Emirati Homemade Dishes to Earn Global Recognition at Dubai World Hospitality Championship

• Abu Dhabi to Stage First Phase of Emirati Competition

Dubai-UAE: 26 October, 2013 – The inaugural Dubai World Hospitality Championship (DWHC) is officially on the roll with the first phase evaluation of the Homemade Dishes category in the Emirati Competition scheduled to take place on 25 and 26 October.

The Emirati Competition is one of the three key categories of DWHC and comprises four sub-categories: Professional, Amateur, Homemade Dishes and Homemade and Innovative products.

While the other three categories will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 16 - 18 November, the Homemade Dishes Competition will be conducted in stages at different emirates on scheduled days in the run up to the three-day championship.

The jury panel will comprise Emirati master chefs such as Aisha AlMansoury, Fatima Al Moghani, Aishah Al Taib and Moza Biluhaa, along with the championship committee members.

His Excellency Ahmed bin Hareb Al Falahi, President of Dubai World Hospitality Championship, said: “The Emirati Competition has been strategically planned to incorporate all elements of the UAE's traditional cuisine. Emirati homes are a wealth of culinary heritage that needs to revived and preserved for posterity. This is what we hope to do with the Homemade Dishes category. We have tried to ensure that participants are made absolutely comfortable, and thanks to the involvement of women's associations, we have been able to engage Emiratis across the UAE in this culinary extravaganza.”

Participants in Homemade Dishes category will prepare their entries at home according to menu and schedule provided by the organisers. The competitors will then present their preparations  at their respective women's association for the visiting jury panel to evaluate. Following the first phase of judging in Abu Dhabi on 25 October, the second judging level will take place on 26 October in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Qaiwain, Ajman and Fujairah. The final phase of evaluation will be conducted on 3 November in Hatta, Sharjah and Dubai.

The results will be announced at the venue on 18 November, the concluding day of the championship.

Mona Al Suwaidi, Emirati Competition coordinator from the Dubai Women's Association, said: “Emirati cuisine is unique and deserves to be acknowledged at a global level and DWHC is the first step in that direction. This is the first time that an event of such magnitude is taking place in the UAE and we are excited to be part of it. The response we have received so far has been overwhelming, and we look forward to the next few weeks.”

Fatima Abed Al Thani, jury member and former member of Sharjah Advisory Council, said: “Dubai World Hospitality Championship is an important event for every Emirati. Warm hospitality is at the heart of every Emirati family. We are proud of this event that is a testimony that our society still maintains its authenticity despite the changing times. And, it is indeed a privilege to be part of the judging committee.”

Organised by the Za'abeel Palace Hospitality under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Dubai World Hospitality Championship will take place from 16-18 November 2013 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Over 700 professional and amateur chefs are set to demonstrate their artistic and aesthetic competencies at the Championship, which will also feature a Heritage and Hospitality Exhibition to welcome the visitors.