Dubai claims its place as the global food capital as homegrown chefs take centre stage at Dubai World Cuisine by Gulfood 2026

Food, Drinks & Beverage

Dubai claims its place as the global food capital as homegrown chefs take centre stage at Dubai World Cuisine by Gulfood 2026

Dubai’s emergence as one of the world’s most influential gastronomic capitals will take centre stage at Dubai World Cuisine by Gulfood 2026, running from January 26 to 30 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The flagship culinary platform, hosted within Gulfood, will spotlight the city’s growing role as a global flavour influencer driven by both homegrown and internationally acclaimed chefs.

Bringing together more than 70 chefs from over 30 nationalities, the programme reflects the depth and diversity of Dubai’s culinary ecosystem. Participating chefs will present live cooking demonstrations, host masterclasses, engage in panel discussions and connect directly with industry leaders, reinforcing Dubai’s evolution from a world-class dining destination to a global tastemaker.

A defining feature of Dubai World Cuisine by Gulfood 2026 is its emphasis on chefs who have built their careers in the city. Homegrown culinary figures such as Salam Dakkak, Hattem Mattar and collectives like Ojina Jeju will share the stage with globally recognised names including Nina Métayer, named World’s Best Pastry Chef, and Antonio Bachour, one of the world’s most celebrated pastry chefs. Michelin-starred chefs who have developed their concepts in Dubai, including Brando Moros of 11 Woodfire, Daniel Birk of Row on 45 and Solemann Haddad of Moonrise, will demonstrate how global techniques are reinterpreted through Dubai’s multicultural lens.

The 2026 edition will feature an extensive line-up of award-winning talent, including recipients of World’s Best Pastry Chef, Gault & Millau honours, MENA’s 50 Best accolades and multiple Michelin Stars. Notable participants include Chris Malone of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Jesús Lobato of Smoked Room, Saverio Sbaragli of Al Muntaha and Tristin Farmer of Maison Dali. Influential culinary voices such as Grégoire Berger, Kyung Soo Moon and social-first chefs like Chef Shaheen will also take part, highlighting the evolving ways chefs engage with audiences. Dmitriy Vinokurov of Krasota Dubai will further showcase the intersection of haute cuisine and immersive visual art.

Across five days, Dubai World Cuisine by Gulfood 2026 will host seven Michelin-star chefs, 80 masterclasses, workshops and live demonstrations, along with 10 curated panel discussions and debates. The programme will span more than 30 cuisines and formats, including fine dining, modern pastry, neighbourhood concepts, coffee culture, mixology, zero-alcohol innovation and cross-cultural cuisine.

Held within Gulfood, the world’s leading food and beverage trade event, Dubai World Cuisine places chefs at the centre of global industry conversations. The platform underscores Dubai’s growing role as an exporter of culinary talent, ideas and influence, reinforcing its position as a city shaping the future of global gastronomy.

Gulfood 2026 will take place from January 26 to 30 across Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.