The Dubai Food Festival is organized by the Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment, an agency of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing that was established in 1996 to promote Dubai as a world-class tourism and shopping destination. The festival is part of a year-round, citywide program designed to contribute to the growth of the tourism and retail sectors in Dubai.
The inaugural festival was held in 2014. The event brought together some of Dubai’s most popular consumer food events and businesses, as well as several new initiatives. It also featured appearances by world-renowned chefs and delectable offers from local restaurants. The first Dubai Food Festival was such a success that it was decided to hold it annually.
The Dubai Food Festival offers exciting food-related events and promotions, highlighting the city’s world-class dining experiences and unique food scene. The festival features affordable dining options and a mix of culturally diverse street foods, casual dining options, and fine dining options, offering culinary experiences for any budget.
Some of the festival’s main highlights include the Dubai Restaurant Week showcasing some of the city’s best fine dining establishments; the Hidden Gems program designed to promote lesser-known eateries, cafes and restaurants; the Dubai International Kite Fest; the extremely popular Beach Canteen; Fatafeat Kitchen featuring workshops, cooking classes and demonstrations from an impressive line-up of celebrity chefs; and the Dubai Street Food Awards.
The Dubai Food Festival offers a great opportunity to discover unique dishes from around the world, indulge in gourmet experiences, and hone your culinary experiences by learning from world-renowned masters. It’s a culinary experience you don’t want to miss!
The Dubai Food Festival should not be confused with Taste of Dubai, a three-day food, drink and music festival run by Taste Festivals. Taste of Dubai is usually held in March as part of the Dubai Food Festival, so it can be considered a festival within a festival.