Dubai, UAE: The highly anticipated return of Taste of Dubai, was announced this morning by MENA Live Events in association with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The festival is set to take place from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th February 2026 at the iconic Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Taste of Dubai expects to attract 25,000 foodies, families, and friends for three days of mouth-watering cuisine, celebrity chef workshops, live entertainment, and unforgettable festival vibes.
The Bites: 16 Restaurants, Taster Dishes
The festival will showcase 16 of Dubai’s best restaurants. Each pop-up will design a menu of three to five ‘taster’ size dishes. This allows guests to sample their favourites from across the impressive line-up and every restaurant will offer at least one vegetarian option and one kid-friendly dish. Dishes can be purchased at the event using credit/debit cards or with vouchers included in select ticket packages. The first six confirmed restaurants are Leña, Duck and Waffle, Akira Back, Demon Duck, Lowe, and Khadak.
A Star-Studded Culinary Lineup
The highlight of the festival remains the celebrity chef presence. Taste organisers have announced the first line-up of renowned chefs making appearances throughout the weekend. Guests can catch them at the Taste Cook School, Chefs Hub, and Fire Pit. The exclusive workshops allow guests to cook alongside them and learn insider tips, tricks, and best-kept kitchen secrets. Virgin Radio’s own Priti Malik will host sessions, guaranteeing lively entertainment. The first announced chefs include legendary Italian Chef & TV personality Gino D’Acampo, Masterchef Australia Judge Matt Preston, Ireland’s bestselling cookery writer and TV chef Rachel Allen, Instagram Chef sensation Harry Heal, South Africa’s Giggling Gourmet Jenny Morris, Smoking Beard’s own Fred Casagrande, and UK’s favourite pitmasters Andre Dickens & Joseph Nesbitt-Larking. All workshops are included for free with event entry tickets, and sign-up for sessions operates on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.
