FROM TRADITIONAL TO TRENDY: DUBAI’S F&B INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO FLOURISH

What’s life without food? Anyone living in Dubai knows this well. Dubai’s culinary landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, experiencing exponential growth in both quality and diversity. From traditional Emirati fare to international flavours from all corners of the world, Dubai’s dining scene has become a gastronomic paradise for food enthusiasts.

This upward trend has given rise to new concepts and F&B sensations, from cosy eateries in Bur Dubai and glitzy gourmet setups on the Palm leading the way. It’s safe to say that Dubai’s dining scene is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries to provide visitors and residents with an exceptional culinary experience.

However, brands understand that delivering exceptional culinary experiences is only one part of the equation for success. To stay ahead in today’s market, they need to be able to tap into the pulse of their audience and showcase their best dishes to wow crowds and set trends that will be replicated worldwide. This is where food events come to the rescue. They offer the perfect platform for experimentation and provide unlimited access to diverse audiences. Fortunately for us in Dubai, we are passionate about our events, especially the Dubai Food Festival. Running in its 10th year, the event has become a favourite among residents who enjoy the old, new, and unique.

The 2023 edition was the most successful yet, reaffirming the firm foothold of the F&B space in the country. DFF showcased a plethora of options, including casual dining, light bites, local and regional cuisine, and some hidden gems. As one of their key partners, we at BUZ spearheaded the launch of the AED 10 dish, which proved to be a resounding success. A fitting tribute to the 10th edition of the beloved festival, the AED 10 promo allowed customers to indulge

BAIJU KURIEASH CEO & Managing Director BUZ Management & Marketing

Baiju Kurieash is a highly successful business entrepreneur based in Dubai, known for his expertise in media, communication, events, and marketing strategies. As the founder of BUZ Marketing LLC, he has a remarkable track record of executing major initiatives for government and private sector entities. Currently serving as the CEO and Managing Director of BUZ MMC, Baiju is widely recognized as a sought-after speaker and thought leader in his field.

in a multitude of culinary delights at an affordable price point. Besides that, it provided brands with a platform to showcase their offerings and tap a wider audience.

The AED 10 promotion was a win-win for both festival-goers and participating brands, further boosting the festival’s popularity and cementing its status as a must-attend event for foodies in Dubai.

On the sidelines, we also witnessed several engaging experiences that took the festival’s buzz up a notch and created a truly memorable experience for all who were part of it. Renowned chefs showcased their skills and creativity at Chef’s tables, while experiential foodie offerings provided immersive dining experiences. Masterclasses offered participants a chance to learn from experts, and Dubai Restaurant Week provided great value dining deals. Kids’ experiences catered to the little ones, while the Beach Canteen created a vibrant atmosphere with its seaside setup.

The Dubai Food Festival’s success is a testament to the city’s mature palate, the burgeoning F&B industry, and its reputation as a global culinary destination. But the festival’s continued growth signals even more exciting innovations and creativity to come.

Today, Dubai boasts some of the world’s most exceptional restaurants, and with a dynamic culinary landscape and a passionate audience, the future of the F&B industry looks incredibly promising, leaving food lovers worldwide eagerly anticipating:

It is worthwhile mentioning here that the F&B offering in the malls are also changing with the gourmet friendly food halls are a growing addition. Depachika, Huna and Time Out market are good models of this growing new segment where curated food, events and experiences are offered. The food experience from handpicked and some locally known F&B outlets can be found in these food halls. The next is already here. For more info, please visit our website at www.ibuz.ae