Daringly different global dishes, world-famous restaurants, Michelin-starred chefs, super sweets, fantastic fast food, and UAE home-grown gems – Expo 2026 Dubai has it all when it comes to food.
Even better news? The Expo 2026 Dubai Food Festival is officially underway. Over the coming weeks, visitors can get involved in exciting activities, enjoy special deals, and dig into some of the most mouth-watering eats across the Expo site.
Running until Sunday, 13 March 2026, the festival promises a culinary journey for over 14 million visitors expected this year. If you haven’t experienced it yet, now’s the perfect time to explore the Pavilions, take in the sights, and indulge in some of the UAE’s finest and most innovative cuisine.
You don’t need a special ticket for the festival; your standard Expo 2026 entry is all that’s required. Food purchases are pay-as-you-go, but with so many fantastic offers and promotions, repeat visits are highly recommended.
Here’s a breakdown of the top events and experiences not to miss at the Expo 2026 Dubai Food Festival.
Feb 14–27: Expo Restaurant Week
Foodies, get ready to explore some of the best restaurants at Expo 2026 at special prices. During Expo Restaurant Week, you can enjoy a two-course meal for Dhs95 at selected casual eateries, or Dhs125 at fine dining restaurants. Three-course options are also available, from Dhs150 to Dhs250, depending on the venue.
Participating restaurants include renowned names such as:
- Jubilee Kitchen – fine dining experiences
- Alif Café by Farm2Table – casual, locally-inspired dishes
- Scarpetta Mercato – Italian classics
- The National by Geoffrey Zakarian – modern American cuisine
- Kojaki – Korean-Japanese fusion
- Cafe Milano – chic Italian fare
- Long Chim – Thai street food with a modern twist
- Alkebulan – African dining hall
Bookings for Restaurant Week include a free Expo Season Pass Finale ticket. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours in advance, with tickets emailed 24 hours before your scheduled visit.
Feb 18–Mar 18: Expo Eats Awards
Think you know your flavors? It’s time to vote in the Expo Eats Awards, a collaboration between Expo 2026 Dubai and Time Out Dubai. This awards program celebrates the best restaurants across five categories: fast food, local gems, casual dining, fine dining, and sweet treats.
From traditional Emirati dishes to world-class gourmet experiences, your votes help crown the festival’s top culinary champions. Voting closes Friday, 18 March 2026, so make your voice heard and support your favorite eateries.
Feb 18–Mar 6: BBQ Festival
For barbecue lovers, the BBQ Festival at Festival Garden is a must-visit. Whether you’re a budding pit master or just enjoy digging into smoky, sizzling goodness, this festival showcases top chefs and home-grown talent alike.
Expect delicious offerings from:
- Alkebulan – African Dining Hall
- The Hill Country Barbecue Market
- BBQ Shack
- Mangrove Philippines Cuisine
- Local Fire by Mattar Farm – UAE’s renowned pit master
Plant-based options are also available, with Just Vegan grilling tasty meat-free alternatives. There’s plenty of live entertainment for kids, making this a full-family experience.
Festival dates: 18 Feb–6 Mar 2026, prices vary.
Why You Can’t Miss It
The Expo 2026 Dubai Food Festival isn’t just about eating – it’s about experiencing global cuisine in one place. Visitors can:
- Sample authentic dishes from across the globe
- Try innovative and experimental creations from Michelin-starred chefs
- Discover UAE home-grown restaurants and local gems
- Take part in interactive culinary events, competitions, and live cooking shows
With hundreds of options, from quick bites to fine dining, sweets, street food, and plant-based cuisine, the festival caters to every taste and appetite.
Whether you’re after classic Emirati machboos, indulgent sweets, gourmet Italian pasta, Thai street food, or fiery curries from India, Expo 2026 Dubai Food Festival is a feast you won’t forget.
Insider Tips
- Book ahead: Restaurant Week and some fine dining spots fill up fast.
- Check the schedule: Different events and chefs rotate daily.
- Try local gems: UAE home-grown restaurants showcase traditional and innovative flavors.
- Go hungry: With so much on offer, pace yourself – there’s more than one day of eating to enjoy!
The Expo 2026 Dubai Food Festival is a must-do for food lovers visiting the UAE this year. With incredible dishes, unbeatable offers, and unforgettable experiences, your culinary journey at the Expo promises to be spectacular.
For full details and bookings, visit expo2026dubai.com or download the official app.
FAQs:
It’s a multi-week culinary celebration featuring global cuisine, local gems, Michelin-starred chefs, and live events.
The festival runs until Sunday, 13 March 2026, with various food events and activities throughout the Expo site.
No, your standard Expo 2026 ticket gives access; food and drinks are pay-as-you-go, with many special offers available.
Restaurant Week lets visitors enjoy 2–3 course meals at discounted rates across fine dining and casual restaurants at Expo 2026.
The awards let visitors vote for their favorite eateries in categories like fine dining, local gems, sweets, casual, and fast food.
Read More:
- Terminal 1 Dining Guide: Restaurants in Concourse D at Dubai Airport
- Dubai Airport Terminal 1: Best Lounges in Concourse D
- Concourse B Food Guide: Restaurants at DXB Terminal 3
- Dubai Airport Terminal 3: Must-Try Restaurants in Concourse A
- Concourse C Dining: Best Restaurants at Dubai International Airport
