19 minute read
EXPO EATS
EATS
From finedining feasts and food of the future to onto-go bites and local flavours, you can taste the world during your visit to Expo 2020 Dubai
EXPO
WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD
Avisit to Expo 2020 Dubai encompasses many experiences, from culture, architecture and technology, to fun and entertainment. But as a global gathering place for more than 192 participating countries, it’s also the ideal place to discover new flavours from around the world. Whether you’re visiting the event just to dine, or need to refuel in between business meetings, you are spoiled for gastronomic choice, with everything from snacks and street food to fine dining and new culinary experiences on offer. Here’s some bite-sized information detailing a selection of the delicious options available.
Africa calls
A bespoke Expo food concept, Alkebulan (pronounced al-kee-boulan) – the oldest name for Africa and translating to ‘Mother of Mankind’ or ‘Garden of Eden’ – is an exploration of the African continent’s rich and diverse culture, consumed through its food, music and design and curated by award-winning chef Alexander Smalls. From gourmet dishes to street bites and fusion cuisine, you can try 10 different menus at the world’s first African dining hall, located in Jubilee Park. While you dine, enjoy African sounds from live performers. alkebulandininghall.com
Haute cuisine
Accor, a global hospitality group with more than 400 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, is a Premium Sponsor of the France Pavilion at Expo 2020, which only means one thing – your chance to experience cuisine from top hotel chefs. At the helm are Chef Martin Becquart and Chef Erwan Stadler, who are leading the iconic Sofitel Dubai Downtown Food & Beverage team, the main caterer at the pavilion. Both chefs have created exclusive menus for the duration of Expo. At the same time, Accor has invited six guest chefs from its hotels in France to present the finest gastronomy the country has to offer, with a focus on authenticity and diversity and regions showcased including Bourgogne, French Riviera and Corsica, South West, Brittany and Normandy, Paris & Ile-de-France and Alsace. This month (December) you can discover delicious dishes from emblematic Chef Dominique Frérard from Sofitel Les Trois Forts in Marseille, who combines recipes from the pure Provencal tradition with new elements and types of cuisine. His menu includes warm oysters for starters and for traditional mains such as a ‘Poulet Basquaise’, a slowly pot roasted chicken in a ‘piperade’, or a Merlu ‘Bordelaise style’. Guests can finish with a sweet by trying a baked French dessert with prunes or a crème brulée ‘Catalane’. Other upcoming guest chefs include Chef Patrick Barbin from Sofitel Quiberon Thalassa Sea & Spa, representing the Britany and Normandy region in January 2022. He incorporates local and iodic flavours to his cuisine, largely based on fish and seafood. He particularly enjoys preparing pollack, with oysters and sea asparagus. Visitors will then have the opportunity to discover the authentic and original cuisine of the Paris and Ile-de-France region represented by German Chef Martin Simolka, who will visit Expo in February 2022. Simple and elegant, his cuisine is plantbased and organic with a modern twist. Last, but not least, Chef Matthieu Klein from Sofitel Strasbourg will visit in March, showcasing a diverse menu from the Alsace region, with a pastry tart crust made with custard cream and sautéed onions for appetizers or the famous ‘Choucroute de la mer’. To end on a sweet note, the France Pavilion will also be showcasing an exclusive dessert, ‘Le Gustave’, conceptualised by Chef Jessica Préalpato, Ambassador of the France Pavilion and celebrated as the World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2019. Inspired by her concept of natural desserts – desseralité – ‘Le Gustave’ is a fusion of French and Middle Eastern cuisine. Table bookings can be made by calling +971 50 918 4281 or emailing H7492-fb10@sofitel.com
ABOVE: Chef Erwan and Chef Martin TOP: ‘Le Gustave’, conceptualised by Chef Jessica Préalpato RIGHT: Arabic coffee LEFT: Emirati cuisine is a must-try at Expo
DID YOU KNOW?
There are more than 200 food outlets at EXPO 2020 Dubai, making the event a dining destination in its own right
Local flavours
Another Expo concept in Jubilee Park, Taste of the Gulf is where well-known chefs from the region showcase traditional cuisine, from meat, fish and rice dishes with a twist to popular drinks flavoured with spices like cardamon, saffron and mint and of course, Arabic coffee. Don’t miss the live cooking station at Farrago, the Expo Culinary Experience restaurant, where countries from around the world are being invited to show off their national dishes.
