The Expo 2020 win is cause for celebration, but how much will it really affect the F&B industry in the Emirate? (Photo: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images)
On November 27, 2013, Dubai was awarded the right to host the Expo 2020 after defeating Turkey’s Izmir, Brazil’s Sao Paolo and Russia’s Yekaterinburg, marking the first time the Expo will be held in the Middle East.
But what does this news mean for the emirate’s burgeoning F&B industry? InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) VP food and beverage AMEA Phil Broad said: “Expo 2020 will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Dubai’s F&B industry, as the emirate will cater for the 25 million visitors expected to visit during the six-month show starting October 20, 2020. It will encourage further diversity in Dubai’s already cosmopolitan offering of cuisines.”
In Broad’s opinion, hotels will lead the charge in catering for the many visitors. He added: “The Expo will help to attract even more leading F&B talent from around the world, eager to be part of the 2020 event and influence Dubai’s food scene.”
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Abela & Co. corporate chef Colin Campbell pointed out that while the announcement is a real win for the region and a boost to the country and economy as a whole, it does not in itself directly impact the sector. He explained: “The F&B industry in Dubai post-2008 has seen a steady and near unstoppable increase in business; more hotels opening, more planned for the foreseeable future and this is the case regardless of Expo. Tourism is and always will be a major component of the regional GDP. The build up to Expo is gradual — six years — so there will be, in the long run, new projects like construction and opening of hotels. This would present new opportunities to the mass catering industry.”
JA Resorts & Hotels head chef Nicolas Smalberger said he is convinced that with the demand and influx of more people, the emirate will attract foreign investors. He said: “In 2010 the World Expo in China attracted almost 73 million additional visitors to that region in six months; I have no doubt that this will be either matched or exceeded. As the demand will grow for accommodation and places to eat, both F&B and hospitality will be main beneficiaries.”
Broad, however, is not worried about the number of restaurants that would eventually open their doors. He said: “Competition in F&B serves to drive up standards and there is always space for new restaurants and bars which bring fresh ideas, excellent food and fantastic service.”
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