Gulfood, currently taking place at Dubai’s World Trade Centre, is known for dishing up some truly innovative products.
This year, the annual food and beverage trade exhibition is hosting around 2,500 exhibitors from more than 85 countries, with plenty of international flavours on offer. The event will see live workshops, talks and cooking demonstrations taking place, as well as the launch of an e-book Culinary & Business - The Club, highlighting some of UAE's most famous chefs.
When it comes to food products, the variety is endless. From the weird and wonderful, to the traditional and innovative, here's a sample of what’s on offer, and the upcoming food trends to look out for...
Gourmet salt by Salt Bae
Internet sensation Nusret Gokce, popularly known as Salt Bae thanks to his flamboyant salt seasoning style, has wholeheartedly embraced the moniker and released a range of gourmet salts.
The collection features sea salt and Himalayan flake salt for traditionalists, and quirkier flavours like espresso, truffle, toasted onion, beetroot garlic, celery and ginger for those looking to try something new - all within packaging that showcases his famous meme, of course.
The range has already launched in Turkey, but is yet hit UAE shelves. Judging by the popularity of the chef in this region, though, it probably won’t be long.
Vegangurt by Jogurty Magda
There’s been a strong shift towards veganism over the last few years, and brands are undoubtedly listening, with several innovative concepts geared towards those embracing a plant-based lifestyle.
One of those products by Polish brand Jogurty Magda is a yoghurt snack, made using coconut milk as a base. “Vegangurt” keeps its creamy taste while being dairy, gluten, soy and colorants-free, and comes in four flavours (mango, apple and cinnamon, blueberry and blackcurrant, and natural).
It has also been named as “most innovative organic product” at the Gulfood Innovation Awards.
Vegangurt is available in Carrefour, with prices starting at Dh11.
Avocado hummus by Freshcourt
Mexican company Freshcourt is playing into the world's avo-obsession with an interesting range of snack-sized avocado-based products. There are avocado coco smoothies, avocado jams and avocado hummus, while those with a sweet tooth can try out their Mango Guacamole. The products are yet to retail to consumers in the UAE, although the brand hopes to expand in the region soon.
Instant camel milk coffee by Camelicious
Homegrown company Camelicious has been serving up premium camel milk, camel milk ice cream and even camel milk ghee for a while now. But for those who want to try it out for health reasons (camel milk is high in several vitamins and minerals and also antioxidants) or are just curious, it also has a range of camel milk powders.
Recently, it has taken things to the next level with the launch of an instant coffee with camel milk powder, available in individual sachets. The company has also recently launched a range of camel milk chocolates.
Liquid Eggs by Ovostar
While the concept of liquid eggs isn't new to the UAE market, more and more options are becoming available. Ukrainian company Ovostar is hoping to add to that by bringing its products to the region soon. According to Alex Revak, the company's regional business manager, "you cook them just as you would a normal egg" with each packet mentioning how many eggs it contains.
“It’s been pasteurised or heat treated, making it safe against diseases like salmonella and you don’t have to worry about breaking them as you carry them into the house,” he says. Another reason for the growing popularity of liquid eggs is their shelf life, which enables them last 90 days when chilled and a year when frozen. Ovostar’s liquid eggs come in three varieties: whole egg, egg white and omelette.
Rectangular crisps by Long Chips
If you’re looking to take snacking to a whole new level, a 1986-born Latvian Company has recently rolled out its uniquely shaped crisps in the UAE.
The rectangular crisps are a cross between a wafer and a chip, and come in14 flavours including wasabi, magic masala and grilled paprika.
Other than the convenient portion sizes, the chips' unusual shape allows them to be flash fried for just ten seconds, making it slightly healthier than others in the market. No GMO and artificial colouring are other perks, and the shape is also great for dipping.
The product is currently being retailed in select stores from Dh4.
Honey souffle by Peroni
Hailing from Russia, Peroni’s luxury honey souffles are easy on the eyes and the tastebuds. “They can be eaten as is, like a dessert, on bread or added to other dishes,” the vendor explains. Flavour options include blue lagoon, mango and passionfruit, and raspberry sorbet. Peroni is looking to launch its range in the UAE in the near future.
A luxury energy drink by Diamant Vogue
Proving that there’s always space for high-end products, Polish brand Diamant Vogue is displaying what it’s calling the “first luxury energy drink”.
The luxury aspect, it says, comes from the ingredients, design and a price that will be “higher than the average” on the market. There are four of these premium flavours – the classic, no calorie, lime and mint, and white strawberries. While the brand is not yet available in the UAE, it hopes to be soon.
