More than 100 restaurateurs, chefs, and other key players from the food and beverage industry attended the first gastronomy industry briefing, which DET hosted at the W Dubai Mina Seyahi. The event's purpose was to share seasonal highlights related to the ever-expanding gastronomy sector and reveal industry insights from the city's first gastronomy report.

 

In an effort to strengthen the dynamic ecosystem of the city's 13,000 restaurants and cafés, Dubai organised the event as part of its year-round calendar of important gastronomy events, gourmet showcases, and culinary platforms. Opportunities in the culinary sector and upcoming calendar highlights were presented with partners during the briefing in order to gain their support and further strengthen the city's position as a year-round international centre for cuisine.

 

In keeping with the visionary leadership's mission to make Dubai the best city in the world to live in, work in, and visit, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), revealed key findings from the newly commissioned annual industry report during the event. He did this by showcasing the gastronomy activities and initiatives that continue to be a driving force behind the steady growth in both domestic and international tourists. This thorough study has underlined Dubai's status as a global centre for cuisine, a beacon for forward-thinking restaurateurs, chefs, sophisticated foodies, epicurean travellers, and food connoisseurs.

 

"We are proud that Dubai's ever-expanding gastronomy industry continues to have a positive impact on the growth of food tourism globally, as inspired by His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to further enhance Dubai's position as a global liveability hub," said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE). A large number of locally owned restaurants, fine dining establishments, MICHELIN starred restaurants, and local favourites make up Dubai's distinctive and diverse gastronomy sector, which collectively represents Dubai's vibrant culinary culture.

 

We are happy that Dubai is gaining more recognition as a renowned epicurean destination that is transforming food tourism, as revealed in our report that we have just launched. Dubai brings together the culture and heritage of more than 200 different nationalities at tables and in restaurants throughout the city. It is a unique in-depth study that offers important insights and data on the city's expanding culinary sector. The report's findings, which include high satisfaction ratings across important facets of the gastronomy offering as well as a noticeably improved dining experience for both locals and visitors, provide evidence of its ongoing success.

 

The Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report emphasises DET's initiatives to solidify the city's status as a global epicentre of gastronomic innovation and inspiration through a calendar of events and exhibits that run throughout the year.

 

Additionally, DET recently unveiled the "Gastronomy Always on Campaign" (GAON), which aims to lead on a schedule of culinary events and support the F&B business. This campaign has attracted attention to the fundamental principles—diversity, authenticity, value for money, and experiential offerings—that make Dubai a worldwide gastronomy centre with top-notch food and experiences accessible to all.