Dubai World Cuisine to spotlight homegrown chefs
- Last updated: January 17, 2026 | 11:54 ..
Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter
DUBAI: Over 70 homegrown chefs from more than 30 nationalities are set to shaping Dubai’s culinary identity as scores of activities will take to the stage to demonstrate their signature dishes live, engage directly with industry audiences and open new commercial conversations.
The Emirate of Dubai’s rise as one of the world’s most influential gastronomic capital will be on full display at Dubai World Cuisine, the flagship culinary platform hosted within Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 26 – 30 January 2026 by Gulfood.
Marking Dubai’s evolution from a world-class dining capital to global flavour influencer, Dubai World Cuisine by Gulfood 2026 unites Michelin-starred chefs and globally celebrated talent creating original concepts shaped by the city’s multicultural fabric.
A culinary destination where world-class excellence and homegrown talent now set the global benchmark.
Crucially, Dubai World Cuisine by Gulfood 2026 places homegrown chefs such as Salam Dakkak, Hattem Mattar and collectives like Ojina Jeju alongside internationally celebrated names including Nina Métayer, World’s Best Pastry Chef and Antonio Bachour, one of the most celebrated pastry chefs in the world.
Chefs who have built their careers in Dubai including Brando Moros of 11 Woodfire (1 Michelin Star), Daniel Birk of Row on 45 (2 Michelin Stars, 4 Toques) and Solemann Haddad of Moonrise (1 Michelin Star, 3 Toques) demonstrate how global technique and local context combine to create something distinctly new.
The calibre of chefs participating in Dubai World Cuisine by Gulfood 2026 reflects the maturity of Dubai’s hospitality ecosystem. Across the programme are recipients of the World’s Best Pastry Chef (World’s 50 Best Restaurants), World’s Best Pastry Chef & Pastry Innovator, Gault & Millau Pastry Chef of the Year, Best Female Chef - MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, top-ranked restaurants in MENA’s 50 Best, alongside chefs holding multiple Bib Gourmands, Gault & Millau Toques and Michelin Stars.
Other standout names shaping the 2026 edition are Chris Malone of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (1 Michelin Star), Jesús Lobato of Smoked Room (1 Michelin Star), Saverio Sbaragli of Al Muntaha (1 Michelin Star, 4 Toques) and Tristin Farmer of Maison Dali (former 3 Michelin Stars). They are joined by influential voices shaping modern dining and culture, from Grégoire Berger and Kyung Soo Moon to social-first culinary figures such as Chef Shaheen, whose reach reflects the evolving ways chefs now connect with audiences and Dmitriy Vinokurov, Krasota Dubai, merging haute cuisine and visual art.
A City Narrated by Flavour, Culture and Cuisine
The 2026 edition will feature seven Michelin-star chefs, 80 masterclasses, workshops and live demonstrations, and 10 curated panels and debates, spanning more than 30 cuisines and culinary expressions.