Dine in 2320
For something completely different, The Future of Food: Epochal Banquet, is a two-hour foodie experience like no other. Inspired by space travel, microbiology and AI, this three-course meal, designed by multi-sensory studio Bompas & Parr, introduces you to restaurants of the future. “Expect edible creations that glow in the dark, flavour-changing desserts, and rare ingredients including new-to-the-plate plants,” says Vogue. bompasandparr.com
Dine with robots
Talabat is a two-storey food hall offering 30 food concepts from one kitchen and uses cutting-edge technology and robotics to deliver the dining experience. Use the food hall screens or Expo app to place your order and pick up your meal at the conveyor belt. If you don’t have time to drop into Talabat, located in Jubilee, tap your order into the Talabat app and pick it up from one of the dedicated kiosks at Expo. talabat.com
Plant-based perfection
Celebrity chef, plant-based lifestyle guru, restaurateur and author Matthew Kenney, is showcasing his culinary expertise at Expo’s Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, with four unique eateries focused on a forward-thinking and innovative approach to food sustainability: M.A.K.E, Veg’d, MUDRA and XYST all aim to improve the way the world eats.
Try the signature Veg’d burger, or eggs made solely from plants, at Veg’d on the ground floor; grab-and-go plantbased tucker at the M.A.K.E food truck in Terra’s grounds; indulge in Mediterranean and Middle East dishes, plus plant-based patisserie at XYST on the first floor; and for a rooftop bar with a difference, Mudra combines art and design with healthy seasonal food, plus cocktails, views and DJ beats. matthewkenneycuisine.com
ABOVE: Try the signature burger at Veg’d BELOW: The Mobility Pavilion hosts Alif Café by farm2table BOTTOM LEFT: Plantbased perfection by Matthew Kenney at The Sustainability Pavilion
Pavilion picks
Alif – The Mobility Pavilion hosts Alif Café by farm2table, a casual eatery from Abu Dhabi-based chef Jessica Queitsch, shining a light on the heritage of key ingredients from the silk route such as coffee, rice, pasta and spices. Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion aims to place significant emphasis on food and drink producers. One of its highlights is the dedicated working space where visitors will find top Emirati coffee roastery, Canvas by Coffee Culture.
Korean meets Japanese
Social dining concept Kojaki blends bold Korean and Japanese flavours. The contemporary restaurant, located in The Opportunity District, promises “high-end dining and advanced cooking techniques”, creating “specialty Korean favourites with a Japanese twist”. Tempting starters include Mandu (Korean dumplings) and Yukhoe (traditional raw meat dish), while mains range from marinated lamb cutlets with pickled daikon to salmon with sesame oil, spring onions, and sweet soy sauce. Throughout Expo 2020, this modern Korean restaurant with a Japanese flair will present K-Time Happy Hour and Ladies Day offers. At K-Time, all house beverages and selected cocktails are priced at AED 25 from Sunday to Thursday from 4pm to 7pm and on Ladies Day (Tuesday), ladies are entitled to three drinks on the house from 12pm to 12am. For reservations call +971 52 500 9299
The best of the best
An incredible line-up of Michelin-star and top chefs from the UAE around the world are treating Expogoers to tasting menus, degustation menus and more in celebration of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee from now until the end of January 2022. In addition, the highly recommended Jubilee Experience offers lunch and dinner degustation menus at the Jubilee Gastronomy Restaurant every Tuesday throughout the event, with chefs creating signature four- and nine-course menus. These are a mustbook. To view the line-up of chefs and the full calendar of luxury culinary events, visit jubileegastronomy.com
