Hospitality
Gulfood 2025 to celebrate 30th Landmark Edition
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) celebrates the return of Gulfood for its momentous 30th edition running from 17 – 21 February 2025. Under the theme ‘The Next Frontier in Food,’ the event promises invaluable market foresight into the futuristic era of global food commerce and the resilient progress of international food systems. Gulfood will set the stage for cross-industry knowledge transfer and networking opportunities, creating a framework for establishing and achieving future goals for the global trade community. The economic impact of Gulfood is significant, with estimated trade deals across the 5 days reaching USD 20 Billion, representing 1% of global food and beverage trade.
As the largest edition to date, Gulfood 2025 will display more than 1 million products from over 5,500 exhibitors spanning 129 countries featuring large multinationals to start-up food ventures. Visitors can explore 24 enormous exhibition halls covering over 1.3 million square feet while interacting with companies launching new products, ingredients, and flavours, showcasing their culinary expertise and engaging in commercial trade deals. Pavilions will also exhibit including the USA, France, Brazil, UK, India, Singapore, Japan and Australia, as well as first-time exhibiting companies from Kosovo, Madagascar, Mauritius and Zambia.
“Building upon Dubai and the UAE’s testament of extraordinary transformation and achieving global epi-centre status, Gulfood’s similar evolution over 30 years has cemented its footprint in the global F&B space as the premier stage for industry professionals to connect, engage in trade deals, and establish the food trends of tomorrow. The landmark edition will spotlight the UAE’s role as a hub of international food innovation and trade, while honouring advocates and visionaries who paved the show’s way forward as a platform that fosters commercial opportunities, global economic contribution, and ignites life-long business partnerships,” commented Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre.
THE GLOBAL F&B TRADING COMMUNITY’S PLAYGROUND
By uniting global leaders, fuelling trade partnerships, and inspiring forward-thinking, Gulfood is the definitive platform for redefining food innovation and trade growth worldwide. It will host a diverse list of international food and beverage industry giants including ABIEC – (Brazilian Beef Exporter’s Association), Agthia Group, Al Ain Farms, Alokozay, Al Rawabi, Americana, Choithrams, Dilmah Ceylon Tea, Hayel Saeed Anam & Co., Hype Drinks, IFFCO, Japan Meat & Livestock, JBS, Lactalis, Saputo, Savenica Fromage & Dairy, Seara Food Europe Holding, TATA International Ltd., Tilda, US Meat Export Federation and Wilmar.
Visitors can engage in Gulfood Discovery Tours – a line-up of curated sector-themed tours offering an immersive experience highlighting global food trends and innovations on the show floor, along with expert guidance and insights at every stop. This includes dedicated tours on various food themes like ‘Gourmet,’ ‘Alternative Proteins and Plant Based,’ ‘Digitalisation & Traceability’ and ‘Made in the Emirates’.
EXCLUSIVE INSIGHTS FROM VISIONARIES DRIVING GLOBAL FOOD STRATEGIES
Gulfood 2025 will launch the inaugural Food500 Summit, welcoming global F&B leaders and decision-makers including CEOs, Heads of State, trade officials, investors, academia, scientists, tech innovators and more under one roof to discuss key issues on international trade, investment strategies, trends, growth opportunities, AI driven transformation, legislation, environmental concerns, health and wellbeing and the socioeconomic challenges impacting global food security. Confirmed speakers include: H.E. Ms. Piret Hartman, Minister of Agriculture and Food Production of the Republic of Estonia; H.E. Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, The Chairman of Board, The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID); Geeta Sethi, Advisor and Global Lead for Food Systems, World Bank; Dr. Edwini Kessie, Director of the Agriculture and Commodities Division, World Trade Organization (WTO); Alvyn Severien – CEO of microalgae-based Algama Foods and many more.
TOP GLOBAL CHEFS AND DINING EXPERIENCES LOOK TO THE FUTURE OF GASTRONOMY
The popular Top Table programme, sponsored by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), returns with the theme “Culinary Futurism,” offering insights into the next decade of food. Gulfood celebrates its 30th edition by welcoming world-renowned chef and culinary legend Alain Ducasse, making his first-ever appearance with an impressive 21 Michelin stars to his name. The line-up also features celebrated chefs such as Romain Meder, Ana Roš, Ángel León, Fredrik Berselius, and many more. Dubai World Cuisine features homegrown chefs collaborating with global culinary superstars to host a series of exclusive city-wide four- and six-hands dinners, reinforcing Dubai’s identity as a global gastronomy hub. With exclusive venue partnerships, attendees can access special offers available only with a Gulfood ticket.
Hospitality
DIVE INTO DUBAI’S FRESHEST SEAFOOD FESTIVAL AT THE WATERFRONT MARKET
This winter, Dubai’s largest food market, the Waterfront Market, invites residents and tourists to immerse themselves in the flavours of the sea at its Seafood Festival, taking place from 10 December 2025 to 7 January 2026.
