Let’s face it; here in Dubai, we’re all OBSESSED with food. So it makes sense that we have a THREE-WEEK-LONG food festival dedicated to showcasing the very best of what Dubai has to offer; from five-star restaurants to food trucks and street traders galore, there’s a little something for everyone going on. 

This festival (finally) starts this weekend and it’s about to take over our lives, here is a comprehensive guide to what’s going on…basically, because there’s loads of cool stuff happening and we don’t want to miss out on any of it.

So, let’s get the diaries out and take a look at what we have to look forward to over the coming weeks…

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Etisalat Beach Canteen – Kite Beach 

This is one to suit everyone, from the littlies and the foodies to the fitness junkies and the fashionistas. This free event is the hub of Dubai Food Festival and it will feature 15 home-grown restaurant concepts, celebrity chef appearances, fitness classes, open mic nights, separate farmers and fashion markets, live music, children’s activities, and even a beach cinema. New information and timings will be released as the event unfolds so visit the website for more details.

When? February 25 – March 12

Dubai Restaurant Week 

An absolutely brilliant idea that allows for even the thriftiest among us to eat at some of the finest restaurants in Dubai. Throughout the week guests can sample a three-course set menu for AED 189…at THIRTY different top class restaurants. Get ready to loosen that belt buckle because we reckon we’ll eat out every night of the week. Restaurants include Alta Badia, Atelier M, Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsey,  Café Belge, Fogueira, Fume, Garden, Hoi An, Junoon, Mint Leaf of London, Okku, Pai Thai, Social By Heinz Beck, The Croft, The Hide, The Ivy and The Rib Room. 

Book early to nab some of the most exclusive spots on www.roundmenu.com

When? February 25  – March 5

Dine With the Stars

Two amazing gala events kick off this weekend, offering some lucky diners the opportunity to dine with celebrity chefs who have especially prepared a menu for the occasion. On Thursday, Chef Manal Al Alem, ‘queen of the Arabian Kitchen’ will prepare a Middle Eastern themed evening and on Friday, guests will be treated to a five-course meal by some celebrity chefs, many of MasterChef Australia fame, including George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Manu Feildel, Matt Moran and Shannon Bennett.

When? February 25 – 26

Dubai Long Table – Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard 

Want to be part of a truly unique dining experience? For one day only there is going to be one ‘helluva loooooooooooooooog table set up along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai. 1,000 guests will sit at one of the longest dining tables ever and choose from six purposefully created three-course menus from the award-winning chefs of The Address Hotels and Resorts, and Vida Hotels and Resorts. The event is priced at AED 160 per adult and AED 90 per child (6-12 years) and complimentary for those below age six. 

When? February 26, 12.30 pm – 4 pm

Masterclass Series presented by Al Islami – SCAFA (Dubai’s School of Culinary and Finishing Arts) 

Are you a newbie in the kitchen but fancy yourself as the next Marco Pierre White? (Minus the terrible temper obvs.) Or are you a master chef in your own kitchen but want to get a couple of tips from the pros? The Masterclass series by Al Islami might be just for you; including classes by both local and international chefs, they kick off with George Calombaris (sold out), Gary Mehigan, Manu Feildel, Matt Moran, Manal Al Alem and Shannon Bennett on February 26.

The ‘Local Masterclass Series’ involves celebrated local chefs from the likes of Coya, the Sum of US and Jean-Georges (a lot of Lovin Dubai favourites basically!) who will unveil their top tips in the kitchen between March 8 – 11.

When? February 26 – March 11

Fatafeat Kitchen – Galeries Lafayette, The Dubai Mall 

Fatafeat, the only complete Arab foodie TV channel is hosting the second annual Fatafeat Kitchen, a free event where famous faces from the channel will host some live cooking demos. Nine chefs and personalities including Arda Turkmen, Lidia Bastianich, Daad Abu Jaber. Layla Fathalla, Mohammed Orfali, Sadiqa Ismail, Salma Sulaiman, Tarek Ibrahim and Wafaa Al Kandari will all take to the stage to host Q&A panels, tastings, demos and competitions. 

When? February 26 – 27

Eat The World DXB – Burj Park 

Street food traders, food trucks from as far away as London, and local greats are all combining to bring an exciting food and music event, where authentic food will be the highlight. Expect a fun market full of things you never knew you needed, children’s activities and chef demos from celebrity chefs Andy Bates, known for his hearty street food, and John Quilter aka the Food Busker. 

When? February 25 – 27

Get more info about the event here

The Big Grill – Emirates Golf Club

This is one for all BBQ lovers out there; attend the Big Grill and you can expect one massive BBQ, while restaurants from across the city will be there serving the best of their BBQ grilled eats too. Live music, entertainment and activities for the kiddies and workshops for foodie enthusiasts mean there’s something for everyone at this Big Grill. 

When? March 4 -5   

Street Nights Dubai (Food Festival Edition) – Bay Avenue, Business Bay

If you missed Eat the World DXB then don’t miss out on this too. Located in a new spot this year, this free street culture event has got everything from food trucks, (they’re EVERYWHERE these days) live street art, live performances from local musical talent and a Night Bazaar. Expect chilled vibes at this hip event, this event is the proof that there’s more substance to Dubai than supercars and five-star hotels.

When? March 4 – 5

Taste of Dubai – Media City Amphitheatre

One of the biggest and best events of Dubai Food Festival; we reckon this is the highlight of the event. With everything from a star-studded celebrity chef line-up, (Nathan Outlaw, Tom Aikens, Alfred Prasad and Atul Kochhar among others are already confirmed) fine-dining restaurants and street traders alike offering up individual bites AND an outdoor drinks license, there’s a reason this is in it’s ninth edition and still going strong. 

When? March 10 – 12

Signature Events and Signature Tastes

Signature Events and Signature Tastes are two separate events designed to showcase some of Dubai’s incredible food scene. The Event’s programme involves restaurant-led experiences like Reform Social hosting The Great British Garden Party or a Full Moon Dinner Party at Pier Chic for the sophisticated foodies. Signature Tastes involves ordering signature dishes from participating restaurants; your order will mean you automatically enter a draw to win a pre-loaded ADIB cards with a value of AED 250,000. This just gives us MORE of an excuse to eat out! (Like we needed any). 

When? February 25 – March 12

For tickets, reservations or more info on any of the above events visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com

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