- Sixteen top restaurants will serve exclusive tasting menus and signature dishes.
- Celebrity chefs Gino D’Acampo and Matt Preston lead interactive cooking workshops.
- New Friday Work Social packages offer the ultimate team building lunch.
- Kids under twelve enter for free with dedicated adventure quests available.
Dubai Media City Amphitheatre is currently preparing for a massive influx of flavor as the countdown begins for the city’s favorite culinary weekend. From February 6 to 8, Taste of Dubai 2026 will welcome over 27,000 visitors for a celebration of world class dining and non-stop entertainment. This year, the festival focuses on providing a personal touch to the gourmet experience, allowing every guest to find their own perfect rhythm among the city’s hottest kitchens.
Modern food lovers are increasingly seeking out a “clean beauty” aesthetic in their dining, prioritizing fresh ingredients and transparent cooking methods. This trend is mirrored at the festival through the presence of eco-friendly practices and artisanal vendors. The event brings together sixteen of the most sought-after restaurants in one place, each offering a curated menu of three to five tasting-sized portions. Guests can look forward to special Taste Exclusive Dishes from an elite lineup:
- Leña and The Guild for sophisticated cuts
- Duck and Waffle and Akira Back for global fusion
- Demon Duck and The Beam for inventive flavors
- Khadak, Ting Irie, and Lowe for regional and island vibes
- Lento, Nama Yoso, and Maya by Richard Sandoval
- Indya by Vineet, Rhodes W1, and Suma Gourmet
The festival isn’t just about eating, it is about learning from the masters. This year’s celebrity lineup features legendary Italian personality Gino D’Acampo, Masterchef Australia’s Matt Preston, and bestselling author Rachel Allen. Instagram sensation Harry Heal and the Giggling Gourmet Jenny Morris also join the fray. Visitors can get hands-on at the BLACK+DECKER Cook School, or watch expert pitmasters Andrew Dickens and Fred Casagrande at the Suma Gourmet Firepit. The Chefs’ Hub will even feature special sessions focused on Emirati flavors and insider kitchen tips.
For those who want to take their weekend to the next level, the VIP experience offers fast-track entry and access to a plush lounge with live music. VIP tickets include three food and four drink vouchers, ensuring a seamless day of indulgence. Even the corporate crowd has something to celebrate this year with the new Friday Work Social package. Designed for groups of ten or more, it offers a fresh take on the business lunch with early access and VIP lounge entry, making it a smarter way to spend a Friday afternoon.
- Little Chefs can join the Kidzapp Adventure Quest and win surprises
- Every restaurant features a dedicated kid friendly dish for young palates
- The Taste Artisan Market features viral Bread Ahead doughnuts and Pure Harvest
- Live music zones feature DJ Big Rossi, Salha and the Million Dollar Trio, and more
- A dedicated French Pavilion offers premium tastings and masterclasses
Beyond the plates, the festival is a hub for shopping and discovery. The Artisan Market hosts favorites like Queen Bee Honey and Booch Kombucha, while interactive games from brands like Voyah and Al Ain Farms keep the energy high. Licensed lounges for those over twenty-one provide refreshing pairings, and Drink Dry ensures a sophisticated non-alcoholic range is available for all. This reflects a commitment to bold innovation by creating an inclusive space where culture, craft, and community intersect perfectly.
Secure your advanced purchase tickets now before prices increase on opening day. Join in for a weekend of pure gastronomic joy and discover why this remains the highlight of the social calendar.
Shop now at the official Platinumlist ticketing page to secure your taster or VIP package.