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
More from Armen Sarkissian
Record breaker
- The most total field goals made in NBA history, as well as the most consecutive games scoring 10 or more points
- The only player in NBA history to reach 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists
- Four-time regular season MVP and four-time NBA Finals MVP
- Six-time NBA All-Defensive selection. Rookie of the Year in 2004
- The most All-NBA selections with 21 in a row, including a record 13 first team selections
- The most consecutive All-Star selections with 21
- The only player to play alongside his son; Bronny James was chosen by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft
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Pad Man
Dir: R Balki
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor, Radhika Apte
Three-and-a-half stars
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
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Fight Night
FIGHT NIGHT
Four title fights:
Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title
Six undercard bouts:
Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio
The Indoor Cricket World Cup
When: September 16-23
Where: Insportz, Dubai
Indoor cricket World Cup:
Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE fixtures:
Men
Saturday, September 16 – 1.45pm, v New Zealand
Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final
Women
Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
Tuesday, September 19 – 10.30am, v New Zealand; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Thursday, September 21 – 12.15pm, v Australia
Friday, September 22 – 1.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 1pm, grand final
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company Profile
Company name: Yeepeey
Started: Soft launch in November, 2020
Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani
Based: Dubai
Industry: E-grocery
Initial investment: $150,000
Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
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The biog
Hometown: Cairo
Age: 37
Favourite TV series: The Handmaid’s Tale, Black Mirror
Favourite anime series: Death Note, One Piece and Hellsing
Favourite book: Designing Brand Identity, Fifth Edition
The specs
Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo 16-cylinder
Transmission: 7-speed auto
0-100kmh 2.3 seconds
0-200kmh 5.5 seconds
0-300kmh 11.6 seconds
Power: 1500hp
Torque: 1600Nm
Price: Dh13,400,000
On sale: now
The specs: 2018 Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE
Price, base / as tested: Dh263,235 / Dh420,000
Engine: 3.0-litre supercharged V6
Power 375hp @ 6,500rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 3,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.4L / 100kms
Shooting Ghosts: A U.S. Marine, a Combat Photographer, and Their Journey Back from War by Thomas J. Brennan and Finbarr O’Reilly
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
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Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry
4/5
Cricket World Cup League Two
Oman, UAE, Namibia
Al Amerat, Muscat
Results
Oman beat UAE by five wickets
UAE beat Namibia by eight runs
Fixtures
Wednesday January 8 –Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 – Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 – UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia
BACK%20TO%20ALEXANDRIA
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CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
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Children who witnessed blood bath want to help others
Aged just 11, Khulood Al Najjar’s daughter, Nora, bravely attempted to fight off Philip Spence. Her finger was injured when she put her hand in between the claw hammer and her mother’s head.
As a vital witness, she was forced to relive the ordeal by police who needed to identify the attacker and ensure he was found guilty.
Now aged 16, Nora has decided she wants to dedicate her career to helping other victims of crime.
“It was very horrible for her. She saw her mum, dying, just next to her eyes. But now she just wants to go forward,” said Khulood, speaking about how her eldest daughter was dealing with the trauma of the incident five years ago. “She is saying, 'mama, I want to be a lawyer, I want to help people achieve justice'.”
Khulood’s youngest daughter, Fatima, was seven at the time of the attack and attempted to help paramedics responding to the incident.
“Now she wants to be a maxillofacial doctor,” Khulood said. “She said to me ‘it is because a maxillofacial doctor returned your face, mama’. Now she wants to help people see themselves in the mirror again.”
Khulood’s son, Saeed, was nine in 2014 and slept through the attack. While he did not witness the trauma, this made it more difficult for him to understand what had happened. He has ambitions to become an engineer.
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
The specs
A4 35 TFSI
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder
Transmission: seven-speed S-tronic automatic
Power: 150bhp
Torque: 270Nm
Price: Dh150,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
A4 S4 TDI
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel
Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic
Power: 350bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh165,000 (estimate)
On sale: First Q 2020
PROFILE OF CURE.FIT
Started: July 2016
Founders: Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori
Based: Bangalore, India
Sector: Health & wellness
Size: 500 employees
Investment: $250 million
Investors: Accel, Oaktree Capital (US); Chiratae Ventures, Epiq Capital, Innoven Capital, Kalaari Capital, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Piramal Group’s Anand Piramal, Pratithi Investment Trust, Ratan Tata (India); and Unilever Ventures (Unilever’s global venture capital arm)
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
