Hospitality

Saudi Food Show returns with record-breaking second edition, doubling in scale

Published

2 years ago

May 21, 2024

Integrator Web-Editor

Saudi Food Summit to provide invaluable global perspectives to market entrants

100,000+ products to be showcased by 1000+ exhibitors, 45% new to show

80+ star chefs to boost Saudi Arabia’s attractiveness as region’s culinary nexus

The second Saudi Food Show, the largest global F&B sourcing event in the Kingdom, gets underway at Riyadh Front, with the Saudi F&B industry on the cusp of huge growth. This year’s show, which runs until 23 May, will take place once again under the patronage of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, His Excellency Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef, with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON) as Strategic Partner.

Following last year’s hugely successful debut, organisers KAOUN International and dmg events have taken the show to a new level for 2024 with over 1,000 exhibitors showcasing more than 100,000 product innovations, 97 countries represented, and over 90 speakers, many new to the Kingdom, with proven successes Top Table Saudi and Youth X Saudi returning in expanded formats.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre commented, “The highly successful inaugural edition last year has given Saudi Food Show the momentum to return double in size and impact for this second edition. This week Saudi Arabia will welcome the largest ever international F&B community vying to create trade opportunities with the local market to further spur innovation and collaboration.”

Opening the Saudi Food Summit, His Excellency Bandar bin Ibrahim AlKhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources shall deliver a visionary keynote to address and tour the exhibition to meet the participants. The rest of the first day, which will be curated by Saudi Food Show Strategic Partner MODON, will be an opportunity to understand the role of technology in improving the efficiency of food production in the Kingdom, how Saudi Arabia is investing in human capital development in the F&B sector in order to remain competitive, and the role of fintech in supporting the F&B industry from a financial perspective.

Ali Alomeir, VP of Business Development at MODON stressed that “MODON attaches great importance to the localization of the food and beverage industry, to contribute to achieving food security for the Kingdom, in partnership with the local and foreign private sector. This is in keeping with its main role in the National Strategy for Industry and Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the bases of the national economy, as the F&B sector is one of the pillars of developing local content and enhancing the contribution of the non-oil sector to the gross domestic product”.

He added that the food and beverage industry accounts for approximately 20% of the total number of factories in industrial cities, noting that “MODON continues to develop its investment environment, and provide it with all services, industrial, logistical and digital capabilities and applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution 4.0, in accordance with the best standards of competitiveness, until its 36 industrial cities, spread across the Kingdom, are a preferred destination for investment growth. These industrial cities currently include 6,443 factories, more than 7,900 industrial, investment and logistics contracts, and developed areas exceeding 209 million square metres, with an investment value exceeding SAR 415 billion until the end of 2023”.

Across the second and third days, over 90 leaders from the public and private sector, including ministries, food investors, retailers, innovators and food service providers will give insights into how best to capitalise on the opportunities that the Saudi F&B market presents, and ultimately thrive as an F&B business in the Kingdom, through a series of keynote addresses, panel sessions and curated workshops.

On the second day of the Summit, one of the key brands taking a deep dive into Saudi Arabia’s shifting F&B retail landscape will be Panda, the largest grocery retailer in the Kingdom. “As part of the Panda Retail team, we’re passionate about bringing the best of Saudi Arabia’s flavours to your table through supporting local businesses, and working with key global players. Our commitment isn’t just about groceries; it’s about community empowerment”, said Bandar AlSaidi, Executive Vice President – Food at Panda Retail.

He continued “Events like the Saudi Food show are where we come together to celebrate our shared love for food and culture. This without a doubt marks a step in the right direction, for the industry”.

The final day will see the first edition of a new workshop series, Saudifoodpreneur. Bespoke workshops and business support clinics, delivered by industry experts and successful entrepreneurs, will help F&B start-ups and entrepreneurs to navigate the Kingdom’s F&B scene, providing the knowledge and skills to enter – and thrive in – Saudi Arabia’s vibrant market. Saudifoodpreneur will be curated by Homegrown CPG, Pitch Lounge, and Marketing Strategizer.

Top Table Saudi

Top Table Saudi will bring the largest-ever showcase of international and regional celebrity chefs, top restaurants and hotels under one roof in the Kingdom, including Simon Rogan, 3-Michelin starred chef of L’Enclume in the UK and a pioneer of the UK’s farm-to-table movement; Fatih Tutak, Chef and Owner of TURK, Turkey’s first 2-Michelin starred restaurant in Istanbul; internationally-acclaimed Lebanese chef Maroun Chedid; Ian Pengelley, Chef Director of MFC in Saudi Arabia; Mona Mosly, one of the region’s most recognisable female celebrity chefs, renowned for her creative and innovative twist on classic dishes; multi-award winning chef and restauranteur Sami Tamimi, co-owner of six London restaurants and author of several best-selling cookbooks; Layla Fathallah, UNEP Advocate on food waste in West Asia; Luca Rossie, Head Chef at Myazu; Barry Andrews, Executive Chef at Robata; Marc Coetzee, Executive Chef at Chi Spacca; Steve Gibbs, Executive Chef at Scotts; and Roy De Castro, Executive Sushi Chef at Kyazo. From the hotel side, teams from the Fairmont, Four Seasons, Hilton, and Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh will also be taking part in YouthX Saudi. This year the teams will work to raise awareness of the issue of food waste, in partnership with the UN Environment Programme and its ‘Recipe for Change’ initiative.

