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International restaurant guide GreatList, renowned for its deep expertise in the global F&B industry, has launched GreatList Sessions, a culinary initiative designed to position Dubai as the world’s next gastronomic capital. The company organised the first and largest overseas showcase of Dubai’s top ten 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 richer understanding of the UAE’s diverse culinary identity.
Elevating Dubai’s culinary identity
The tour debuted in Moscow, marking the first large-scale international showcase in one of Dubai’s top ten tourist markets. Over a week of sold-out pop-ups, Dubai’s leading restaurants brought immersive dining experiences to Moscow, giving guests an authentic taste of the city’s culinary creativity while expanding the global perception of its F&B landscape. The event generated record-breaking visibility — over 400 publications, four national television features, and a media reach exceeding 45 million readers — strengthening Dubai’s growing reputation as a hub for cross-cultural collaboration through cuisine.
The initiative highlighted the richness and originality of Dubai’s dining scene, reflecting its multicultural fabric of over 200 nationalities. The showcase featured celebrated Dubai restaurants including Gerbou, HANU, Bayt Mariam and Sufret Mariam, Moonrise, Row on 45, Signor Sassi, BOCA, Takahisa, and Jun’s, spanning contemporary Middle Eastern, Asian, and modern global cuisines — a true reflection of the city’s culinary diversity.
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
Alongside global recognition, GreatList is investing in the UAE’s culinary ecosystem and next-generation talent. In October, the company introduced the GreatList by Alexander Sysoev Scholarship in partnership with the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The annual scholarship honours top-performing students completing their Certificate in Culinary Arts, offering full and partial tuition awards to help them advance their careers. The initiative reflects GreatList’s mission to nurture homegrown talent and raise the standards of the UAE’s culinary and hospitality industries.
Fueling the UAE’s F&B sector
The UAE’s gastronomy market is projected to reach $50.21bn by 2033, supported by its vibrant tourism sector, robust hospitality infrastructure, and rising global profile as a culinary destination. GreatList’s international showcase aligns with this growth, spotlighting UAE chefs and restaurants on the world stage while fostering partnerships and cultural exchange.
Looking ahead, GreatList plans to expand GreatList Sessions to Shanghai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore, further amplifying Dubai’s culinary influence and supporting the development of the UAE’s F&B ecosystem.