ABOVE: Mandu (dumplings) at Kokaji BELOW: Horopito marinated salmon at Tiaki
Kiwi classics
New Zealand is serving contemporary cuisine made from sustainably sourced products ranging from hoki fish, grassfed beef and free-range chicken to an exceptional selection of cheeses and honey at its permanent pavilion restaurant Tiaki. Choose from horopito marinated salmon, greenshell mussels and a Kāpiti Akatea traditional baked brie to start; dishes such as seared Canterbury lamb cutlets, crumbed sustainably caught hoki fillet, slow-cooked pasture-raised venison, and a succulent Kiwiburger made with beef or a mushroom vegetarian option for mains; and round off your meal with mouth-watering dessert options including honey cake and an Anzac biscuit ice-cream sandwich – both made with Comvita Mānuka honey – as well as New Zealand’s signature Pavlova and a fresh fruit carpaccio made with Zespri Kiwifruit. Tiaki is one of only a few fully licensed pavilion restaurants open to the public throughout Expo 2020. nzatexpo.govt.nz/tiaki
Dubai restaurant favourites
Two of Dubai’s most loved restaurants, Bussola and Fish, have found their way to Expo, both located in the Sustainability District. Exuding authentic Italian seaside charm and vacation vibes, Bussola tempts with antipasti favourites that are perfect for sharing. Highlights of the menu include creamy burrata served with fresh heirloom tomatoes and handpicked basil, as well as divine beef bresaola carpaccio served with arugula salad, Padana cheese and a balsamic reduction. If you fancy a larger dish after a busy day, try Italian classics such as Bussola’s delicious Lasagna Alla Bolognese; a traditional lasagna unlike any other, or Tortellino Al Funghi Porcini e Tartufo; mushroom stuffed tortelloni with a creamy parmesan and truffle sauce. Save some room for desserts, which include an incredible Tiramisu and Panna Cotta.
Greek-inspired Fish serves cold mezze favourites such as octopus marinated in fresh rosemary, garlic and fresh oregano served with lemon olive oil, as well as sea bass marinated in fresh herbs and served with orange, rosemary and fresh oregano. Make sure you pick from the hot mezze menu too, with dishes that include deep-fried calamari served with tartar sauce, or a casserole of shrimps, mushrooms, tomatoes and long green peppers, served with melted cheese. Hot off the grill is sea bream or salmon, served with lemon, grilled potatoes and green Turkish peppers. The mouth-watering selection of desserts include traditional Turkish carrot sliced baklava served with vanilla ice cream and three milk bread with caramel sauce.
Call +971 (0)50 847 9903.
ABOVE: Fish serves delicious Greekinpsired dishes TOP: Tuck into hearty Italian fare at Bussola
Keep on truckin’
You’ll see food trucks parked up in every district – Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability – each serving tasty street food ranging from pizza, hotdogs and Lebanese snacks to ice cream, waffles and mini pancakes. Ideal for a quick pitstop with friends, colleagues and family, these casual outdoor venues offer plenty of seating.
LEFT: Arabian Tea House BOTTOM: The signature South Central Burger
Homegrown brands
A host of UAE talent features heavily in the line-up of eateries at Expo 2020, spanning cuisines from India to Ireland, and including classic UAE brands such as Arabian Tea House; Indian gem and biryani specialist Al Farwania; Filipino hotspot Dampa Seafood Grill; Lebanese stalwart Al Reef Bakery; and Hanon Feras Sweets, renowned for its traditional Middle Eastern dessert, kanafa. e six-month spectacle also features Pakistani street food go-to, Ravi Restaurant, Maraheb Yemeni Restaurant, and Sarouja Restaurant & Café, a popular Syrian and Mediterranean spot.