Hospitality

PIZZAEXPRESS UNVEILS FESTIVE MENUS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Festive PizzaExpress holiday spread featuring sparkling wine, mashed potatoes with turkey, creamy sauce, signature Dough Balls with dip, Christmas-themed decorations, and a pizza topped with cherry tomatoes and basil, alongside pasta dishes on a marble table.

PizzaExpress invites guests to celebrate the festive season with specially curated Christmas and New Year dining experiences, combining seasonal flavours, signature dishes, and a lively social atmosphere. Available throughout December and culminating in a vibrant New Year celebration, the festive menus have been designed to bring people together over food, music, and celebration.

“As the festive season approaches, we wanted to create menus that feel celebratory, comforting, and perfect for sharing,” said Nitin Makhijani, General Manager, PizzaExpress. “Our Christmas and New Year offerings bring together seasonal ingredients, familiar favourites, and a vibrant atmosphere, making PizzaExpress a welcoming place for guests to celebrate with friends and family.”

For Christmas, guests can enjoy a festive set menu, offering a selection of seasonal starters, mains, and desserts inspired by classic holiday flavours. Highlights include creamy Cranberry Brussels Sprouts, Turkey Truffle Dough Balls, festive pizzas such as the Christmas Feast and Brussels & Porcini Truffle, and indulgent desserts including Speculoos Gingerbread Tiramisu and KitKat Stuffed Dough Balls

A selection of festive beverages and cocktails are also available to complement the dining experience.

The celebrations continue into New Year’s Eve, where guests can look forward to an extended festive menu featuring unlimited starters, seasonal pizzas, delicious pastas, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts, paired with a wide selection of beverages

From savoury dishes like Barbecue Burnt Ends pizza and creamy Cajun Chicken pizza to festive desserts and signature cocktails, the New Year menu is designed for relaxed, social dining as guests countdown to midnight.

Blending festive flavours with its signature dining experience, PizzaExpress offers a relaxed yet energetic setting for both Christmas gatherings and New Year celebrations, making it a popular choice for groups looking to enjoy great food and a lively atmosphere during the holiday season.

Hospitality

DINE WITH FRONT-ROW VIEWS THIS NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE BEACH JBR

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Night view of JBR Beach in Dubai with colorful fireworks lighting up the sky above Ain Dubai Ferris wheel, illuminated waterfront buildings, and palm trees in the foreground.

As December unfolds and temperatures drop, evenings at The Beach JBR are best spent outdoors. With open-air terraces, beachfront tables and uninterrupted sea views, the destination comes alive after dark, accompanied by live local musicians, nightly drone shows and a midnight fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.

Against this backdrop, dining takes center stage, with restaurants across The Beach JBR rolling out curated New Year’s Eve menus designed for long, celebratory evenings by the water.

New Year’s Eve Dining Highlights

Bombay Bungalow

Bombay Bungalow hosts New Year’s Eve dining indoors and outdoors, offering vegetarian, non-vegetarian and kids’ menus. Indoor dining is priced from AED 500 for vegetarian and AED 575 for non-vegetarian, while outdoor dining is available from AED 600 for vegetarian and AED 650 for non-vegetarian. Menus feature classic Indian dishes designed for sharing, making it well suited to family and group celebrations.

Eataly at The Beach

Eataly welcomes the New Year with a celebratory dining experience on 31 December from 8 PM to 1 AM. Guests can enjoy a specially curated New Year’s Eve menu, with minimum spend ranging from AED 550 to AED 1,950, depending on seating location, for an unhurried Italian dinner to close out the year.

Claw BBQ

Claw BBQ brings comfort-driven dining to New Year’s Eve with a three-course turkey menu priced at AED 125, featuring a starter, traditional turkey with all the trimmings and dessert. For those continuing the celebrations into the night, New Year’s Eve party packages are available from AED 475.

P.F. Chang’s

P.F. Chang’s presents a curated New Year’s Eve set menu priced at AED 799 for adults and AED 399 for children, featuring appetisers, mains, rice or noodles, dessert and mocktails in a festive setting.

