Hospitality

Gulfood 2025 30th Edition Kicks Off Today, Setting New Benchmarks in F&B Growth and Innovation

Published

1 year ago

February 17, 2025

Gulfood’s 30th edition kicks off on 17 February at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) welcoming tens of thousands of attendees, uniting 5500+ exhibitors from 129 countries, and the world’s foremost industry CEOs, policymakers, investors, and visionaries. Under the theme ‘The Next Frontier in Food,’ the event anticipates USD 20 billion in trade deals and cutting-edge industry collaboration. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, will deliver the opening keynote on Day 2 at the inaugural Food500 Summit, addressing Gulfood’s economic impact and the UAE’s role as a global trade gateway.

Food500: Titans of Industry and Policymakers Connect on Food Strategy for Change

The Food500 Summit brings industry leaders together to tackle pressing challenges and opportunities across the food value chain. Speakers include: Ananya Narayan, CEO – Hunter Foods; Dr. Edwini Kessie, Director of the Agriculture and Commodities Division, World Trade Organization – Switzerland; Alvyn Severien, CEO, Montaigne Nutrition and Co-founder, Algama – France; Tisha Livingston, CEO, Infinite Acres – USA, leading global top trends expert – Daniel Levine, and many more.

H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, said: “The selection of the food cluster as the first economic cluster to be developed by the UAE highlights the importance the country attaches to the sector as a key driver of economic diversification. The food cluster strategy aims to ensure self-sufficiency in food production and enhance the food ecosystem management through supporting agricultural enterprises and increasing local production. The initiative will not only help us meet local market needs but will also position the UAE as a leading food exporter to key regional and global markets and support the goals of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, such as increasing the national GDP to AED 3 trillion by the next decade.”

“Against this backdrop, the landmark edition of Gulfood will serve as an ideal platform for partnerships and discussions, presenting opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking across industries, thus fostering a foundation for setting and accomplishing future objectives within the global trade community,” H.E. added.

Gulfood Innovation Awards & Global Trade Showcase

The Gulfood Innovation Awards celebrate the very best in F&B innovation, recognizing trailblazing products, technologies, and ideas. Visitors can expect to see hundreds of thousands of new products and groundbreaking innovations showcased across the event.

“Our participation in Gulfood’s 30th edition supports our strategic direction towards our vision to become the number one global halal sustainable healthy protein company by 2030. This prestigious event allows us to showcase our latest innovations, connect with industry leaders, and drive meaningful progress in food solutions. Being shortlisted for the Gulfood Innovation Awards further underscores our commitment to excellence and pioneering advancements in the protein industry. Congratulations to Gulfood on 30 years of remarkable success. Your continuous growth and innovation have set new benchmarks for the global food industry, making Gulfood a premier platform for connection, collaboration, and progress.” said Marcos Delorenzo, CEO of ADC, Tanmiah’s Poultry Division.

TOP TABLE: ‘Culinary Futurism’ Theme Prevails Headlined by Gastronomic Legend Alain Ducasse

The 30th edition promises to be unforgettable as Gulfood brings Alain Ducasse to the UAE for the first time, where he will lead Top Table and Dubai World Cuisine activations. A chef with 21 Michelin stars, Ducasse is renowned for his innovative approach to gastronomy and his strong focus on sustainability—a vision that aligns with the UAE’s commitment to promoting sustainable food practices. The gastronomic superstar will share his insights on culinary futurism and the future of the industry on Day 3 of Food500.

Chef Alain Ducasse commented: “With Top Table at Gulfood, Dubai demonstrates its incredible momentum in attracting the most brilliant talents from all over the world. I’m proud to be part of this event with Chef Romain Meder. First in conducting a masterclass together at Top Table and hosting exclusive dinners at Takahisa. Yet also in meeting with my fellow chefs and the public, sharing our experiences and thus contributing to the rapidly evolving gastronomy scene in the region.”

Celebrating Dubai’s rise as a global food hub, Top Table, sponsored by Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), presents live masterclasses from 120+ global and local chefs with a combined 50 Michelin-stars. Take a front-row seat as dishes from every cuisine utilising products from the exhibition floor are brought to life across engaging masterclasses, tasting sessions, and demonstrations.

DUBAI WORLD CUISINE: Celebrating Dubai’s Dynamic Culinary Journey Towards International Food Epicentre

Exclusively created for Gulfood ticket holders, attendees can experience Dubai’s culinary finesse, connected to the Top Table masterclasses. A schedule of 4-and 6-hands fine dining collaborations, with a highlight 8-hands experience, has been curated across some of Dubai’s top restaurants including: Krasota, Takahisa, Avatara, Lowe, Armani Ristorante, Orfali Bros and Armani Amal.

Discovery Tours
Visitors can fast-track the best of Gulfood with unique hour-long Discovery tours, a line-up of 5 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.

Hospitality

NEW SIGNATURE BRUNCH EXPERIENCE LAUNCHES ACROSS DUBAI AND ABU DHABI

Published

8 hours ago

August 12, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Society UAE, the premier lifestyle dining destination, is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated new Brunch offer, going live across both its Dubai and Abu Dhabi locations on August 15th.

