Hospitality

Gulfood Day 3: Culinary Excellence, New Products and Global Trends on the menu

Published

1 year ago

February 20, 2025

Gulfood 2025, the largest global food business event opened its doors for a third day of industry trade exchanges, and knowledge transfer amidst a spectacular culinary showcase.

Gulfood brings gastronomic superstar Chef Alain Ducasse and takes centre stage

Celebrity Chef and 21 Michelin Star Chef, Alain Ducasse from the acclaimed Ducasse restaurant in Paris and three Michelin Star Chef Romain Meder, Sapid (Paris), Alain’s right-hand man, showcased plant-powered perfection with a multi-approach interpretation on carrots using the entire product at Top Table.

Commenting on his philosophy of natural eating, Ducasse summarised. “We need to look at what is natural, be precocious and use less animal protein, less fat, sugar and salt. I am not saying that I don’t use meat rather we need to use less quantity of meat but of a better quality. The fine dining industry influences the whole business, like haute couture in fashion so with our students in our schools around the world, we teach them that vegetables can be the focus and reduce the animal protein.”

Circling to the masterclass, Meder offered, “Using the whole product, we’ll use different techniques to capture the carrot’s maximum flavour and give a concentrated flavour without salt and use the capucine leaf instead of black pepper.”

Moving on, Ducasse addressed the Food500 Summit reinstating the pivotal role of culinary arts as a driver of the industry during his first appearance in the region. A chef’s roundtable exploring culinary futurism with three Michelin Star Chef, Angel Leon and two Michelin Star Chef, Fredrik Berselius followed straight after.

F&B trading arena: Showcase continues with new product launches

A diverse range of innovative products has been unveiled at Gulfood 2025, from Estonia’s award-winning Shredded Chickenless Coconut Curry to unique creations like Spinach-Flavoured Ice Lollies by homegrown brand House of POPs, as well as bold new flavours like Date Mustard and Date Cola.

“Launching our new edible flower collection and vitality collection at Gulfood was extremely important for House of Pops. Gulfood is a global stage, and we couldn’t think of a better opportunity to showcase the best we have to offer. Winning the Innovation Award for Best Health & Wellness product is a testament to the quality and cutting-edge manufacturing we bring to the table. These pops are the first of their kind in the UAE.” Says, Mazen Kanaan, Co-founder & CEO

Food500 Summit Day 3 Agenda: Ensuring stable food trade, trends and growth opportunities, shifting geopolitics and culinary futurism

Speaking to the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) role in ensuring stable food trade, Dr. Edwini Kessie, Director of Agriculture and Commodities Division shared this insight. “About 80% of global trade is placed on WTO terms. Trade in food and agricultural products has increased five-fold since 2000, nearly USD 2 trillion, with many countries being able to trade their way out of poverty and enhance food security for their people such as China, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.

However, there is more to be done, and we need to make sure we level the playing field and create conditions that can harness innovation to have a system that has more high-quality food produced sustainably. Additionally, businesses have a vital role to play in working with governments to support stable trade in food and agricultural products.”

Trends and growth opportunities in the F&B space drove a panel discussion conversation around the evolving consumer mindset’s influence, GCC market dynamics, driving growth in a scale market and the need to master innovation to meet consumer needs.

Geopolitical factors and implications on the global food supply chain were openly addressed in a panel discussion. Key areas covered include sanctions and trade barriers’ impact on the supply chain, managing supply chain risk, collaboration amongst nations to foster engagement, and the government’s role in ensuring secure and resilient food systems.

Top Table plants ahead before moving to land and sea

Chef Khaled Allibhai, Cultiva (Kenya), alongside the restaurant’s founder, Ariel Moscardi continued with the sustainable theme bringing a garden box from farm to future. Dubai-based Executive chefs from Michelin Guide listed and Gault & Millau two toques recipient Takahisa, Takashi Namekata and Hisao Ueda, held a sushi and wagyu beef master series. Three Michelin Star Chef Angel Leon, Aponiente (Spain) emphasised the need to explore a sustainable approach when working with marine life before seeing Japanese seafood in action with Chef Pawel Kazanowski, Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

Hospitality

TIMES SQUARE CENTER FOSTERS COMMUNITY TOGETHERNESS THIS EID WITH MR. KIND

Published

1 day ago

March 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Times Square Center will mark Eid Al Fitr with a three-day family experience from 20–22 March 2026, running 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily, featuring the beloved mascot Mr. Kind.