La Mezcaleria

La Mezcaleria marks New Year’s Eve with its Midnight Glitz celebration on 31 December, offering a high-energy dining and party experience. Packages start from AED 800, combining bold Mexican flavours with live entertainment in an open-air setting.

Zou Zou

Zou Zou’s New Year’s Eve special menu showcases Turkish and Lebanese flavors, beginning with cold and hot mezze, followed by mixed grills, lamb shank with saffron rice and indulgent desserts such as baklava. Packages are priced at AED 699 (indoor), AED 999 (indoor with view) and AED 1,199 (outdoor view).

Awani

Awani’s New Year’s Eve set menu features a generous selection of cold and hot mezze, followed by a choice of mains including mixed grill, kebabs, fish sayadiyeh or signature chicken dishes. Indoor dining is priced at AED 900, while outdoor dining is AED 1,100.

Eat Greek Kouzina

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR offers an exclusive New Year’s Eve bundle priced at AED 595, including starters, sharing appetizers, a main course, dessert, drinks, non-alcoholic champagne and party props, making it a lively, casual way to count down to midnight.

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR

Buffalo Wild Wings JBR is offering an exclusive New Year’s Eve bundle priced at AED 595, including starters, sharing appetisers, a main course, dessert, drinks, non-alcoholic champagne and party props, paired with front-row views of the fireworks.

Bla Bla

Bla Bla’s New Year’s Eve celebration, “A BLA-st from the Past,” combines dining and entertainment across the Restaurant, Rooftop, Pool Area and Tent. Restaurant dining is priced at AED 900 indoors and AED 1,300 outdoors, with rooftop and pool minimum spends available, alongside VIP options.

Yula Lounge

Yula offers a New Year’s Eve experience with entry tickets priced between AED 950 and AED 1,200, depending on seating location. Food and drinks are available à la carte, with premium areas offering prime positioning for the evening celebrations.

With midnight fireworks overhead, drones lighting up the sky at 8PM and 10PM and festive menus served by the panoramic sea views, The Beach JBR sets the stage for a New Year’s Eve that’s best enjoyed outdoors, around the table and in good company.

Hospitality

BIG SAM TAKES CENTRE STAGE AS CITY WALK UNPLUGGED KEEPS THE FESTIVE ENERGY GOING

Published

7 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Close-up of a person wearing a black hoodie against a vibrant red and white gradient background with dramatic lighting effects.”

City Walk Unplugged turns up the festive atmosphere this week with a run of live performances across Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the weekend, led by a standout headline set from Big Sam. Part of Dubai Shopping Festival and now in its fourth season, the open-air music series continues to transform City Walk into a vibrant evening destination, bringing together live sound, roaming entertainment, and a lively open-air atmosphere.

This Week at City Walk

Wednesday, 24 December

Sound Avenue Band – Live Performances

Christmas Eve at City Walk sets the tone with Sound Avenue Band performing three live sets at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm. Their feel-good sound creates a relaxed yet festive backdrop as visitors gather to dine, stroll, and ease into the holiday evening.

Thursday, 25 December

RedLine Band – Live Performances
Redline Band brings live music to Christmas Day with performances at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm, adding warmth and energy to the destination. Their sets offer an easy-going soundtrack for a laid-back Christmas evening by the fountain and indoor Courtyard.

Friday, 26 December

MK Band – Live Performances
The weekend begins with MK Band performing three live sets at 6:20pm, 7:30pm, and 8:30pm. Their upbeat sound helps carry the festive momentum into Friday night, setting the pace for an evening of music and a lively open-air atmosphere.

Saturday, 27 December

Maya Mashhour and Band – Live Performances
Earlier in the evening, Maya Mashhour and Band set the tone with live performances at 6:20pm and 7:30pm, delivering a smooth and melodic sound that eases the destination into the night ahead of the headline act.

Big Sam – Live Performance
Big Sam headlines the weekend with a standout live performance at 8:30pm, bringing his signature soulful sound and strong stage presence to City Walk Unplugged. Known for his powerful vocals and ability to connect with audiences, his set is expected to be one of the defining moments of the week, drawing visitors together for a high-energy yet intimate evening in the indoor Courtyard and fountain area.

Roaming Performances & Dance Shows

Across Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the weekend, specially choreographed dance performances will appear throughout City Walk, adding spontaneous bursts of movement and energy across key areas of the destination.

Festive Setting Across City Walk

The destination continues to embrace the season with festive décor, including the signature Christmas Tree at the fountain, decorative installations at key entrances and enhanced seasonal touches throughout the C2 licensed dining district.

Shop, Dine & WIN During DSF

Win the new ARCFOX Alpha S when you spend AED 300 or more at participating City Walk outlets using the TICKIT Rewards App and enjoy an added highlight to your weekend at the destination.