Hospitality

FHS World brings together top UAE chefs for Middle East’s first Sustainable Cook-off

Published

2 years ago

September 5, 2024

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

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant Is Moving to Dubai Creek Harbour This Q4

Published

5 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is set to enter a new chapter this Q4, with the award-winning Japanese dining destination relocating to Dubai Creek Harbour. Opening in Q4 2026, the new venue will bring a premium fine-dining offering to the growing waterfront community, with a larger bar and lounge, a lifestyle-led terrace and views that will form part of the experience. While the new destination will introduce a fresh energy and more elevated approach, it will remain rooted in the contemporary Japanese cuisine and signature dishes that have defined 99 Sushi.

Founded in Madrid in 2005, 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is renowned for its precision-led Japanese craftsmanship, ultra-premium ingredients and refined dining experience, with its Abu Dhabi flagship awarded a MICHELIN Star for three consecutive years. The brand has grown into an international dining name across Spain, the UAE, Monaco, Rabat and Budapest, with further global expansion underway. In Dubai, 99 Sushi was previously located in Downtown before embarking on this next chapter at Dubai Creek Harbour, alongside the launch of its highly anticipated London restaurant.

Hospitality

Turn Saudi National Day into a Private Island Escape with Sun Siyam

Published

5 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This year’s Saudi National Day offers more than a long weekend. With direct flights connecting Riyadh and Jeddah with the Maldives, Saudi travellers can exchange city life for spacious private villas, world-class dining and some of the Indian Ocean’s most memorable experiences in under a day. Across its Maldivian resorts, Sun Siyam brings together many of the things Saudi travellers look for in an island holiday – space, privacy, family-friendly experiences, premium all-inclusive halal dining and plenty to experience without leaving the island.

Across the Maldives, Sun Siyam’s three collections offer a different experience for every kind of National Day escape. The Luxury Collection, includes Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, focuses on elevated island living, privacy and spacious accommodation; the Lifestyle Collection, featuring Siyam World and Sun Siyam Olhuveli, brings together entertainment, experiences and family fun; while the Privé Collection’s Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef and Sun Siyam Pasikudah (in Sri Lanka) offers a more intimate barefoot island escape.

For Families Who Want Space, Privacy and More Choice

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi combines luxurious beach and overwater villas, including private-pool options, with plenty for every generation to enjoy. Families can spend their days between the beach, pools, water sports and kids’ activities, while parents can retreat to the award-winning Spa by Thalgo for a quieter side of island life.

Dining is also a major part of the experience, with 15 dining and drink venues offering plenty of choice throughout the stay. Premium all-inclusive options, halal food and in-villa dining and floating breakfasts make it easy to dine on your own schedule, while multilingual butler service, including Arabic-speaking assistance, adds another layer of convenience for Saudi guests. With kids staying free on selected offers, Iru Fushi is particularly suited to larger families looking to spend the their holiday together without compromising on privacy.

For Adventure from Morning to Night

Few resorts in the Maldives can promise horse riding in the morning, shipwreck diving in the afternoon and an evening of go-kart racing. Siyam World was designed for travellers who believe one holiday should contain many adventures, bringing an unexpected sense of energy to the traditional Maldives experience.

Families and groups can move from the island’s horse ranch and go-kart track to its floating water park, dive beneath the surface to discover its shipwreck, or simply spend the day enjoying the beach and their private pool. Spacious villas and multi-bedroom residences give larger families and groups room to stay together, while an extensive choice of restaurants and bars means there is always somwhere different to dine.

The resort’s 24-hour WOW! Premium All-Inclusive concept brings dining, drinks and a wide range of experiences together, making Siyam World particularly well suited to Saudi families and groups looking for a holiday where almost everything is taken care of from the moment they arrive.

For Couples Who Want the Island to Themselves

For couples looking to turn the National Day break into a romantic escape, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, offers a more intimate side of the Maldives. Spacious beach and overwater suites, private pools and a strong sense of seclusion give couples the space and privacy to enjoy the island at their own pace.

With its honeymoon appeal, romantic dining experiences and premium all-inclusive offering, Iru Veli is particularly suited to couples looking for a few uninterrupted days together, combining privacy and understated island luxury in an intimate Maldivian setting.

With the Maldives within easy reach of Saudi Arabia, National Day is a chance to make the long weekend feel considerably longer. So why wait? Pack your bags and turn this year’s celebration into an island escape with Sun Siyam. For the latest Sun Siyam packages, benefits and offers, visit sunsiyam.com/offers or book@sunsiyam.com

Hospitality

Sana Dubai Launches “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” a Sunday Ritual Rooted in Uzbek Comfort Food

Published

5 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Sana Dubai, the Uzbek dining destination at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, announced the launch of its new weekly Sunday Brunch, “Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch,” beginning September 13, 2026. Running every Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the brunch reimagines the day after Saturday night as a ritual of recovery, “the Uzbek way.”

Guests will gather around a table designed for sharing, opening with fresh Uzbek vegetables before moving into Sana’s signature Hash: a steaming bowl finished with baked bone marrow and garlic, a dish generations swear by the morning after. From there, diners choose their “cure” — slow-cooked wagyu beef cheek with silky potato purée, carved tableside by the chef, or a whole river-caught Sazan fish in garlic ajika sauce. The feast closes with a plate of traditional Uzbek sweets.

“Hash has always held a special place in Uzbek cuisine — a dish generations have gathered around, made slowly and with care. We wanted to give it the spotlight it deserves, so we built our Sunday Brunch around it: a truly authentic Uzbek feast, unhurried and generous, the way it’s meant to be shared.” — Leonid Litvin, General Manager, Sana Dubai

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch is offered across three packages to suit every table:

Non-Alcoholic — AED 350 per person
House — AED 450 per person
Premium — AED 650 per person

The brunch is unhurried and indulgent by design, built for guests who want to slow down, gather with family and friends, and let a proper feast do the recovering.

Hashhhhhhhhh Brunch Every Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, starting September 13, 2026 Sana Restaurant, Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, Dubai Reservations:https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/sanarestaurant/sunday-brunch-5109127899627520?tracking=marketing