4 Arab teams compete within first round of Dubai World Hospitality Championship 2014's International Competition

[UAE, 31 October, 2014] - As part of the first day of Dubai World Hospitality Championship (DWHC) 2014, the "International Competition", kicked off on Thursday 30 October 2014, with a strong competition between national teams from Algeria, Kingdom of Bahrain, Egypt and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The contestants looked forward to showcase their latest innovative Arab and Gulf dishes before a panel of top-notch professional chefs and culinary experts.

Majid Al Marri, Director of International Competition and Hospitality Sector Competition at Dubai World Hospitality Championship, pointed out to the high readiness of the participating teams in the International Competition – one of the four main events of DWHC 2014. He added that the strong participation from Jordan, Bahrain, Egypt and Algeria reflects the championship’s status as a leading international platform aimed at boosting cultural and social interaction among Arab states.

Markus Kalberer, Manager of Jordan team, pointed out that this is the first time the Jordan team is participating in the DWHC 2014. “The Jordanian Chefs Association was recently established to develop the cooking industry in Jordan and strengthen the country’s relations with leading experts in the cooking and hospitality sectors. Additionally, the association organizes specialized training sessions to promote the profession. DWHC is of regional and international importance for the Jordan Team, serving as a gateway to learn about the latest developments in the international cooking and hospitality landscape. We underwent intensive training in preparation for the championship in order to present Jordanian dishes with a unique and contemporary style. I am honoured to represent Jordan where I live for seven years now. I have the privilege to consider myself a Jordanian as much as I am a Swiss.”

For her part, Nawal Awami, Manager of Algeria Team, explained that the team is participating for the first time in a world-class event that reflects a high-level of excellency and professionalism. “We have always wanted to visit Dubai, which is considered a key centre of hospitality and tourism. We are honoured today to represent Algeria in this leading championship and introduce the not-very-well-known authentic Algerian cuisine to the audience. We have served a rich menu of traditional dishes in a new and contemporary style since the Algeria Team comprises young spirits of promising talents.”

Fatima Taleb, Manager of Bahrain Team, said: “This is the first time that we are taking part in DWHC. We are eager to participate in this event since it focuses on the traditional arts of cooking and hospitality of the Arab and Gulf region that is well known for its richness and distinctiveness. We are honoured to represent Bahrain in the ‘International Competition,’ which offers an ideal platform for us to shed light on the unique Bahraini cuisine."

"We look forward to gaining insight on the leading culinary and hospitality arts of the Arabs and Gulf region, as well as to see the innovations of the other teams. Being part of this leading event is a success in itself. We presented traditional Bahraini creations in a modern and innovative way. We would like to thank the organizing committee of DWHC for inviting us and reaffirm our commitment to offering an honourable performance. We want to wish all the best to everyone.” Taleb concluded.

The three-days DWHC 2014 is being organized by Za'abeel Palace Hospitality in cooperation with the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) and The Emirates Culinary Guild (ECG), and with the support of Dubai SME, Dubai Press Club, Emaar Properties and flydubai. The event will be held on a 25,000 sq m area across four halls in Dubai World Trade Centre, including Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2, 3 and Arina Hall, which has the capacity to welcome over 10,000 visitors a day.