O -site indulgence
An ideal stop-o on the way to or from Expo is the new neighbourhood hotspot, South Central, Kitchen – Bar – Terrace, which has just opened in Dubai South. Comfort food with a modern take is the order of the day at this venue, described as a “modern social kitchen”. Signature dishes include the South Central Burger with aged cheddar cheese and a choice of homemade burger buns - classic brioche or black charcoal or red beetroot bun. You can also select the patty – beef or southern fried chicken or cod sh, and for vegetarians, there is a “just like meat” option. Instead of classic fries, triple-cooked secret recipe chips made from Idaho potato are on o er, and for dessert, it’s a decadent Oreo cheesecake. South Central is located at Holiday Inn Dubai Al Maktoum Airport Hotel in the new part of Dubai South, next to the Expo Dubai 2020 site. Featuring spaces that can be converted into di erent areas to stage gatherings of all kinds, including the outdoor terrace, it’s also good for casual business events. A daily happy hour, sports screens, a ladies’ night and a ursday night DJ are draw cards too. If you are looking for a hotel close to Expo, this one has a 24/7 gym, spa, hair salon, yoga studio, pool bar and lounge. ihg.com
DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE
For the full menu of Expo’s gastronomic o ering, download the Eat at Expo food guide, which is regularly updated and available at expo2020dubai.com/ en/plan-your-visit/where-to-eat
BOOM TOWN
Mohab Samak, Managing Director, Engel & Völkers, explains why the time is right to invest in Dubai’s fast-growing real estate market
Dubai’s real estate market is booming, with the latest data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) reporting 48,651 sales worth AED177.44 billion (US$48.31 billion) for the 10 months to
October 2021, up 38.34 per cent yearon-year in terms of transactions and 63.4 per cent in terms of value – the highest yearly sales figures since 2015.
And in October, the market reached an eight-year high, with investors ploughing
AED13.12 billion ($3.57 billion) into the property sector through 5,352 deals.
Around 60 per cent of all transactions recorded in October were for secondary or ready properties and 40 per cent were for o -plan properties.
“The o -plan market transacted 2,133 properties worth a total of AED4.4 billion ($1.2 billion) while the ready market transacted 3,219 sales transactions worth
AED8.72 billion ($2.37 billion),” says the
DLD, adding that developers reported a total of 3,395 transactions worth AED8.08 billion ($2.2 billion) and individual sales accounted for 1,957 transactions worth
AED5.03 billion ($1.36 billion).
Mohab Samak, Managing Director at Engel & Völkers, which specialises in the brokerage of premium residential property, says there are many factors contributing to the Dubai real estate market boom from Q2 2020 to date.
“Since the pandemic there has been pent-up demand, which, combined with low mortgage interest rates, proactive government initiatives designed to stimulate investment, policy shifts regarding UAE residency programmes and the resilience Dubai has shown in handling the challenges of COVID-19, which among other things, has kept tourism alive, has paid dividends,” he says.
“Expo 2020 Dubai has also positively impacted the real estate market as the largest event to be staged in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region and anticipated to attract some 25 million visitors from around the world. It is set to open doors for participants, tourists and investors to access a larger network as the UAE promotes sustainability, mobility and opportunity – the three key Expo sub-themes – which will boost the country’s economy through global exposure. More foreign investors are therefore expected as supplies and
investment opportunities increase.” Samak believes Dubai’s ability to achieve economic stability during the pandemic, combined with its world-class infrastructure and advantageous geographic location – acting as a gateway to key markets across Europe, Africa and Asia – continue to draw new residents to the city.
“Dubai is becoming a more appealing city in which to live because of its resilience during challenging circumstances, its high vaccination rate and its ranking as one of the world’s safest cities,” he adds.
TOP TRENDS
According to the latest analysis by Dubai real estate experts, the market will remain buoyant in 2022. “Therefore, significant movement in Dubai properties is still anticipated since prices will remain a ordable, especially compared to those in other major cities,” Samak says.
Many other factors remain constant, adding to investment appeal, including high rental yields, low interest rates and a ordable payment plans o ered by property developers.
“And despite property prices increasing this year, if we were to compare Dubai prices with the European region or any other country, the properties in the Dubai market are still underpriced, which makes it more a ordable for investors. At the same time, if you compare the returns with similar properties in other cities, Dubai is o ering the highest ROI of them all.”
In terms of hot properties, Samak says Engel & Völkers is witnessing “a huge shift in interest towards villas and townhouses rather than apartments”.
“However, properties in prime locations are always in demand and the luxury apartment sector has witnessed a very rapid increase in demand in the last 12 months,” he notes.
“Again, this is because the properties in these segments have been underpriced
compared to luxury properties in other countries.” In terms of what High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) are buying, luxury waterfront properties in high-profile o shore developments are hitting the mark.
