A very successful edition of the Italian Cuisine World Summit, the number 16, has concluded in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This year’s event achieved impressive milestones in its mission to showcase exceptional and authentic Italian restaurant offerings while fostering new business collaborations and driving industry growth across food and hospitality sectors.
The Summit ran from November 3 to 8, 2025, opening with a gala at Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, followed by a Gran Gala at Belcanto, Dubai Opera. 60 chefs, including 25 Michelin stars, hosted over 600 selected invited guests on both nights, the cream of the food, beverage and hospitality industry in the UAE, plus media and public institutions’ representatives.
Key venues with Italian roots across Dubai and Abu Dhabi hosted an impressive program of exclusive dinners and events featuring Michelin-starred chefs. Participating venues included Belcanto at Dubai Opera; Bussola – Westin Mina Seyahi Hotel; Brunello, Kempinski The Palm; Chic Nonna; Cucina, Marriott Resort The Palm; Il Gattopardo; Eataly at the Beach; Isola Ristorante; Mamabella; Trattoria; Café Milano, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi; Gran Tour Emilia, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi; Villa Toscana, St Regis Hotel Abu Dhabi
Produced by Argos Star Event Management LLC (Dubai) the Summit coincided with Gulfood Manufacturing (November 4–6) and was held under the auspices of the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Italian Consulate General in Dubai, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), Confagricoltura, and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the UAE (IICUAE).
The 2025 edition was a winning marketing activation for leading companies representing the strength of Italy’s food and beverage industry and UAE hospitality, including:
HUBIT: A distributor of premium Italian products that featured Vallespluga ground-raised cockerels and Bella Lodi cheese. They also introduced Raspadura, a spectacular way of serving cheese, to Dubai.
- MMI: Presented a selection of Italy’s finest wineries, including Alois Lageder, Barone Ricasoli, Fontanafredda, Marchesi Antinori, Ruffino, and Planeta.
- AVION Company: Served as the recommended logistics partner and sponsor. The company celebrated its 30th anniversary at the Summit Grand Gala on November 4 at Belcanto, Dubai Opera.
- Additional Partners: Included Adamas Caviar, Casinetto, Classic Fine Foods, and Country Hill International.
- New Entrants: New Italian entrants EMME GEL (Tuscany) and Rete di Imprese Emilia-Romagna Mercati debuted in the UAE and GCC markets.
- Technical Partners: Prima Classe, Musoni Consulting, and Marcopolo Experience supported event production.