By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI: Culinary enthusiasts are set to descend on the Dubai Chamber of Commerce this September 9th as The UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG), the official representative body of the UAE’s food and beverage sector, hosts an engaging open day. This highly anticipated event, scheduled to take place between 9am and 12pm, on the 13th floor of the Dubai Chambers Headquarters on Baniyas Road, Deira, will bring together a series of key stakeholders, government representatives, and industry leaders. MC-ing the event will be Duncan Muir, the Senior Director of F&B Retail at Bateel International, who will facilitate the expert discussions on the latest trends, data, and achievements within the F&B industry.
The UAE Restaurant Group is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing the UAE’s food and beverage sector by positioning the Emirates as a leading global gastronomic destination. The Group serves as a vital platform, promoting sustainable practices, fostering collaboration among industry players, and providing members with resources for sustained business growth. Its vision is to be the premier representative body for the F&B industry in the UAE, offering guidance and advocating for the sector’s development.
UAERG aims to strengthen the UAE’s food service sector by creating a bridge between businesses and government entities, encouraging innovation and transparency in the marketplace, and supporting job creation. As the respected voice of the industry, UAERG brings together professionals to enhance the industry’s competitiveness while highlighting its contribution to the UAE’s economy.
The upcoming open day will be a chance for attendees to participate in informative sessions, including a welcome address by Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAERG, and a keynote interview with Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of UAERG, in conversation with Panchali Mahendra, CEO, Atelier House Hospitality and UAERG member. Highlighting the current state of the F&B industry, it will also feature a keynote speech by Maha Algargawi, Vice President of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers, who will discuss the sector’s role in the UAE’s economy. Jennifer Pettinger-Haines and Samantha Wood, Advisors to the UAERG Board, will also present further data and insights on industry trends.
Continuing the day, a panel discussion, moderated by Andy Cuthbert, President, Emirates Culinary Guild and General Manager, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel & Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events, Jumeirah Hospitality, Advisor to the UAERG Board will delve into the diverse segments of Dubai’s F&B landscape, focusing on topics such as innovation, sustainability, and customer experience. Esteemed speakers, including Walid Fakih, CEO of McDonald’s UAE, Fay Economides, Executive Managing Director of M Management Company and Advisor to the UAERG Board, Julien Pilard, COO of 111 Hospitality and member ofUAERG, and Reshmi Mukherjee, co-founder of The Bhukkad Café, will then share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the sector. Finally, there will also be a post-summer update from key government partners Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, and Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) on new initiatives to support the hospitality industry.
Concluding the event will be a Q&A session, allowing attendees to engage directly with speakers and industry leaders, followed by closing remarks and a discussion on future outlooks for the sector by Tapan Vaidya, CEO, PJP Investments Group, Treasurer, UAERG.
Promising to be an enriching experience for all in attendance, don’t miss out and make your way to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce Headquarters to gain invaluable insights and help foster collaboration within the industry.
