Hospitality

IRISH FOOD PRODUCERS SHOWCASE STRENGTH AND DIVERSITY

Published

1 week ago

February 4, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Man in a navy suit and pink shirt wearing an Irish Food Board (Bord Bia) lapel pin, standing outdoors on a green lawn with trees in the background.

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

JOE’S CAFÉ DUBAI ELEVATES THE RAMADAN EXPERIENCE WITH ICONIC BURJ KHALIFA VIEWS

Published

15 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

A table at JOE’S CAFÉ DUBAI set for Iftar, featuring assorted dishes including lentil soup, avocado quinoa salad, grilled skewers, a beetroot and greens starter, slow‑cooked lamb shank with rice, bread slices, and a mint drink, all arranged on a patterned red tablecloth with small lanterns and warm natural lighting.

This Ramadan, Joe’s Café Dubai invites guests to gather for a moment of togetherness in one of the city’s most elegant dining settings. Nestled within Fashion Avenue at Dubai Mall and overlooking the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, Joe’s Café presents a luxury Iftar experience that blends British heritage with the warmth and spirit of Ramadan.

Built around the theme of “A Moment of Togetherness”, the Ramadan experience at Joe’s Café is thoughtfully designed for families, friends, and corporate groups to break their fast at sunset. The specially curated Iftar menu reimagines British classics with Ramadan warmth, featuring a selection of premium and balanced flavours.

Joe’s Café’s specially curated Ramadan Iftar menu is priced at AED 320 per person and showcases a refined selection of signature dishes designed for both comfort and indulgence.

Guests can begin with warming lentil soup, followed by starters such as Calamari Fritti or a fresh Avocado Quinoa Salad. The main course highlights include the slow-baked Lamb Shank served with aromatic lamb rice and yoghurt, perfectly grilled salmon with pea purée and ratatouille, garlic-flavoured grilled chicken with steak fries, and the much-loved Risotto Al Mare featuring calamari, prawns, and hammour in Joe’s signature pink sauce. Traditional Ramadan beverages including Jallab, tamarind, mixed dates and dry apricot drinks complement the experience.

As the call to prayer marks the end of the day, guests are welcomed into an atmosphere of refined comfort, attentive service, and understated luxury, where Iftar feels both elevated and familiar. With its fashion-heritage roots, skyline views, and lifestyle-led dining philosophy, Joe’s Café Dubai stands out as a must-visit Ramadan destination for those seeking an Iftar that is both culturally resonant and luxuriously composed.

Hospitality

Love Is on the Menu at Luciano’s

Published

15 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This Valentine’s Day, be transported to the heart of the Mediterranean at Luciano’s, where romance meets vibrant coastal flavors in an atmosphere brimming with charm and warmth. Celebrate love with an unforgettable dining experience that captures the true essence of Mediterranean cuisine, thoughtfully crafted to delight the senses and set the mood for a magical evening.

Guests will enjoy a specially curated sharing-style Valentine’s menu, starting with an amuse-bouche of Pescado Rojo salsa with tuna, spicy salsa, and avocado purée, followed by ricotta ravioli with pumpkin, feta, hazelnut, and crispy leek. The main course features slow-cooked ribs with beetroot, parsnip, and wild mushroom jus, while dessert showcases Valrhona raspberry chocolate with hazelnut cake, fleur de sel, feuillantine, and mignardises.

Adding a romantic touch to the evening, each lady will be presented with a rose and chocolate, making the occasion even more special. Whether raising a glass of bubbly or soaking in the lively ambiance, Luciano’s offers the perfect setting to celebrate love in style.

The Valentine’s Day experience is priced at AED 595 per couple, inclusive of soft beverages, or AED 695 per couple, including a glass of bubbly upon arrival.

Date: Valentine’s Day
Location: Luciano’s, Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection.

Hospitality

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON – VALENTINE’S DAY

Published

17 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Skyline Symphony: A Love Story in 360° at Level 43

Celebrate Valentine’s Day high above the city at Level 43, where romance unfolds against breathtaking 360° panoramic skyline views. Designed for romance and exclusivity, the evening pairs elevated cuisine with premium sparkling selections, offering couples a choice of three thoughtfully curated packages, each crafted to create unforgettable moments as the city lights come alive.

Valentine’s Night Dining | Skyline Symphony Packages

The Horizon Classic: Four-course fusion menu with a bottle of house sparkling wine | AED 1,100 per couple

Venue: Level 43 Sky Lounge, Dubai

For more information, please contact +971 56 414 2213

Candlelight & Strings: Valentine’s Day at Publiq

Set the mood this Valentine’s Day with Candlelight & Strings at Publiq. Enjoy an intimate evening featuring a specially curated three-course Valentine’s set menu, complemented by live string music and a bottle of sparkling wine. A perfect setting for couples to celebrate love in a warm, romantic ambiance.

Details:

Date: 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Venue: Publiq European Bistro, Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

A Playful Valentine’s Night at Purani Dilli, SZR

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a vibrant and quirky twist at Purani Dilli, SZR. Known for its lively atmosphere and gimmicky, Instagrammable food and beverage experiences, the venue sets the stage for a fun-filled evening that’s perfect for couples who love bold flavours and share-worthy moments. The special Valentine’s dinner features a four-course set menu, complemented by a glass of bubbly, served in an energetic and colourful setting that blends nostalgia with modern flair.

Details:

Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: AED 279 per couple (including a glass of bubbly)
Venue: Purani Dilli, SZR

Valentine’s Night with 90s Romance at Purani Dilli, Bur Dubai

Step back in time this Valentine’s Day with a nostalgic twist at Purani Dilli, Bur Dubai. Enjoy a live 90s romantic song performance while indulging in a specially curated Valentine’s buffet made with premium ingredients. Each couple will also receive two glasses of bubbly, making it the perfect way to celebrate love in a lively yet intimate setting.

Details:

Time: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Venue: Purani Dilli, Bur Dubai

DJ Valentine Bash at Tipsy Tikka

Turn up the energy this Valentine’s Day at Tipsy Tikka with a high-octane DJ Valentine Bash. DJ Pepz will spin a mix of romantic, Bollywood, and commercial hits, creating the perfect soundtrack for couples and friends alike. Open to singles and groups, the night comes with unlimited alcoholic beverages and cocktails, promising a fun-filled, lively celebration.

Details: