Alex Simmons, Sales and Marketing Director at TGP International, shares how the company is curating world-class F&B experiences at Expo City Dubai, aligning with the vision of creating a unique culinary destination. He says that TGP International aims to transform Expo City Dubai into a world-class destination for lifestyle and culinary experiences. “We are focused on bringing more unique and innovative dining concepts to the UAE, and we want to position Expo City Dubai as an incubator and hub for new F&B startups,” he adds. Excerpts from the interview:Can you tell us about TGP International's role in managing F&B for Expo City Dubai and how it aligns with the vision of creating world-class culinary experiences?TGP International has 22 years of experience in delivering world-class F&B projects across the globe, from new-to-market chef-led concepts to game-changing food halls. Expo City Dubai is one of our most exciting global projects to date.We are responsible for the F&B master planning, concept creation, interior design, brand curation, F&B leasing, and F&B event activations at Expo City Dubai. We are committed to creating memorable and extraordinary experiences for every visitor as part of the longer-term F&B strategy, which is centred around sustainability, innovation, and world-class entertainment.TGP International aims to transform Expo City Dubai into a world-class destination for lifestyle and culinary experiences. We are focused on bringing more unique and innovative dining concepts to the UAE, and we want to position Expo City Dubai as an incubator and hub for new F&B startups.We are proud to master plan the F&B offering here at the city of the future. Our F&B tenants have been hand-selected to offer a wide range of dine-in, and grab-and-go experiences. They span everything from Michelin-star chef-led brands to local home-grown concepts.We are always thinking of new ways to raise the profile of Expo City Dubai as a leading F&B destination, drive footfall across the destination and introduce new concepts with a bang. For instance, Hai Ramadan, Winter City and our other festivals include activities and live performances along with special menus and dining experiences. Our ‘Kids Eat Free’ offer for Eid is another way that we are trying to make Expo City Dubai a more affordable day out for families.Most recently, we delivered 136 F&B offerings during COP28. We served 600,000 guests across both zones, while our sustainability efforts saw us collect 1,783kg of organic waste, and rescue 6,435 meals.The success of COP28 is a testament to our global network, expertise and passion.With over 30 venues participating in Expo City Dubai's Ramadan festivities, how does TGP International ensure a cohesive and seamless marketing strategy to promote the Iftar offerings? Communication is the key. We bring all our F&B tenants together for monthly meetings to share learnings, menus, activations and insights. This has been key to understanding the challenges we face.Our marketing team works hard to ensure that all communication materials and platforms are consistent in their tone of voice and the way that Hai Ramadan is positioned.As always, the customer journey is crucial for us. Our dozens of different iftar options and participating venues are all clearly described on our website. This allows guests to select exactly the right experience that is perfect for them. Every venue and experience has its dedicated landing page, and these lead straight through to the online booking platform. This takes any hassle out of the booking process.What are some unique challenges and opportunities associated with marketing Ramadan iftar experiences compared to regular F&B promotions?The external challenges are certainly the noise in the market and the number of iftar offerings across the whole of Dubai, the internal challenges are ensuring all offerings are aligned and collateral available to promote across the various channels. The opportunities are huge for the entire city, especially the F&B tenants who have the chance to be creative and bring customers together in this special holy month.Could you share insights into the process of coordinating with diverse culinary establishments to showcase their iftar menus during the 'Hai Ramadan' festivities?The iftar menus are curated by the individual restaurants, while Mons Catering, the catering arm of TGP International, created the menus for the Surreal, Oasis and Corporate iftars. Each restaurant leans into its own heritage, culture and cuisine to offer a unique offering. From the sharing Indian cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai to the Levantine-inspired flavours from Sara Aqel, nobody in Dubai offers such a diverse offering in one place, and with added entertainment.How does TGP International leverage its expertise in F&B master planning and concept development to curate and promote distinctive iftar experiences across Expo City Dubai?TGP International is responsible for some of the world’s top leading brands and concepts, many of which are legacy projects that still trade today.Our success is down to the expertise of our team. TGP offers 360-degree F&B services globally. We boast a team of first-class individuals who are devoted to concept curation.Most recently, we worked closely with Mons Catering, the world-class catering arms of TGP International, to create our upcoming corporate iftar experience.Operated by Mons Catering, the corporate iftar allows organisations to enjoy an unforgettable corporate iftar set within the beautiful and regal ambiance of the Leadership Pavilion at Expo City Dubai. Spanning a diverse selection of carefully crafted Arabic specialties, the set menu showcases the finest traditional dishes and flavours of the Arab world, and the fresh local produce of the UAE.Served in a warm, sharing style format, it features soups, fresh salads and authentic hot and cold mezze, a choice of plant-based options, reimagined traditional main courses such as chicken makluba and slow-roasted leg of lamb with oriental spices, and desserts like fresh, locally grown fruits, homemade baklava, walnut and ashta katayef, and the signature warm Emirati lokaymat.In what ways does TGP International utilize digital platforms, social media, and other marketing channels to reach and engage with potential guests interested in attending Ramadan iftar events at Expo City Dubai?TGP International works closely with the fantastic marcoms and entertainment and events teams at Expo City Dubai, as well as external agencies to ensure the key visual, messaging and content shared is all on brand and lands impactfully across all channels. We also work closely with collaborators and influencers to reach new audiences. This allows our F&B tenants to connect with potential new customers. We are currently bringing to life an exciting new platform EatAtExpoCity that will be launched over Hai Ramadan. It specifically champions F&B at Expo City Dubai.Considering the competitive landscape of Ramadan offerings in Dubai, what strategies does TGP International employ to differentiate Expo City Dubai's iftar experiences and attract a diverse audience?We are very fortunate at Expo City Dubai to be able to bring together a huge array of world-class F&B iftar offerings in one place. We also offer iftars in iconic spaces such as the Surreal water feature and Al Wasl Café in the heart of Al Wasl Dome. Guests can also walk between 30 F&B outlets offering over 10 Iftars, and explore the epic Hai Ramadan event calendar, entertainment and activities for all the family. Expo City Dubai truly offers something for every price point and demographic at Hai Ramadan this holy month.In addition, we created an unforgettable corporate iftar within the Leadership Pavilion at Expo City Dubai.An elegant and exclusive space that has never been open to the public before, the Leadership Pavilion has hosted the world’s most prestigious dignitaries and VIPs, and royal representatives from across every corner of the globe.Providing corporate organisations with an exclusive, first-of-its-kind opportunity to dine within the splendour of the Leadership Pavilion, the corporate iftar by Mons Catering is unique to any other Ramadan celebration in the city.Adorned with gold finishings, crystal chandeliers and shimmering marble flooring, organisations are invited to book out the Pavilion’s grand ballroom exclusively for themselves. Seating between 40 and 200 guests, the one-of-a-kind corporate iftar experience inspired by the great leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The set menu showcases the finest traditional dishes and flavours of the Arab world and the fresh local produce of the UAE.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: On the sidelines of COP28 UAE, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first graduate research AI university, and e&, the global technology group, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU aims to cement the UAE’s position as a hub of AI innovation through exploring collaboration in areas including AI human capacity building, developing industry-specific projects with tangible applications, including sustainability solutions, and venture capital funding for AI startups.Signed by MBZUAI’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations, Sultan Al Hajji, and Harrison Lung, Group Chief Strategy Officer of e&, the MoU will support e&’s advancement in AI talent sourcing and training via MBZUAI’s Executive Program (MEP), upskilling its in-house AI capacity. The two organizations will collaborate on research projects and co-develop use cases and joint go-to-market solutions to accelerate AI adoption for real-world applications.Sultan Al Hajji said: “Our partnership with e& combines a wealth of unique skill sets and strengths to develop cutting-edge AI solutions with the potential to overcome societal challenges and strengthen the UAE’s position as a hub for AI innovation. Together, we will enable e& to enhance its AI skills and capabilities while affording valuable research, employment, and internship opportunities to MBZUAI’s graduates and students, in addition to supporting a new generation of AI startups to build a more robust AI ecosystem in the UAE and wider region.”In addition, MBZUAI will work with e& to foster a startup ecosystem in the UAE by unlocking venture capital investment for AI innovation with a focus on sustainable solutions while providing access to the university’s startups.Harrison Lung commented: “We are thrilled to join forces with MBZUAI, demonstrating our firm commitment beyond just developing AI and sustainable solutions, but also through empowering individuals, promoting knowledge exchange, and raising awareness. This collaboration will elevate institutions at the forefront of this technology both in the UAE and worldwide.”MBZUAI’s stand at COP28 UAE is in the Green Zone at Expo City Dubai, until Dec. 12 – under The Greening Education Hub, organized by the UAE’s Ministry of Education, highlighting its research on how AI can address climate change, health, and education.

Expo City Dubai has revealed a rich calendar of events as it announced that Al Wasl Plaza – the beating heart of the community – has set the Guinness World Records™ title for the largest interactive immersive dome.The upcoming diary, which spans high-tech experiences to cultural festivals, exciting new dining options and a raft of sports and wellness initiatives, reinforces Expo City’s position as the home of creativity, global innovation and wellbeing. Among its latest offerings is a new, groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) experience, with visitors soon able to interact with Al Wasl dome through their mobile phones. The venue for Expo 2020’s spectacular Opening and Closing Ceremonies as well as multi-sensory performances by local and international stars such as Nancy Ajram and Coldplay, Al Wasl Plaza can now count the Guinness World Records™ title among its many achievements. Alwaleed Osman, Official Adjudicator at Guinness World Records™ said: “Al Wasl Plaza stands as a testament to architectural excellence and a distinguished structure that resonates with those who have had the privilege of experiencing it. Its recognition in Guinness World Records™ underscores the commitment of Expo 2020, and the subsequent Expo City Dubai, to innovation and excellence.”Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director, Events & Entertainment, Expo City Dubai, said: “Al Wasl, which means ‘connection’ in Arabic, continues to bring people together, and we are thrilled to share details of our new experiences at the same time as our iconic interactive dome has received this prestigious recognition. From interactive augmented reality and a tribute to legendary explorer Ibn Battuta, to the launch of a sustainable café and the return of our popular Winter City and Hai Ramadan festivities, our upcoming offerings cement our city as a hub of creativity, innovation and wellbeing.” A hive of creativity and innovationThe calendar reveal coincides with the grand opening of the new Al Wasl Plaza Café, a homegrown brand offering Arabic fusion cuisine that prides itself on its sustainability credentials, including the use of recycled fabrics for its uniforms created by textile tech company Pangaia. The café is one of many new F&B outlets setting up in the city, from plant-based cuisine to high-class dining, and including brand new concepts as well as the return of some Expo 2020 Dubai favourites.Upcoming events include -22.7°C by Molécule, an artistic musical adventure on 27 and 28 October that highlights Greenland’s rapidly melting ice, and the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale – the first of a series of collaborations with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority – taking place on 21 and 28 October and featuring Japanese VR/NFT artist Aimi Sekiguchi and Emirati painter, photographer and sculptor Mattar Bin Lahej. The inaugural Artificial Intelligence Film Festival (AIFF) – the first of its kind in the region – continues, and Expo City is also looking forward to Winter City from 8 December 2023 to 7 January 2024, celebrating the magic of the festive season for the second consecutive year. Next year, Expo City will host Break the Block – a music, food and arts festival that pays homage to the spirit of young urbanites – in January; the Middle East debut of electronic dance music festival Untold from 15-18 February; and the return of Hai Ramadan, expected to run from 11 March to 10 April, showcasing the true spirit of the Holy Month.The high-octane destination is also keeping up with its commitment to promoting physical activity as a way of life by bringing people of all ages and abilities together with an inspiring array of sports and fitness activities, including the Dubai Half Marathon on 4 February and the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge on 24 and 25 February, both of which will set out from Expo City Dubai. 

The inaugural Dubai Esports Festival (DEF 2022) was inaugurated today by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, at Expo City Dubai.The 12-day event, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, is being hosted by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) in partnership with VSPN, a global leader in e-sports activities and solutions, and presenting partner du.The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA); Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME; Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE); Chenfan Wang, Vice President, General Manager of Global Business at VSPN; and Ibrahim Al Mayahi Al Nuaimi, Vice President of Brand and Marketing Communications at du.Commenting on the launch, Al Olama said, “The UAE had consolidated its status as a leading global destination for new concepts and a champion of innovation, as it continues to attract international talent to analyse technology trends and opportunities to accelerate change to design a better future.”Al Olama noted that DEF 2022 would see the highest number of leading adult gamers convening in one place this year, underscoring the UAE and Dubai’s status as the most competitive gaming destination. “The event will bring together the world’s greatest gamers, developers, creatives and artists, allowing Esports fans to meet and engage with global gaming celebrities and industry leaders, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a hub for innovation,” he added.The Festival kicked off with the oversubscribed “Initiate Summit”, a two-day groundbreaking B2B knowledge and networking platform for e-sports and gaming industry professionals, developers and creatives.The Initiate Summit highlights Dubai’s role in championing the creative industry, including esports, through various incentives for international talent and organisations in the emirate. In addition, industry trends will be discussed, including emerging technologies, mobile gaming, investment opportunities, consumer behaviour, gamification and tournament organisation, among other current topics. Gaming developers and publishers, esports organisation founders, solution providers, as well as marketers and members of the gaming media, will make up the Initiate Summit’s impressive line-up of speakers.The Festival will bring together international gaming celebrities, industry leaders, developers, creatives and artists and feature an exciting line-up of live events and activations, concerts and competitions, including the highly anticipated PUBG Global Championship 2022, GameExpo, PopConME, Initiate Summit, Wegz live in concert, regional tournaments and Minecraft Esports Schools Clash, as well as retail promotions taking place across the city showcasing the latest games and merchandise.