Dubai unveils plans to become global gastronomy hub

The ninth edition of the Dubai Food Festival, taking place 2 to 15 May, is among the calendar of culinary events

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) hosted an industry briefing with restaurateurs and key stakeholders from the food and beverage sector, as part of continuous efforts to elevate Dubai’s position as a year-round global gastronomy hub.

During the inaugural DET gastronomy briefing, which will now take place quarterly, attendees were provided with insight on the city’s year-round programme of key restaurant events, gourmet showcases and culinary platforms. 

DET’s gastronomy leaders shared an overview of strategic plans that will further raise Dubai’s profile on the world stage as a leading gourmet destination. One of the initiatives unveiled was the ‘Gastronomy Always on Campaign’ (GAON), which aims to support the F&B industry with a calendar of culinary events. 

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It was announced at the event that the ninth edition of the Dubai Food Festival (DFF) will take place from 2 to 15 May 2022, which will include the popular Dubai Restaurant Week, a week in which restaurants offer set menus at discounted prices across the emirate.

Dubai is home to 12,000 diverse restaurants and cafés, from homegrown eateries and relaxed food halls to fine dining establishments, and over the years, Dubai has grown to become recognised as an epicurean destinations.

Cementing the city’s gastronomic status, the inaugural edition of MENAs 50 Best Restaurants took place earlier this month. Independently owned casual dining restaurant 3Fils located in Dubai Fishing Harbour topped the list.

An impressive six out of the top 10 restaurants in MENA are Dubai-based, with a total of 16 restaurants across Dubai being included in the full list

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment CEO Ahmed Al Khaja commented: “From humble homegrown gems to street food offerings in a vibrant setting, Dubai has long been a leader in culinary excellence.  Visitors to the city can delve into a world of flavours influenced by a melting pot of more than 200 nationalities drawn from all four corners of the world. 

“Our strategic collaboration with stakeholders and partners provide a fantastic opportunity for us to promote the diversity, creativity and multi-cultural nature of Dubai’s culinary offering, inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai to further enhance Dubai’s position as a global liveability hub.”

Al Khaja went on say there would be a year-round programme of events and gourmet platforms “adding value to the city’s deep and diverse culinary landscape” and that the gastronomical focus for DET for 2022 is to continue to “drive growth across the hospitality and F&B sector” based on the four pillars: diversity, value for money, authenticity,and experience.

For more information, visit www.dubaitourism.gov.ae/en