Society Unveils A Signature Brunch Across Dubai And Abu Dhabi

Served exclusively on Society’s signature wooden brunch board, the new offering is a meticulously curated feast crafted from the finest, freshest ingredients. Each board is designed to deliver a complete and balanced culinary experience, featuring one hearty main course, one freshly baked pastry, one savoury side dish, and one indulgent dessert. The selections of main dishes include a creamy roasted chicken and mushroom pie, truffle soft scramble on a warm croffle, and huevos rancheros. Desserts include a range of Society’s classic French Toast, Syrniki and creamy dessert cups by MAD Hospitality’s nostaligc dessert concept, HAZE. Fresh pastries include mini garlic bread, mini shio pan and almond croissant while guests can indulge in their favorite side dishes including french fries, chicken sausage or arugula salad. To complement the meal, guests can select one classic beverage of their choice, featuring premium coffee or fresh juice to savour throughout the brunch.

The wooden board concept is designed to be the ultimate centerpiece for social gatherings. Whether it is a relaxed weekend morning with the family or a long catch-up with friends, Society’ Brunch offers a communal, high-quality dining experience tailored for sharing and savoring.

Offer Details:

Launch Date: August 15, 2026
Locations: Society Dubai, Jumeirah 1 and Society Abu Dhabi, Al Mamsha, Al Saadiyat
The Menu: The signature wooden brunch board includes 1 Main, 1 Pastry, 1 Side Dish, 1 Dessert, plus 1 Classic Drink.
Pricing: AED 120 per board (including drink)
Availability: Saturday and Sunday from 8:00AM until 2:00PM
For reservations and more information, please call: +971 56 408 7099 for Society Abu Dhabi, and +97150 210 0096 for Society Dubai.

Hospitality

Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa Launches Seasonal “Taste of Summer Experience” in Abu Dhabi

Published

8 hours ago

August 12, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa has announced the launch of its Taste of Summer Experience, a new seasonal offering designed to combine exceptional dining with leisure, giving guests the perfect way to enjoy the summer months in Abu Dhabi.

The Season with the “Taste of Summer Experience” at Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa

Guests can choose from two distinct dining experiences at the resort’s signature restaurants, Azur and Wanasah, each offering its own unique summer experience.

Two Distinctive Culinary Experiences

The Azur experience is designed for guests looking to enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the resort before dinner. Guests can access the resort’s private beach and swimming pool from 3:00 PM, followed by a three-course dinner from 6:00 PM.

Azur Restaurant – AED 120 per person

Pool & Beach Access: From 3:00 PM

Dinner: From 6:00 PM

Enjoy a complete summer escape featuring:

Refreshing welcome drink
Complimentary access to the resort’s private beach and swimming pool
Three-course set menu

Appetizers

Burrata, Carpaccio Di Monza, Mushroom Soup

Main Courses

Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops, Ravioli Cream, Chicken Tarragon

Desserts

Tiramisu, Crème Brûlée, Apple Tart

Wanasah Restaurant – AED 120 per person

Dinner: From 5:00 PM

The Wanasah experience is a dining-only experience, offering guests an authentic Middle Eastern culinary journey from 5:00 PM onwards.

Appetizers

Hummus, Tabbouleh

Main Courses

Sayadieh Fish, Shish Kebab, Lamb Chop

Desserts

Halawat Al Jibn, Um Ali, Saffron Rice Pudding

A Summer Experience for Every Taste

With two different experiences and timings to choose from, guests can select the option that best matches how they want to spend their summer evening in Abu Dhabi.

For bookings, please direct them to F&B Reservations at +971 56 545 0274 or email fbsecretary.alraha@danathotels.com | Follow @alrahabeachresortandspa on Instagram to stay up to date with the latest offers and experiences.

Hospitality

Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf Rewards Long Summer Stays with 15,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points

Published

9 hours ago

August 12, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This summer, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf is rewarding its longest-staying guests with something worth settling in for. Guests who stay 30 nights or more will earn a bonus of 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

The offer lands as Dubai’s hospitality market leans further into longer-stay demand and within that expansion, hotel apartments have carved out a distinct niche: business travellers on extended assignments, relocating executives and families settling in for months at a time are increasingly choosing the flexibility of a private residence over a traditional hotel room, a shift that is prompting operators across the city to compete harder for the long-staying guest.

The timing is no accident as Al Jaddaf has recently completed a refurbishment across its residences, refreshing interiors while preserving the warm, residential character the property is known for. Every apartment now also features an in-unit water filtration system for premium drinking water, removing the need for single-use plastic bottles across the building, part of a broader push to make longer stays not just more rewarding, but more comfortable and more sustainable. Beyond the apartment door, residents find a fully equipped gym, two outdoor swimming pools, a Balinese spa, a beauty salon, an ATM and an on-site convenience store, along with five restaurants and lounges that carry them from a business dinner to a relaxed family meal to a quiet evening drink.

The bonus builds on rewards that already come with every stay. Across the Marriott Executive Apartments brand, guests now earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points for every US dollar spent, while every night counts as one Elite Night Credit towards Marriott Bonvoy status. For those settling in for a month or a full season, a long stay in Dubai becomes a fast track to elite recognition across Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 10,000 hotels worldwide.

“Many of our guests choose to stay with us for months rather than nights, and this summer’s offer is a way of recognising that,” said Saad Al-Ghamdi, General Manager. “The longer a guest makes Al Jaddaf their home in Dubai, the more rewarding the stay becomes, both during their time here and across the wider Marriott Bonvoy programme.”

With monthly and yearly residency arrangements available, guests enjoy the flexibility of a private lease without the setup costs, the paperwork or the compromise on service that usually accompany it.

Set in the heart of Dubai with views over Dubai Creek and the city skyline, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf sits less than 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Airport. Its fully serviced one, two and three-bedroom apartments come with full kitchens, generous living and dining areas and dedicated workspaces, alongside twice-weekly housekeeping, 24-hour concierge and security, and in-room dining around the clock.