“One example is the new Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences on Palm Jumeirah selling out completely recently,” says Samak. “We have a huge demand for plots and villas on The Palm Jumeirah and this year, we sold one of the most expensive residential plots on the island, worth some AED55 million ($14.98 million).”
If you’re an investor looking to buy Dubai property, the team at Engel & Völkers can help.
“We take care of the end-to-end process until the investor signs the contract for the sale of the property,” explains Samak, “and once the property is purchased, we also take care of rentals/leasing the property.”
The company can provide finance support too, thanks to its partnership with large financial institutions such as Mashreq Bank.
“Our real estate agents have comprehensive expertise and market knowledge,” continues Samak. “We o er a best-in class service in terms of property valuation, ensuring buyers optimise their investment.”
Following the sale, should the client wish to upgrade their property, Engel & Völkers can also refer them to professional interior designers and architects.
THE OUTLOOK
Of course, this isn’t the first time the Dubai property market has experienced a significant upswing. Many investors will remember the 2006-2008 boom, which was swiftly followed by a bust – the result of the Global Economic Crisis.
“Today’s boom is more stabilised and long term compared to 2006,” argues Samak, “and with Expo 2020 Dubai now in full flow, the momentum will continue”.
He adds: “The UAE is also marking its 50th anniversary and as a part of this celebration, the government has announced 50 master projects, including infrastructure developments, as well as citizenship and special working visas, all of which will attract more individuals and business to Dubai. This will positively impact the real estate market in the coming years. The current market values March 2022, the purpose-built precinct that has hosted the event in Dubai South will transform into District 2020, an integrated smart city that government authorities hope will become a global model for sustainable urban development.
District 2020 will be home to a thriving residential community, extensive leisure facilities, 4km of dedicated autonomous public transport routes, 15km of cycling and jogging tracks, the new Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) and much more.
This new city-within-a-city is just one facet of Dubai’s post-Expo vision, with the event a launchpad for many other initiatives including the 2040 Urban Master Plan – an ambitious strategy providing a roadmap for Dubai’s sustainable urban and economic development over the next 20 years.
More than 5.8 million people will call Dubai home by 2040 – up from 3.3 million today – while tourism continues to recover at a rapid rate and related infrastructure developments, including the planned expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport to accommodate up to 160 million passengers annually, will ensure the emirate consolidates its reputation as the world’s most-popular destination.
Lastly, Dubai is cementing its status as a leading investment hub, ranked first in the MENA region and fourth worldwide in securing greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) capital in 2020, despite the pandemic. The emirate saw 455 FDI projects initiated last year worth $6.73 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 3 per cent, confirming its growing reputation as one of the world’s most stable and attractive investment markets.
ABOVE: Mohab Samak LEFT: Dubai’s real estate market reached an eight-year high in October
ABOUT ENGEL & VÖLKERS Engel & Völkers is one of the world’s leading service companies specialised in the brokerage of premium residential property, commercial real estate, yachts and aircrafts. For more than 40 years, the company has prioritised the requirements of private and institutional clients, giving rise to the ongoing development of a range of services relating to all aspects of real estate. Sales and leaseholds, as well as consultancy for various investment opportunities in the real estate segment, are among the core competencies of more than 15,000 people operating under the Engel & Völkers brand. The company currently operates in more than 30 countries across five continents. Intensive training schemes at its in-house real estate academy and the high level of quality assurance governing its systematically structured service provision are key factors contributing to the company’s success. Engel & Völkers also develops digital tools and IT products on an ongoing basis in order to keep its service as e icient as possible. In doing so, the company is setting new standards in digital solutions for property brokerage. www.engelvoelkers.com/en-ae/dubai/
of properties are like those witnessed in 2013 and 2014, however, the luxury segment has exceeded the 2014 price point. Yet when you look at the increase and you consider a timeline of six to seven years, you realise that the market is not in an overpriced bubble, making the UAE a more sustainable and safer place to invest.”
Samak says “the best is yet to come”, with Expo 2020 auguring a new era for Dubai. Not only will the event generate $33 billion for Dubai’s economy and create 300,000 new direct and indirect jobs, but its long-term impact on the city’s economy and society is far reaching.
When Expo 2020 Dubai concludes in
