Hospitality
Gulfood Day 3: Culinary Excellence, New Products and Global Trends on the menu
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
SOBHA REALTY AND KEETA DRONE SIGN STRATEGIC MOU, LAUNCHING AIR DELIVERY IN SOBHA COMMUNITIES

Sobha Realty, a leading global luxury real estate developer renowned for innovation and building future-ready communities, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Keeta Drone, the pioneering green air delivery company, to introduce next-generation air delivery ecosystems across its integrated communities.
Through this strategic partnership, Sobha Realty becomes Keeta Drone’s first official Smart Community partner in the UAE, reinforcing its commitment to embedding future-ready infrastructure and sustainable technologies into the very fabric of its developments.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Sobha Realty and Keeta Drone in the presence of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), marking a significant step forward in redefining how logistics and mobility are seamlessly integrated within premium residential environments.
Keeta Drone’s technology-driven delivery ecosystem is fully equipped to introduce faster; smarter and eco-conscious last-mile logistics designed around community convenience and operational safety. Integrated within government-approved frameworks, the initiative supports Sobha Realty’s vision of building future-ready communities where innovation enhances everyday resident experiences.
The partnership represents a natural progression toward Smart Community Vision, where infrastructure is designed not only to meet present-day expectations but to anticipate the needs of tomorrow, shaped by intelligent, adaptable solutions.
Leveraging its Backwards Integrated model, Sobha Realty is uniquely positioned to enable the safe, efficient and scalable deployment of air delivery networks within its communities. This capability allows for precise integration of advanced technologies while maintaining the highest standards of quality, setting a new benchmark for innovation-led residential experiences in the region.
The collaboration will be implemented in phases, with all activations operating within government-approved frameworks, underscoring both organisations’ commitment to safety, compliance, and responsible innovation.
Dr.Mao, President, Keeta Drone, said: “This partnership with Sobha Realty represents a defining moment for us. Our collective aim is to support communities that stand for quality, precision and long-term thinking – core values that are deeply embedded in our DNA. Together, we are not just signing an agreement; we are laying the foundation of what the future of urban living in the UAE looks like. We are proud to welcome Sobha Realty as our Smart Community Partner, enabling the future, and we look forward to bringing this vision to life for their residents across 2026 and beyond.”
Mr Francis Alfred, Managing Director, Sobha Realty, said: “At Sobha Realty, our vision of luxury extends beyond design and craftsmanship to the intelligent ecosystems that power everyday living. This partnership is not about introducing a new service; it’s about reimagining how communities’ function in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.
Our Backwards Integration model allows us to engineer and integrate such advanced technologies with precision, safety and long-term scalability. By collaborating with Keeta Drone, we are taking a decisive step towards building self-sustained, future-ready communities where innovation, sustainability, and convenience are seamlessly embedded into the resident experience. This is the next frontier of smart living, and Sobha Realty is proud to be leading it.”
H.E. Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) said: “The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is pleased to support the responsible advancement of air deliveries by Keeta Drone within the native community of Sobha Hartland, reflecting our commitment to embracing innovation that is beneficial to the city’s future mobility ecosystem in the Emirate of Dubai.”
Both Keeta Drone and Sobha Realty have also expressed their intention to explore opportunities beyond the UAE as Keeta Drone’s deployment roadmap grows and Sobha Realty continues its international expansion.
Hospitality
UBK AT MÖVENPICK JLT UNVEILS A MONTH-LONG LINE-UP OF SOCIAL NIGHTS, SIPS, AND SIGNATURE MOMENTS
UBK at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers is turning up the energy with a month-long line-up of weekly themed nights designed for Dubai’s after-work crowd, weekend seekers, and everyone in between. Known for its laid-back vibe and bold personality, UBK brings together drinks, bites, games, and social experiences that give guests a reason to return throughout the month.
Ladies Night – Pour Decisions (Ladies Edition)
Tuesdays belong to the ladies. Enjoy and have fun, paired with a bite and UBK’s signature Between the Buns.
Quiz
Midweek gets competitive with UBK’s weekly quiz night. Roll up your sleeve and get ready for some fun!
P.E.T. – Pints, Eats & Tails
Sundays slow things down with a pet-friendly social where guests can bring their furry companions and unwind together over food and drinks.
Every Sunday | From 12 PM onwards
With something happening every day, UBK continues to stay true to its ethos of keeping things social, unpretentious, and full of personality. Whether it’s a quick after-work drink or a full weekend session, UBK is all set to keep the calendar booked and the glasses full.
Hospitality
MATCHA LOVERS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU: COFFEE PLANET DROPS LIMITED-EDITION FLAVOURS

If your current obsession is anything matcha, you’ll want to get this on your radar. Homegrown UAE brand Coffee Planet is celebrating Matcha Month with the launch of three new iced drinks, and yes, they’re as good as they sound.
Say hello to Mango Matcha, Strawberry Matcha, and Pumpkin Spice Matcha, a mix of fruity, creamy, and subtly spiced flavours designed for peak Dubai sipping. Think vibrant green layers and pastel-toned iced drinks that are made for your Instagram feed.
Known for its no-fuss approach, Coffee Planet keeps it simple while always getting it right. With prices starting from AED 29 and availability across all UAE outlets, these are easy, go-to drinks whether you’re on a mid-mall stroll or ordering online.
The catch? These limited-edition drinks are only available throughout May, so consider this your sign to try them all before they’re gone.
Available at: All UAE outlets, including JVC Circle Mall, Dubai Hills (Business Park), Dubai Hills Mall, Foundry Downtown, Etihad Plaza, Fountain Views (Dubai Mall), among others, as well as online via Careem, Keeta, Deliveroo, Noon, and Talabat.
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