Registrations for Emirati Competition Close on October 31

UAE Nationals Urged to Participate in Large Numbers

Dubai-UAE: 29 October, 2013 – With just two days left for registrations to close, Dubai World Hospitality Championship has invited UAE nationals from across the country to participate in large numbers in the Emirati Competition, an integral component of the three-day event scheduled to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 16 – 18 November, 2013. 

The Emirati Competition is one of three major competitions that DWHC is hosting. The segment includes four competitions. The Professional, Amateur, Homemade & Innovative Products will take place at the venue while the Homemade Dishes competition is being conducted in phases at pre-determined venues across the different emirates.

Ahmed Sherif, vice president of Dubai World Hospitality Championship, said: “We have put together the Emirati competition to present and showcase all elements of the UAE's traditional cuisine and products. Emirati youngsters should be more familiar with their heritage and culture and through this championship; we hope to encourage the younger generation to enter the hospitality sector. This will ensure the preservation and modernization of Emirati cuisine as well as home made products.”

Sameera Al Ameri, local competition coordinator, Abu Dhabi General Women's Union, also commented: “At the General Women's Union, we are committed to promoting Emirati heritage and cuisine and plan to support DWHC in a big way through motivating Emirati participants to register through our association. The Emirati competition is all about showcasing our heritage on a global stage, and this has always been one of our strategic goals at the GWU. It is important for young UAE nationals to play an active role in promoting Emirati cuisine to enable it to assume its rightful place as an international cuisine of choice on the world's platter. Their time is now.”

The Professional Category will witness 112 teams of one to three chefs each, with an Emirati national as the team leader. The competitors will create within the stipulated time period a selection of authentic dishes of the UAE, as specified in the menu provided by the organizers. The Amateur Category is targeted at school and university students between the ages of 15 years and 25 years, who are interested in entering the hospitality field.

With the UAE emerging as a prime hospitality destination at an international level, the Emirati competition is an effective first step in encouraging UAE nationals to join the world hospitality stage, and offer gourmets the world over a taste of the mystical flavours of Emirati cuisine.

Organised by Zaabeel Palace Hospitality under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, DWHC also includes the International Competition as well as the Hospitality Sector Competition, and will host a Heritage and Culture Exhibition at the venue.