GreatList sets out to spotlight Dubai as the world’s gastronomic capital

International restaurant guide GreatList, known for its deep expertise across the global F&B industry, has launched GreatList Sessions, an ambitious culinary initiative to highlight Dubai as the world’s gastronomic capital. The company organised the first and largest overseas showcase of Dubai’s ten most celebrated chefs, recognised by Michelin, Gault&Millau, The World’s 50 Best MENA, The Best Chef Awards and GreatList, to connect cultures through food and give global audiences a deeper understanding of the UAE’s diverse culinary identity.

Elevating Dubai’s culinary identity

The tour kicked off in Moscow, marking the debut of a large-scale international showcase in one of Dubai’s top ten tourist markets. Dubai’s top restaurants hosted immersive week-long sold-out pop-ups, offering diners a true taste of the city’s culinary innovation while making its vibrant F&B landscape more accessible to global audiences. This achieved record-breaking visibility: over 400 publications, four features on national television, and a total media reach exceeding 45 million readers, delivering impactful media value that further strengthens Dubai’s reputation as a hub for cross-cultural collaboration.

GreatList familiarized diners with the depth, originality, and diversity of Dubai’s dining scene, reflecting the cuisine that is a melting pot of 200 nationalities that reside in the city. The project brought together some of Dubai’s most celebrated restaurants: Gerbou, HANU, Bayt Mariam and Sufret Mariam, Moonrise, Row on 45, Signor Sassi, BOCA, Takahisa, and Jun’s showing the full spectrum of Dubai’s dining culture — from contemporary Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine to modern interpretations of global gastronomic traditions.

Building bridges through food

Alexander Sysoev, Founder of GreatList, said: “GreatList is proud to showcase the exceptional talent driving Dubai’s contemporary food culture. This project has become a bridge between the UAE and other culinary destinations, connecting chefs and ideas while highlighting Dubai’s role as one of the world’s most dynamic gastronomic capitals. We aim to inspire future travelers to explore the city more deeply through its chefs, flavors, and spirit. It’s an important step in connecting the best minds in the industry and strengthening collaboration across borders.”

Nurturing New Talent

Beyond international recognition, GreatList is also committed to supporting the UAE’s F&B ecosystem and the development of the next generation of homegrown culinary talent. In October, the first GreatList by Alexander Sysoev Scholarship was awarded in partnership with the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The annual scholarship recognizes the most talented students completing their Certificate in Culinary Arts, rewarding them with full and partial tuition awards to advance their studies and grow into the future heroes of Dubai’s restaurant industry. This reflects GreatList’s long-term mission to empower the next generation of chefs and elevate the standards of the UAE’s culinary and hospitality sectors.

Fueling UAE’s F&B sector

The UAE’s gastronomy market is projected to reach US$50.21 billion by 2033, driven by the country’s thriving tourism sector, world-class dining infrastructure, and the increasing global recognition of Dubai as a culinary hub. GreatList’s overseas showcase contributes directly to this momentum, positioning UAE chefs and restaurants on the global stage while opening new opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange.

Looking ahead, the company is set to expand its global footprint into Shanghai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore. GreatList will continue to support the local F&B ecosystem and development of homegrown talent in the UAE.

For more information about GreatList, please visit: greatlist.ae