Known for its exceptional variety and unbeatable freshness, the Market comes alive with a packed month of culinary offers, live entertainment, seasonal décor and exciting giveaways. Highlights include:
- During the Seafood Festival, enjoy exclusive offers from all Waterfront Restaurants, including Paluto Restaurant, BOAT Seafood Restaurant, Yahya Seafood Restaurant and Aylla Seafood Restaurant and Cafe
- Roaming entertainment every weekend, Friday to Sunday, featuring Live roaming music, bubble shows and face painting.
- A vibrant Festive Tree crafted with a seafood theme, bringing a unique seasonal centrepiece to the Market.
- Spend AED 200 or more at the fish market or Waterfront restaurants and receive a complimentary insulated cooler bag perfect for beach days, picnics or weekend getaways and enter the draw to win prizes worth up to AED 5,000 for five winners, each receiving AED 1,000 in Waterfront Market fresh produce.
- Kids can enjoy a fun and educational experience with the Kids Foodie Explorers Passport and Little Rollers trolleys, collecting stamps, discovering new ingredients and receiving a certificate and small prizes along the way.
With over 500 seafood traders offering 260+ varieties from 14 countries, and a live seafood section with 25 varieties sourced from the UAE, Australia, Japan, Korea and Canada, the Market is known for its unmatched freshness, quality and variety. This season’s highlights include Hamour, shrimp, King Fish, Tuna, King Mackerel and Seabream, alongside a wide selection of other fresh catches.
For an even more hands-on experience, the Market-to-Table journey allows customers to select seafood directly from the fish market, have it cleaned onsite, and enjoy it freshly prepared by chefs at the waterfront restaurants – grilled, fried, steamed or crafted into rich curries and soups. From unbeatable seafood and vibrant family fun to scenic waterfront moments, the festival offers a celebration that is fresh, festive and full of flavour.
Hospitality
MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL APPOINTS MARIA TURKMANI AS MULTI-PROPERTY MARKETING & PR MANAGER FOR DUBAI’S AL JADDAF CLUSTER
Marriott International has appointed Maria Turkmani as the new Multi-Property Marketing & PR Manager for Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf and Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Creek. Tasked with driving strategic growth and brand storytelling, Maria will lead marketing and communications initiatives designed to enhance visibility, strengthen positioning and build guest engagement across the cluster.
Maria’s leadership will bring a fresh perspective to the Al Jaddaf cluster. Her focus will be on creative brand campaigns, innovative partnerships and community engagement strategies that reinforce Marriott’s reputation for excellence and connection.
With over a decade of experience in PR, marketing and luxury hospitality, Maria has a proven record in developing and executing integrated campaigns that deliver measurable results. Before joining Marriott International, she served as PR & Marketing Manager at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, where she successfully managed communications across three properties, contributing to revenue growth and enhanced brand reputation.
Saad Al Ghamdi, Multi-Property General Manager at Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments, Al Jaddaf and Marriott Executive Apartments, Dubai Creek said:
“Maria’s appointment marks an exciting step forward for the Al Jaddaf cluster. Her innovative mindset and collaborative approach will help us redefine how we engage with our guests and partners, driving meaningful growth and positioning our properties at the forefront of Dubai’s hospitality scene”
Hospitality
CORAL BEACH RESORT SHARJAH HOSTS INSPIRING ART EXHIBITION FEATURING YOUNG TALENT FROM SHARJAH CITY FOR HUMANITARIAN SERVICES
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah successfully hosted an inspiring art exhibition early this month showcasing the creative work of students from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services – Masarat Center for Development and Empowerment. The exhibition, which showcased more than ten artworks, titled “Women Through the Artist’s Eyes,” celebrated the beauty, strength, and stories of women as seen through the unique perspectives of young artists with diverse abilities.
The event brought together art, empowerment, and community engagement, reflecting the hotel’s commitment to supporting meaningful social initiatives and inclusive development.
Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said: “These artworks represent far more than creative expression. They are powerful stories of resilience, imagination, and personal vision. Each canvas reflects dedication, emotion, and the incredible talent of these remarkable students. Coral Beach Resort Sharjah is proud to support platforms that highlight and empower young individuals with unique abilities.”
From the Masarat Center, Mohamed Abdelreda Shalwani, Head of the Recruitment Department, emphasized the importance of collaborations that open real opportunities for students and graduates:
“This partnership plays a key role in empowering our students by creating opportunities to showcase their abilities through exhibitions, training programs, and employment pathways. It reflects the alignment between the center’s mission to empower persons with disabilities and the hospitality sector’s need for skilled, motivated talent.”
The Recruitment Department at Masarat Center further confirmed that the partnership represents a strategic step toward strengthening inclusion within the hospitality industry, enabling students to gain practical experience while developing their professional and creative skills. As Coral Beach Resort Sharjah continues to welcome and support talented students from the center, the hotel aims to foster an environment that nurtures creativity, builds confidence, and contributes to a more inclusive future in line with Sharjah and the UAE’s vision for empowerment and social development.
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