GulfHost 2017 to showcase A-Z of hospitality

The GCC’s tourism and hospitality industry is set to be worth US $36.7 billion (AED134.8 billion) by 2020 according to Euromonitor International.

Launching during Dubai International Hospitality Week, an initiative endorsed by Dubai Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), GulfHost 2017 is the first hospitality and food services expo in the Middle East.

Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which also owns and organises the world’s largest annual food trade show Gulfood, the new exhibition takes place from September 18-20, 2017 and is co-located with four other shows.

These include DWTC’s established trio of niche food events – The Speciality Food Festival, Seafex Middle East, and Yummex Middle East - and The Hotel Show, organised by dmg events. 

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, exhibitions and events management at DWTC, said: “GulfHost will enable buyers to connect with suppliers, gain the latest knowledge and source from a range of hospitality and food service equipment, all within the most convenient, organised, and dedicated arena, and service their additional needs at the other four co-located shows.”

A first for the region, GulfHost showcases the A-Z of hospitality: a full inventory of back of house solutions that include commercial ovens and culinary equipment, fittings, and utensils; a wide spectrum of front of house elements and the latest café and bar counter solutions, products, and services.

More than 2,000 exhibitors will participate across DIHW, with GulfHost alone hosting 16 country pavilions. Major countries include Italy, Spain, UK, France, Germany, Portugal, Turkey, Greece, China, Korea, Taiwan, India, Lebanon, Australia, Netherlands, and Egypt.

Key exhibitors at GulfHost include A. Ronai, Ali Group, Alto Sham, Cimbali, Falcon Kitchen, Henny Penny, La Marquise, Manitowoc, The Middleby Corporation, and RAK Porcelain, among many others.

Innovation forms a key focus at GulfHost 2017, with a dedicated Innovation Corner showcasing the latest technology solutions being introduced to elevate commercial kitchen performance.  The show also sees the introduction of the Gulfhost Innovation Awards, to recognise the innovators and disruptors championing new techniques, products, and technologies within the hospitality industry.

Also taking place during GulfHost, in partnership with the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA) Dubai, is the Middle East Food Forum – a three day conference enabling professionals from all facets of the F&B industry to gain insight into the opportunities, challenges and innovations of their trade. 

Sessions will include franchising, business set-up, talent management, and regional F&B regulations & policies, among others. A ‘Dragon’s Den’ style competition will also take place during the forum, offering F&B entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their ideas to potential investors face to face.

GulfHost 2017 takes place alongside the trio of segmented food shows: Speciality Food Festival for gourmet, halal and organic foods, Seafex Middle East, dedicated to seafood, and Yummex Middle East (in partnership with Kölnmesse GmbH).