Hospitality
KERRY UNBOXED CAPTURES THE FUTURE OF TASTE AND TECHNOLOGY AT GULFOOD MANUFACTURING 2025
Kerry wrapped up its participation at Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 after welcoming visitors to Kerry Unboxed, a live, interactive experience that showed how global food trends, regional tastes, and new technologies are coming together to shape the future of food and drink in the Middle East.
Over three days, Kerry’s booth became a popular spot for visitors, featuring live cooking and barista sessions, expert discussions, and the launch of new flavour innovations inspired by both consumer insights and the next generation’s preferences.
Inspiring the Next Generation with KidZania
One of the highlights this year was Kerry’s partnership with KidZania for the Flavour Detective Co-Creation Workshop, a fun, engaging activity that encouraged children to explore the building blocks of cheese flavour. Their feedback provided broad insights into taste preferences and helped inspire two new innovations: Savoury Parmesan and Creamy Gouda cheese powders.
Both ingredients deliver rich, authentic cheese flavour suited to regional and international snacks. At Gulfood Manufacturing, Kerry showcased a range of product concepts using the powders, demonstrating how children’s natural curiosity can spark ideas and influence the future of family-focused foods.
Innovation, Taste, and Sustainability at the Forefront

(İnanç Işık, General Manager – Retail, Kerry Middle East)
On Day 1, İnanç Işık, General Manager – Retail, Kerry Middle East, joined industry leaders for the Visionary Leaders in Armchair panel to discuss how collaboration and innovation are changing global food manufacturing.
He explained that for any innovation to succeed, taste, nutrition, and sustainability must work together, noting that taste remains the biggest factor behind consumer choices. He also shared how Kerry’s technologies are helping brands cut cocoa use by up to 20% and sugar by up to 50% while keeping the same taste and quality.
“Our foodservice collaborations let us test and refine ideas quickly, increasing success rates in a region where over 20,000 new products launch each year but only a fraction achieve commercial success,” said Işık. “It’s how we ensure our innovations remain creative, relevant, and commercially viable.”
He added that new health technologies like GLP-1 are changing what people want from their food, creating a stronger demand for high-protein, functional, and affordable products that fit regional preferences.
“We’re focused on scalable innovations that combine great taste, smart nutrition, and cost efficiency,” he said.
Smart Health: Science, Nutrition, and Real-World Application
On Day 2, Professor Imed Gallouzi, Chair of the Smart Health Centre at KAUST and Scientific Advisor to KHNI, expanded on how the future of food is largely driven by innovations prioritizing taste, nutrition and sustainability. He emphasized that taste and nutrition are no longer competing priorities, they must co-exist to meet the demands of the consumer of tomorrow.
“Smart health is becoming an essential part of how future consumers will live, eat, heal, and thrive. Diagnostics, nutrition, and personalized health technologies will help us tailor nutrition plans not only to the person’s health needs but also to their taste. Science-driven nutrition is the bridge between these worlds, and this is where Kerry is leading globally,” said Professor Gallouzi.
Kerry’s work, he said, aligns closely with KAUST’s mission to turn scientific breakthroughs into real-world innovation, supporting the Middle East’s growth as a hub for smart-health research and technology.
Kerry’s Continued Commitment to the Region
Kerry Unboxed demonstrated the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing the Middle East’s food and beverage landscape through innovation, collaboration, and insight. By blending global expertise with local creativity, Kerry continues to support brands in delivering products that are delicious, sustainable, and relevant to consumers’ evolving needs.
“Gulfood Manufacturing 2025 has been a powerful reminder that the future of food in our region is being shaped by collaboration, creativity, and a relentless focus on taste. Sustainable solutions must never compromise on flavor or functionality,” said İnanç Işık, General Manager – Retail, Kerry Middle East. “Our ability to rapidly test ideas in foodservice, adapt to new health trends, and deliver affordable, customised nutrition is what sets Kerry apart. We’re proud to help our customers turn global trends into local success stories, and to inspire the next generation of food innovators.”
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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