Hospitality
IRISH FOOD PRODUCERS SHOWCASE STRENGTH AND DIVERSITY
Exclusive interview questions with Jim O’Toole CEO of the Irish Food Board (Bord Bia)
This year, 15 Irish companies are exhibiting at Gulfood — what makes this group particularly strong or diverse?
The strength of this group lies in both its diversity and depth. We have companies represented across dairy, meat, ingredients and value-added food, serving retail, foodservice and manufacturing customers.
What is particularly notable is the mix of long-established exporters alongside companies that are newer to the region, all united by a focus on quality, reliability, and customer partnership. Together, they showcase the breadth of Ireland’s food offering and our ability to meet a wide range of market needs.
How important are traceability, provenance, and quality assurance for buyers in this region?
These factors are fundamental for buyers in the Middle East. Customers here place a strong emphasis on health and nutrition, knowing where food comes from and how it is produced.
Irish food and drink performs well in this context because our systems provide high levels of traceability and quality assurance, giving buyers confidence in both product integrity and consistency of supply.
You’ve led Bord Bia through a period of major global change — from Brexit to supply chain disruptions. Looking back, what has been the most defining moment of your tenure as CEO?
One of the most defining periods was navigating the immediate aftermath of Brexit while also managing global supply chain disruption. It reinforced the importance of market diversification, strong customer relationships and adaptability.
It also underlined the value of having a long-term strategy focused on building resilience for Irish exporters, rather than reacting to individual shocks in isolation.
Is there a moment from your travels or trade missions that really crystallized for you the global potential of Irish food and drink?
What consistently stands out is seeing Irish products on shelves, menus and in foodservice operations in markets far from home. That visibility reflects years of work by exporters and agencies alike.
Trade missions like this one often crystallise the opportunity — when you see buyers from multiple regions engaging with Irish companies, it reinforces the truly global potential of Irish food and drink.
Which sectors — such as dairy, meat, seafood, or beverages — are seeing the strongest demand in the region?
Dairy continues to perform very strongly in the region, particularly in ingredients and value-added consumer products. Meat is also seeing solid demand across retail and foodservice channels.
In addition, consumer foods and Irish beverages — particularly whiskey — continue to gain traction, supported by premium positioning and growing brand recognition.
How important is storytelling — origin, farming practices, sustainability — in influencing hospitality purchasing decisions today?
Storytelling has become increasingly important. Buyers are looking for products that not only meet quality and price requirements, but also align with consumer expectations around origin, production standards and sustainability.
Irish producers are well positioned here, as these stories are rooted in real practices rather than marketing alone, which resonates strongly with both buyers and end consumers.
What role can Irish producers play in supporting food security and consistency of supply in the Middle East?
Irish producers can play a meaningful role by offering reliable, high-quality supply from a well-regulated and export-focused food system.
Consistency, long-term planning and strong partnerships are key in this region. Ireland’s ability to deliver at scale, while maintaining quality and sustainability standards, makes us a dependable partner in supporting food security objectives across the Middle East.
Hospitality
TIMES SQUARE CENTER FOSTERS COMMUNITY TOGETHERNESS THIS EID WITH MR. KIND


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

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


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.
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