This Ramadan, the iftar table at Grand Millennium Dubai takes an exciting global turn. Hosted by Toshi on the hotel’s first floor, the Ramadan Grand Iftar levels up the traditional buffet experience with the bold and much-loved addition of Pan Asian cuisine—crafted for Dubai diners who appreciate flavour, variety, and fusion done right.

Alongside time-honoured Arabic favourites and international classics, guests can explore a vibrant Pan Asian selection featuring freshly prepared sushi, sizzling wok dishes, and teppanyaki-style creations, adding depth, theatre, and excitement to the Ramadan dining experience. The result is a buffet that feels indulgent, modern, and refreshingly different—while still honouring the spirit of the holy month.

The evening is elevated further with the soulful presence of a live Oud player, creating a warm and authentic Ramadan ambience. Traditional Ramadan juices and aromatic Arabic coffee complete the experience, offering comforting flavours that balance beautifully with the dynamic multi-cuisine spread.

Priced at AED 149 per person, the Ramadan Grand Iftar is designed for families and friends alike, with children aged 6–12 dining at AED 75, and little ones aged 0–5 dining with compliments. A dedicated kids’ playroom allows younger guests to enjoy their own space, while adults savour the evening at an unhurried pace.

Whether you’re breaking your fast with loved ones, hosting guests, or simply looking to enjoy a diverse and generous iftar spread, the Ramadan Grand Iftar at Grand Millennium Dubai offers a setting where flavours, culture, and togetherness come together effortlessly.

Location: Grand Millennium Dubai, 1st Floor
Timings: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Valentine’s Day at The Artisan invites couples to celebrate love through an elegant culinary journey, set within the refined surroundings of Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre. On February 14th, guests are welcomed to an intimate dining experience where Italian craftsmanship, romance, and flavour come together effortlessly.

From 7:00 PM onwards, couples can indulge in a specially curated Valentine’s tasting menu, created by The Artisan’s expert chefs to delight the senses and elevate the evening. The experience begins with Gillardeau Oyster No.2, served with raspberry perlage, followed by a refined antipasto of Pizzetta al Salmone e Caviale, combining beetroot, Norwegian smoked salmon, Italian Calvisius Prestige caviar, and sour cream.

For the primo, guests are treated to Risotto agli Asparagi Bianchi, prepared with Acquerello risotto rice, white asparagus, mascarpone cheese, red Mazara prawns, and grapefruit—an elegant balance of richness and freshness. The main course features Agnello al Tartufo Nero, a New Zealand lamb loin paired with truffle mashed potatoes, forest fruit jus, and freshly shaved black truffle, offering a luxurious and comforting centrepiece to the evening.

A refreshing Amalfi lemon sgroppino cleanses the palate before dessert, where romance takes shape with Rosa di Cioccolata Fondente e Ciliegie—a dark chocolate mousse with Amarena cherries, vanilla crumble, and cherry elixir—followed by a delicate Strawberry Cheesecake Heart petit four to conclude the experience on a sweet note.

The Valentine’s menu is priced at AED 665 per couple, with an optional two-hour free-flow of selected beverages available at AED 225 per person, allowing guests to enhance their celebration with thoughtfully paired wines and cocktails.

Advance booking is highly recommended, as this exclusive Valentine’s experience promises exceptional cuisine, refined ambience, and moments designed to be remembered. At The Artisan, Valentine’s Day is more than a dinner—it is a celebration of passion, flavour, and togetherness.

The Artisan welcomes guests for an excellent Valentine’s celebration. A place where passion, flavour, and romance come together to create the perfect evening.

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.