International restaurant guide GreatList has launched an ambitious culinary initiative, GreatList Sessions, to cement Dubai’s status as a global gastronomic capital through international showcases and local talent development. The project began with the largest-ever overseas showcase of ten of Dubai’s most celebrated chefs, aiming to connect cultures through food and provide a deeper understanding of the UAE’s diverse culinary identity.
Moscow Showcase Highlights Dubai’s Chefs
The inaugural tour kicked off in Moscow, one of Dubai’s top ten tourist markets, with a series of week-long, sold-out pop-up dining experiences. The event provided diners with an authentic taste of the city’s culinary innovation and made its vibrant food and beverage landscape more accessible to an international audience. The initiative achieved significant visibility, with coverage in over 400 publications and four national television features, reaching a total media audience exceeding 45 million.
The showcase featured a line-up of acclaimed Dubai restaurants, including Gerbou, HANU, Moonrise, Row on 45, Signor Sassi, BOCA, and Jun’s. These establishments, recognised by Michelin, Gault&Millau, and The World’s 50 Best MENA, represent the depth and originality of a dining scene influenced by the more than 200 nationalities that reside in Dubai. This rich variety is evident across the city, from high-end establishments to venues that celebrate World Kebab Day in Dubai with traditional recipes.
Nurturing Homegrown Culinary Talent
Beyond its international efforts, GreatList is also focused on strengthening the UAE’s F&B ecosystem by nurturing the next generation of chefs. In October, the company partnered with the Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) to award the first GreatList by Alexander Sysoev Scholarship. This annual scholarship provides full and partial tuition to outstanding students in the Certificate in Culinary Arts programme, helping them advance their studies. This commitment to local growth aligns with a broader trend where Dubai emerges as a new tech innovation hub, fostering talent across multiple sectors.
A Vision for Global Gastronomic Connection
Alexander Sysoev, founder of GreatList, described the project as a bridge between the UAE and other culinary destinations. “This project has become a bridge between the UAE and other culinary destinations, connecting chefs and ideas while highlighting Dubai’s role as one of the world’s most dynamic gastronomic capitals,” he said. “We aim to inspire future travellers to explore the city more deeply through its chefs, flavours, and spirit.”
The initiative supports the growth of the UAE’s gastronomy market, which is projected to reach $50.21 billion by 2033. This expansion is driven by a thriving tourism sector and world-class dining infrastructure. Looking ahead, GreatList plans to expand its global footprint with showcases in Shanghai, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Singapore, while continuing to support local talent development in the UAE.
