- Exclusive awards gala celebrated pastry, chocolate and coffee excellence in Dubai.
- Karim Bourgi received the Excellence Award for outstanding pastry contribution.
- Sarah Hamouda and Yezen Alani earned Innovation Trailblazer recognition for Dubai.
- Khalid Al Mulla accepted the Lifetime Award for UAE coffee excellence.
Last night, Dubai’s culinary community gathered at the Murjan Ballroom, Madinat Jumeirah, for an exclusive awards gala ahead of Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie. The event celebrated excellence across pastry, chocolate and coffee, and offered an avant-première of the Chocolate Fashion Show while recognising three industry leaders for their craft and contribution.
The ceremony presented three headline awards that put a spotlight on individuals pushing the region’s sweet scene forward. Winners included:
- Excellence Award: Karim Bourgi, celebrated for his craftsmanship and contribution to pastry.
- Innovation Trailblazer Award: Sarah Hamouda and Yezen Alani, recognised for putting Dubai chocolate on the world map.
- Lifetime Award: Khalid Al Mulla, honoured for his pioneering role in elevating the UAE coffee scene.
These moments honoured both craft and vision, and underscored how talent from the UAE and the wider region is being celebrated on an international platform.
Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie is one of the region’s largest gatherings for chocolate, pastry, gelato and coffee professionals, drawing thousands of visitors and dozens of exhibitors. The gala and the wider festival create a business and cultural moment where product launches, competitions, and industry conversations meet public-facing demos and masterclasses. That dual function helps position Dubai as a growing hub for confectionery innovation and professional exchange.
Set against the Murjan Ballroom’s elegant backdrop, the evening mixed fine dining with a preview of the Chocolate Fashion Show, blending haute couture with edible artistry. For chefs, chocolatiers and coffee leaders in attendance, the gala was a chance to network, benchmark techniques, and celebrate the craft that makes dessert culture a serious creative field. The atmosphere was equal parts industry homecoming and cultural showcase.
Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie runs at Madinat Jumeirah through October 2, offering shows, demos, and competitions that celebrate the best in chocolate, pastry and coffee. Attend masterclasses or the Chocolate Fashion Show to taste and witness the creativity on display.
