl of soup, with guidance on timing, seasoning and final assembly to bring the dish together beautifully.
The session concludes with a traditional Seollal dining moment, where guests enjoy their Tteock Mandu Guk, alongside Korean side dishes such as seasonal namul and house-made kimchi, the perfect way to honour the spirit of the holiday.
Seollal Masterclass: Tteock Mandu Guk
What: Cultural cooking masterclass led by Smoki Moto’s Korean chefs
When: Monday, 16th February 2026
Where: Smoki Moto, Palm West Beach
Time: 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Hospitality
CELEBRATE TOGETHER AT THE TABLE WITH MISTER BAKER’S RAMADAN GIFTINGS
Ramadan in the UAE is all about putting the phone down and gathering around a table overflowing with family, friends, and food. This year, homegrown favourite for more than three decades, Mister Baker is bringing that feeling to life with its 2026 Ramadan campaign, “Together at the Table,” offering treats priced from AED 16 to 199. The collection isn’t just about sweet indulgence, it’s about celebrating the little ways we say, “I’m glad you’re here.” From neighbourhood Iftars to late-night Suhoors, Mister Baker makes sure nobody arrives empty-handed.
The Standout Stars
Designed to dazzle both your Instagram feed and your taste buds:
Moon Cakes
Showstoppers: Two stunning cakes that double as edible art, perfect for your Majlis centrepiece.

Milk Cakes – The Crowd-Pleasers: A trio of Milk Cakes (Vanilla, Saffron, and Rose) that feel like a warm hug in a bowl

Cheesecakes – The Modern Twist: Date & Speculoos Cheesecakes, and the Saffron Cheesecake, which give traditional flavours a contemporary glow-up.

Mini Cupcakes – The Gift-Giver’s Dream: Mini cupcakes to make corporate gifting or hosting feel effortless.

From a solo indulgence to a table full of treats for friends, family, or colleagues, there’s a flavour for everyone.
Hospitality
CURATED MOMENTS FOR TWO: SUNRISE TO SUNSET EXPERIENCES AT SUN SIYAM VILU REEF
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, romance is woven into the rhythm of the island itself, unfolding gently from the first blush of sunrise to the soft glow of moonlight. This Valentine’s season, the boutique Maldivian hideaway invites couples to rediscover connection through a collection of immersive experiences crafted exclusively for lovers. Whether beginning the day with a serene lagoon breakfast at dawn or ending it beneath a starlit sky, every moment is designed to honour intimacy, celebrate togetherness and transform ordinary hours into unforgettable memories.
Sunrise lagoon breakfast is a must have experience to commence your day in an unparalleled setting. The Sunrise Lagoon Breakfast features an inimitable breakfast layout delivered directly to the water, a setting where you can bask in the healing warmth of the first sunrays and the flawless sound of the waves. This experience is designed for couples who wish to savor an intimate and visually stunning start to their day.
As the Maldivian sun dips below the horizon, retreat into the Tranquility Package, curated exclusively for couples seeking intimate rejuvenation. This ultimate indulgence unfolds in one of the resort’s picturesque outdoor cabanas during the serene golden hour. The intimate ritual initiates with a warm, traditional Foot bath Ritual to melt away stress. Guests then choose a full-body treatment, either a soothing Balinese Massage or an invigorating Asian Blend Massage, complemented by a relaxing Fancy Foot Massage.
The close of day marks the start of an exclusive date night. Our brand signature experience Cinema by the Moonlight transforms the evening into a romantic, tailor-made event. Couples can choose from floating cinema on a “dhoni”, Sunset cruise with movie and dinner with magical settings, blending cinematic romance with Maldivian luxury. This showcases the magic of the Maldivian night sky and offers a choice of personalised settings and menus, making it one of the most intimate ways for couples to spend another romantic evening.
In addition, this Valentine’s Day, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef transforms into a sanctuary of Coastal Blush. Explore our Valentine’s Collection, a series of bespoke moments designed to ignite the senses. From a Floating Breakfast to the tropical flair of our Sip of Love cocktails, every detail is crafted for connection. Rejuvenate with our dedicated Valentine’s Spa Rituals, indulge in a private Lagoon Feast, or lose yourself in a Starlit Movie Night. Throughout February, experience a timeless celebration of your unique love story.
Each intimate experience is curated for couples seeking calm, harmony and stillness with every detail designed to deepen the magic of your escape and reconnect at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
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