“GulfHost, says Mark Napier, VP – Portfolio Growth Food & Hospitality at organizer Dubai World Trade Centre, is “a transformative event for the global hospitality, HoReCa, and foodservice industries.” As MENA’s most influential foodservice and hospitality equipment exhibition, GulfHost is not just a regional event, “but a significant international platform that will bring together over 25,000 qualified buyers and decision-makers from more than 150 countries,” he adds.
This year, the show expands again with more than 350 exhibitors and 16,000 sqm of exhibition space, showcasing the latest innovations in hospitality and foodservice equipments. For Napier, the addition of new country pavilions from Brazil and India, alongside established ones from the UK, Italy, Germany, and more, highlights “the global reach and diversity of the event.”
The show also offers an unparalleled opportunity for learning and networking through the Foodservice Excellence Summit, a three-day conference produced in partnership with FCSI, featuring over 70 international experts, including world-renowned foodservice consultants, and executives from leading hotel and restaurant groups. “This unique convergence of global expertise and cutting-edge solutions makes GulfHost 2024 an unmissable event for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving hospitality and foodservice sectors,” says Napier.
For Richard Haddad FCSI of hcig in Dubai, this is such an important – and truly global – show. “Such an event is pivotal, not only for the region but also on international level. It is a dynamic platform to engage all stakeholders from the industry into an environment of sharing expertise and networking in an industry that has been evolving over the past decade at an exponential pace,” he says. “Furthermore, Gulfhost will address global issues such as food security, sustainable farming, food waste reduction, and enhancing food safety standards. It will also encourage local culinary talents and concepts to share success stories.”
Show highlights
GulfHost 2024 will showcase the largest array of global foodservice equipment exhibitors, says Napier. “These trailblazing brands will unveil cutting-edge innovations aligned with our 2024 event themes: smart kitchens, AI and automation, creative customization, the modular future, and sustainable solutions. Another highlight for Napier is the debut of the YouthX Future Consultant Challenge, where students will showcase their creativity by developing innovative foodservice concepts using the latest equipment sourced from the show.
The Foodservice Excellence Summit at GulfHost will see hugely experienced leaders in foodservice and hospitality come together in a series of expert panel sessions and presentations, addressing everything from changing customer profiles to sustainability. Tom Allen, chef de cuisine of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at Atlantis; Moritz Neumann, culinary director of JW Marriott Marquis; Christine Assouad, the CEO of Dunkin’ Donuts Lebanon; Haitham Al-Beik, CEO and founder, Wings and Director, Expo City Dubai; and Bassam Riachi, senior operations manager at Emirates Flight Catering will join the extensive speaker line-up. They will be joined by some of the region’s leading FCSI Professional-member consultants, including Richard Haddad FCSI of Hospitality Consultancy and Investment Group; Helge Pahlke FCSI from K’Drei; and Roger Obeid FCSI.
“In my second participation at the Gulfhost as a senior FCSI board member, I look forward to engaging with industry experts and to grow our association in the region to ensure that we keep evolving the industry sustainably and professionally, adds Haddad. “I am proud as well to play an integral part to bring the Foodservice Excellence Summit and the YouthX Future Consultant Challenge, two major components focusing on sharing knowledge and inclusion of future young professionals.”
The show will also see the staging of Chef Talks, where top chefs from across MENA will share insights into culinary and food innovation; the GulfHost Innovation Awards, which will spotlight groundbreaking advancements in various categories; and The Coffee Experience Lab, which promises a sensory journey through the world of coffee. “Our dedicated meetings program will further enhance the experience, facilitating connections with MENA’s top decision-makers in hospitality and foodservice,” says Napier.
Michael Jones
