Foodies, mark your calendars because Abu Dhabi Culinary Season is set to serve up major mouth-tatering experiences across the emirate. The premier food festival is returning from October 18 until December 9 with an enhanced third edition that will surely reinforce the UAE capital’s position as a leading global culinary destination via remarkable, unique and diverse programming for culinary-themed events.
“Following two years of evolution and growth, this year’s Abu Dhabi Culinary Season promises to cement Abu Dhabi’s standing as a must-visit destination for global 'Gastronomads', thereby supporting local establishments by generating footfall and revenue, and contributing to the emirate’s overall success in the tourism sector,” HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism & Marketing, The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), said.
The six-week celebration of innovative food experiences, made possible by DCT Abu Dhabi and its dedicated industry, Abu Dhabi Culinary, will serve as host to the inaugural celebration of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. Plus, following an incredibly successful debut last year, the innovative “Food Forward” series is returning for four days, with experiential supper clubs and exclusive dining experiences on offer from October 19-23. A third “Food Forward” series programme is even expected to roll-out later in the Season, leading international gourmands and culinary masterminds to be bring their international flair and kitchen prowess to Abu Dhabi’s fast-maturing epicurean scene. Culinary wizards like Anthony Demetre and Chef Faisal Naser are confirmed, guaranteeing diners across the city an unforgettable experience at the iconic Emirates Palace.
Additionally, the hugely popular “Chef’s Table” series is making a comeback, bigger than ever, to continue enriching and nurturing the emirate’s homegrown culinary ecosystem. The series will see 20 of the city’s best restaurants serve up exclusive multi-course menus, entertainment, masterclasses, collaborations with Emirati chefs and more from October 25 – November 27. Some of the eateries involved include LPM, Coya, Villa Toscana, Hakkasan, Buddha Bar and Beirut Sur Mer.
Abu Dhabi Culinary Season will also celebrate the emirate’s gastronomic diversity with the launch of much-loved concepts including Paradiso, Bushra, Akiba Dori and more at the new Yas Bay development on Yas Island.
Collaborations with homegrown and distinguished culinary talents will highlight the expanding haute cuisine landscape across the emirate, while an exclusive partnership with Gaggenau will pay homage to Emirati craftsmen. It will also weave connections between heritage, luxury and culinary skills at ‘The Craftmanship Dinner’ at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Another headline event during Abu Dhabi Culinary Season is a circus-themed afternoon tea at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers between November 1 and January 30.
