The Dubai Emirate is set to hold the “Dubai World Culinary Festival,” a major culinary showcase, at the Dubai World Trade Centre from January 26 to 30, 2026, coinciding with the “Gulfood” exhibition. This event will feature over 70 chefs from more than 30 nationalities, emphasizing Dubai’s position as a leading global culinary capital.
The festival will highlight the talents of top chefs who will present their signature dishes live, engaging directly with industry professionals and fostering new opportunities for dialogue and business collaborations.
The “Dubai World Culinary Festival” illustrates Dubai’s remarkable transformation from a global leader in food tourism to a significant influencer in the flavor industry, showcasing a group of Michelin-starred chefs.
A carefully curated selection of global talents will create authentic culinary concepts inspired by the city’s unique cultural fabric, merging international excellence with local creativity to establish global standards in culinary arts.
The “Dubai World Culinary Festival,” part of “Gulfood 2026,” will bring together local chefs alongside renowned international figures. Chefs who have built their careers in Dubai will demonstrate their ability to blend global techniques with local flavors, resulting in unparalleled culinary experiences.
The high caliber of chefs participating in the “Dubai World Culinary Festival,” held alongside “Gulfood 2026,” reflects the significance of Dubai’s hospitality sector.
The program will feature award-winning chefs, including the best baking professional globally (listed among the world’s top 50 restaurants), the best baking artist worldwide, and several chefs recognized by the “Gault & Millau” awards.
Also highlighted will be the best female chef on the list of the top 50 restaurants in the Middle East, alongside several restaurants that have ranked high in that list, as well as chefs with multiple “Bib Gourmand” accolades, “Gault & Millau” chef hats, and Michelin stars.
Participation
The 2026 edition will see the participation of seven Michelin-starred chefs and include 80 master classes, workshops, and live demonstrations, along with 10 carefully curated discussion sessions and debates.
The events will feature over 30 different cuisines and cooking styles, including lavish dining experiences, modern pastries, local restaurants, specialty coffee experiences, mixology, and innovative non-alcoholic beverages, as well as cross-cultural culinary offerings.
The “Dubai World Culinary Festival” will take place alongside “Gulfood,” the largest trade exhibition for the food and beverage sector globally, positioning chefs at the heart of the industry’s global dialogue and enhancing Dubai’s status as a city exporting talents, ideas, and culinary experiences worldwide.