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Gulfood 2025 to celebrate 30th Landmark Edition

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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

STEP ABOVE THE CITY: FIVE CURATED MOMENTS ON THE 122ND FLOOR ONLY AT AT.MOSPHERE BURJ KHALIFA

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Some experiences are defined by where they take place. At.mosphere, perched on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, is one of them. For a limited time, five distinct moments trace the day’s passage, from sunrise to midnight, each tied to the rhythm of the city below. Priced at AED 122, the experience follows its setting with intention, offering the city from a perspective reserved for the rarest of visits.

From first light to nightfall, At.mosphere invites you to rise above the city, where the skyline stretches endlessly and each dish draws your attention as much as the view. This isn’t just dining; it is an experience worth savouring. 

The Five Daily Experiences at At.mosphere Lounge

Sunrise in the Sky – Breakfast
Start your day above the city. Freshly baked pastries and signature coffee come with uninterrupted views of Dubai as it wakes, making mornings feel a little more special.
Time: 8:00 am – 11:30 am

Midday Pause – Lunch
Take a break from the rush. Lunch here is simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy days, with dishes that keep you going while the city moves below.
Time: 12:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Twilight Indulgence – Afternoon Tea
As the afternoon softens, enjoy a sweet treat and a cup of tea. The city carries on below, while up here you can just take a moment for yourself.
Time: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Sunset Aperitivo – Cocktails & Bites
Golden hour glows over the skyline. Sip a signature cocktail, nibble on light bites, and watch the city shift as the sun sets.
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Midnight in the Sky – Drinks
When Dubai comes alive at night, two signature drinks and ambient sounds make for a quiet, memorable evening above it all.
Time: 10:00 pm – 12:00 am

Five moments. Five moods. One destination. At.mosphere Lounge gives you a view of Dubai you won’t forget.

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Hospitality

MÖVENPICK HOTEL APARTMENTS DOWNTOWN DUBAI INVITES GUESTS TO A RELAXED SUMMER ESCAPE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

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Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai welcomes guests to experience a seamless blend of comfort, space, and convenience with its thoughtfully designed rooms and apartments, ideal for a stress-free city escape.

Located moments away from iconic attractions, the property offers a tranquil retreat amidst the vibrancy of Downtown Dubai. Whether for a short staycation or an extended getaway, each apartment is designed to provide a sense of ease, combining modern interiors with practical living spaces.

Guests can unwind in spacious accommodations featuring fully equipped kitchens, dedicated living and dining areas, and serene bedrooms, creating a home-away-from-home experience tailored for both leisure and business travellers.

Perfect for the summer season, the hotel presents an inviting setting for those looking to slow down and recharge, while still staying connected to the energy of the city. From relaxing mornings in light-filled spaces to evenings spent exploring nearby landmarks, every stay is curated to offer both comfort and flexibility.

With warm, intuitive service and a focus on guest well-being, the property continues to deliver experiences that are both comfortable and memorable.

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Hospitality

THE AGILITY AND RESILIENCE OF THE UAE HOSPITALITY SECTOR

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Words by Professor Scott Richardson, PhD. Academic Dean, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches

The UAE’s hospitality sector has, despite major unprecedented situations over the last few years, consistently demonstrated strong resilience, supported by strategic planning and long-term investment. This resilience is built on four key factors: continued government support and foreign capital investment in hospitality attractions and large-scale events, strong air connectivity and ease of travel, diversified guest and visitor experiences, and world-class infrastructure. These elements position the nation as one of the most adaptable markets in the world, where operational excellence is reinforced by a highly skilled workforce capable of responding to shifting global conditions with agility and empathy.

The Role of Education in Driving the UAE’s Hospitality Sector

The UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031 outlines an ambitious vision to increase the sector’s contribution to AED 450 billion in GDP while attracting 40 million visitors annually. Tourism has a direct correlation to hospitality, and the sector is already performing strongly. Over the first nine months of 2025, hotels across the Emirates welcomed more than 23 million visitors, up nearly 5% on the same period in 2024. By late 2025, the UAE’s hotel inventory had reached approximately 1,260 properties with 216,900 rooms, and occupancy reached 79.5% between January and November. Looking ahead, the market is projected to add over 26,000 new hotel rooms across more than 100 projects through 2026, highlighting a substantial development pipeline that will shape the sector’s growth trajectory. As both capacity and demand rise, the focus inevitably shifts towards the people behind the experience, reinforcing the need for a workforce equipped to support this growth and deliver unparalleled visitor experiences.

Educational institutions are uniquely positioned to drive this growth. By embedding real-world training, critical thinking, and adaptability into academic frameworks, they ensure that graduates enter the industry prepared to navigate complexity without compromising on service standards. Through our curriculum here at Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, for example, students not only acquire world-class operational and management skills, but also embrace the Emirati Hospitality Identity in everything they do. They are prepared to deliver service grounded in the warmth of Emirati customs, guest etiquette, and cultural storytelling, while ensuring a modern guest experience. In this way, our graduates are prepared to respond to any operational challenges while meeting the nuanced expectations of a diverse and international guest base.

Industry Collaboration

Collaboration between tourism boards, private-sector operators, and education institutions helps hospitality professionals develop the skills required to navigate periods of uncertainty, while maintaining high service standards. At Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, our programmes are designed in close collaboration with public and private sector partners to support the UAE’s Emiratization goals and larger 2030 Tourism Strategy, empowering local talent with the tools and leadership capabilities needed to shape the future of the nation’s hospitality sector. Emiratis currently represent 41% of the student body, including 21% of BSc students and 59% of MSc students who are Emirati women, underscoring our commitment to advancing inclusive talent development, while supporting long-term workforce stability. As educators, it’s our responsibility to ensure that learning extends beyond the classroom, for our future leaders to grow alongside an industry that continues to evolve quickly.

Looking Ahead: Building a Workforce for a Resilient Hospitality Sector

Agility has become a defining feature of the UAE’s hospitality sector, evident in the way service is delivered, guest expectations are managed, and how teams maintain composure under pressure. The impact of recent regional airspace closures, which left many travelers unexpectedly stranded, highlights this. Hotels across the country worked closely with local authorities to provide extended accommodation and meals for affected travelers at no extra cost, with some properties opening additional rooms, ensuring all guests were looked after. It’s a testament to the sector’s high responsiveness and commitment to guest wellbeing, even in the most unexpected situations.

The UAE’s position as a leading global destination is the result of sustained investment, robust infrastructure, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As the hospitality sector continues to evolve, it is essential to nurture talent that is ready to strengthen that position, responding with agility, professionalism, and genuine care for every guest. By placing education at the center of this progression, we can reinforce the foundation of the sector, equipping our talent to maintain high service standards through periods of change and uncertainty, while supporting the UAE in rebuilding and delivering the world-class hospitality it’s renowned for.

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