Over 2,000 chefs spice up Sharjah’s ExpoCulinaire 2025

The 7th edition of ExpoCulinaire, the Middle East’s leading event for the food service, hospitality and catering industry, opened on Wednesday at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Organised by Purple Kitchen Events and supported by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), ExpoCulinaire 2025 runs until May 23 and brings together more than 2,000 chefs from around the world. The event offers professionals and enthusiasts an opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the culinary and hospitality sectors.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, accompanied by Waleed AbdelRahman BuKhatir, Second Vice-Chairman of SCCI, board members of the Chamber, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, and representatives from public and private sector entities.

Following the opening ceremony, attendees toured the pavilions, where exhibitors showcased signature dishes, smart kitchen technologies, advanced baking tools, high-end tableware and innovative storage and refrigeration solutions tailored to the hospitality industry.

Al Owais noted that the Chamber’s support reflects its strategy to strengthen Sharjah’s economic resources and reinforce the hospitality sector as a key pillar of the emirate’s and the UAE’s broader vision for sustainable development.

He added, “ExpoCulinaire plays a vital role in positioning Sharjah as a hub for specialised exhibitions that drive economic diversification and global partnerships.”

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa said this year’s edition brings together elite professionals and hundreds of specialised exhibitors across culinary services, kitchen equipment and food ingredients.

He described ExpoCulinaire as one of Expo Centre Sharjah’s flagship exhibitions, highlighting its growing importance in the hospitality industry.

The exhibition offers a prime networking and discovery platform for chefs and industry professionals from hotels, restaurants and catering companies, featuring the latest products, services and technologies across food, beverages, ingredients and cooking techniques.

A key highlight is the 28th Emirates International Salon Culinaire, the region’s largest and most prestigious culinary competition, hosted by the Emirates Culinary Guild.

The contest showcases top local and international chefs, celebrating culinary talent and excellence in gastronomy.

Running daily from 10:00 to 17:00, ExpoCulinaire 2025 also features curated display zones presenting signature dishes and core culinary elements from global cuisines, offering visitors insights into diverse food cultures.

WAM