Taste of Dubai 2026: Dubai's Premier Food, Drink & Music Festival Returns This February

Dubai's most anticipated culinary celebration is making a grand return to the iconic Dubai Media City Amphitheatre from February 6–8, 2026. Taste of Dubai 2026 promises to be bigger, bolder, and more delicious than ever, bringing together the city's finest restaurants, world-renowned celebrity chefs, electrifying live music, and an atmosphere that celebrates everything food, drink, and entertainment.

What to Expect: A Culinary Journey Across 16 Premier Restaurants

The festival features 16 carefully curated restaurants representing Dubai's most celebrated dining establishments, from award-winning fine dining to trendy newcomers dominating the food scene. Each participating restaurant creates an exclusive menu featuring three to five taster-sized dishes, allowing visitors to embark on a diverse culinary adventure in a single weekend. Every menu includes at least one vegetarian option and one child-friendly dish, ensuring no one is left hungry or unsatisfied.​

This year's confirmed restaurant lineup reads like a who's who of Dubai's dining elite. Akira Back, the Japanese-inspired powerhouse, joins Duck & Waffle with their iconic comfort food offerings, while Demon Duck brings innovative wagyu creations to the feast. Other standout venues include Leña Dubai (FACT award-winning establishment), Khadak, Lowe, Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, City Social, Osteria Funcooklio, and Harummanis. Whether you're craving refined European cuisine, bold Asian flavors, or street food redefined, the culinary selection spans the globe without ever leaving Media City.​

Star-Studded Celebrity Chef Lineup

Taste of Dubai 2026 attracts some of the world's most recognizable culinary personalities to Dubai. The confirmed chef roster includes Gino D'Acampo, the legendary Italian chef and beloved TV personality known for bringing passion to kitchens worldwide; Matt Preston, the renowned MasterChef Australia judge; Rachel Allen, Ireland's bestselling cookery writer and TV chef; Harry Heal, the Instagram sensation who's captured foodies' hearts online; and Jenny Morris, South Africa's "Giggling Gourmet" known for her infectious energy and innovation.​

The festivities also feature Fred Casagrande from Smoking Beard, alongside UK pitmasters Andrew Dickens and Joseph Nesbitt-Larking, who will lead sessions at the Taste Firepit where aspiring masters of barbecue can learn from the absolute best. All celebrity chef workshops are completely free with your event entry ticket, available on a first-come, first-served basis, making this an incredible opportunity to learn directly from the pros.​

More Than Food: Entertainment, Music & Experience

Beyond the culinary excellence, Taste of Dubai transforms into a full-fledged festival experience. The event features two distinct music areas with everything from chilled acoustic performances to energetic DJ sets, keeping the festive vibe alive from day to night. Radio hosts Big Rossi and Remix Rich will take over the decks, ensuring the energy never dips throughout the weekend.​

For those seeking a premium experience, the new VIP package (AED 299) includes fast-track entry, exclusive access to a dedicated VIP lounge with live performance, three food vouchers, and four beverage vouchers. This option is perfect for those wanting to maximize their experience without the usual festival queues.​

The Kids Village ensures families can enjoy the festival together, with special workshops, kid-friendly activations, and dishes designed specifically for younger palates. Meanwhile, the Taste Artisan Market showcases emerging and established local brands selling artisan products, food items, beverages, and lifestyle goods—perfect for discovering hidden gems and supporting local creators.​

Tickets, Packages & How to Book

Tickets are currently available at early-bird prices through Platinumlist.net:​

• Standard Entry: AED 60 per person (one-day admission with access to workshops on first-come, first-served basis)

• Taster Package: AED 175 per person (includes two food and two beverage vouchers)

• VIP Package: AED 299 per person (fast-track entry, VIP lounge access, three food vouchers, four beverage vouchers)

Kids under 12 receive free entry, making it an excellent family-friendly festival option. Payment is seamless—you can use credit or debit cards at the event, or utilize vouchers included in your ticket package when purchasing food and beverages from participating restaurants.​

Planning Your Visit: A Festival Guide

With over 27,000 foodies expected to descend on Dubai Media City Amphitheatre across the three-day weekend, arriving early ensures you catch the must-try dishes before they sell out. Pro tip: Check out the official Taste of Dubai social media channels for real-time updates on special performances, menu highlights, and surprise announcements leading up to the festival.​

The festival's beauty lies in its flexibility—whether you're a devoted foodie wanting to taste everything, a music lover seeking live entertainment, or a family looking for memorable experiences together, Taste of Dubai 2026 delivers. Budget accordingly for vouchers, try something completely outside your comfort zone, and make time for at least one celebrity chef workshop to truly immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere.​

Why February 6–8, 2026 Is a Must on Your Dubai Calendar

Taste of Dubai represents more than just food consumption; it's a celebration of Dubai's position as a global culinary destination where world-class chefs, innovative restaurants, and passionate foodies converge. The 2026 edition promises to set new standards with its expanded chef roster, diverse restaurant selection, and commitment to making premium culinary experiences accessible to everyone.​

Whether you're a Dubai resident seeking new dining discoveries, an expat exploring the city's food scene, or a visitor wanting to experience the best of the Emirates' culinary culture, Taste of Dubai 2026 is unmissable. Mark your calendars for February 6–8, grab your early-bird tickets, and prepare for a weekend of extraordinary flavors, world-class entertainment, and pure celebration.