Under the theme “LOVE EID – A Day of Caring, Sharing & Fun!”, the event invites families to experience a lively programme of interactive shows, creative workshops, and engaging activities designed to entertain children while sharing positive messages around kindness, courage, and friendship.

Young visitors will also receive a complimentary Mr. Kind’s Book of Missions, packed with activities, badge stickers, and access to a library of transformational songs and missions that extend the fun beyond the event.

Event schedule

Mr. Kind Village Workshop (Creativity corner) : 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Ground Floor
Mr. Kind Show + Meet & Greet: 4:15 – 5:00 PM & 6:00–6:45 PM | Ground Floor
Mr. Kind Parade: 5:15 PM – 5:35 PM | Roaming throughout the Mall

With music, performances, and interactive experiences throughout the day, Times Square Center aims to provide a friendly space for families to connect and share meaningful moments together.

At Times Square Center, the safety and wellbeing of our community remain a priority. We encourage everyone to follow any guidance or protocols issued by the relevant authorities.

Hospitality

BKRY PARTNERS WITH BROOKI BAKEHOUSE FOR EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION CROOKIE

Published

1 day ago

March 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This Ramadan, bkry unveils an exclusive collaboration with Australia’s cult-favourite Brooki Bakehouse by introducing the bkry Brooki Crookie. Priced at AED 39 per piece, this special edition pastry will be available daily until the end of Ramadan in limited quantities exclusively at the bkry pop-up in Marsa Boulevard.

Thoughtfully developed as a celebration of shared creativity and experimental baking, the collaboration brings together bkry’s artisanal approach with Brooki Bakehouse’s globally renowned flavours. Designed to be enjoyed as a moment of indulgence after sunset, the Crookie reflects both brands’ craftsmanship, curiosity, and comfort-led baking.

At the heart of the collaboration is the Crookie: a buttery, flaky croissant filled and topped with wholewheat brown-butter cookie dough, and enveloped with Tanzanian milk chocolate. Baked until golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft, gooey centre, the Crookie offers a layered textural experience that combines richness with subtlety.

To mark the official launch, bkry Founder and Head Chef Kameel and Brooki Bakehouse Founder Brooke Bellamy will be present at Marsa Boulevard on Saturday, 28 February at 8:00 PM, celebrating the partnership and their shared passion for innovative baking.

Founded by Brooke Bellamy, Brooki Bakehouse is an Australian-born bakery known for its indulgent, cult-favourite baked goods and playful approach to classic flavours. What began in Brisbane has grown into a globally recognised brand with a loyal international following, driven by Brooke’s distinctive style and community-led storytelling. Celebrated for bold flavours, generous textures, and modern comfort baking, Brooki Bakehouse brings a globally relevant perspective to the collaboration, making it a natural partner for bkry’s experimental, craft-led approach.

Available throughout Ramadan at bkry’s Marsa Boulevard pop-up, the bkry x Brooki collaboration reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to meaningful partnerships and thoughtful experimentation – bringing together global influence and local craftsmanship in moments designed to be shared and savoured, setting the tone for a collaboration everyone has been waiting for.

Hospitality

THE BILTMORE VILLAS DUBAI INTRODUCES EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE VILLA STAYCATIONS THIS EID

Published

1 day ago

March 17, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

The Biltmore Villas Dubai unveils a limited-time Exclusive Private Villa Staycation, inviting guests to indulge in a rare blend of seclusion, sophistication, and resort-style living within one of Dubai’s most prestigious luxury villa resorts.

Conceived for discerning guests who appreciate privacy and understated luxury, the fully serviced villas offer the spaciousness of a private residence complemented by the attentive service and refined amenities of a world-class resort. Each villa is appointed with a private temperature-controlled swimming pool, an in-villa cinema, and secure underground parking with direct access to the residence, all set within a gated enclave with round-the-clock security.

Guests booking during the promotional period will enjoy a curated collection of premium benefits:

25% off the Best Available Rate
AED 1,000 daily resort credit
Underground secure parking
Complimentary 60-minute daily padel session
Complimentary daily fitness classes
Complimentary daily laundry service

The experience offers an elegant urban retreat where privacy, generous living space, and personalized hospitality come together to create an exceptional staycation in the heart of Dubai.