First-ever launchpad for F&B talent: Gulfood YouthX
Gulfood, Hilton & Dubai College of Tourism
unite to fire up F&B careers
When we’re empowering youth, we’re powering the future of an entire industry.
Here to reimagine the future of food and beverage is our brand-new platform – Gulfood YouthX. Right from mentorship to scholarship to hands-on learning in live kitchen environments, the opportunities to shine are limitless for the UAE’s brightest young talent.
YouthX first edition rallies young Emirati chefs
Meet your mentors
An inspirational Emirati Chef who has ambitious dreams to build her own Emirati academic institution for chefs.
Laila Al Mansoori
Chef
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island
Trained a team of young chefs that went on to win 7 Gold Medals in the 2021 Chefs’ Table Competition.
KASDI BAHARI
Executive Chef
Hilton Palm Jumeirah
Got what it takes to win?
Through our partners, you stand a chance to win career-defining opportunities
Winners fly to one of Hilton Europe's dining destinations for a hands-on learning experience from international culinary masters.
Winning chefs also receive 25% scholarship for training at Dubai College of Tourism
Words that matter from Hilton's top leader
''It's such an honour for Hilton to partner with Gulfood and DTC to launch their inspiring YouthX platform.
I believe there is some wonderful culinary talent in the UAE and I know Chef Kasdi and Chef Laila are really looking forward to nurturing some of these young Emiratis as they take their first steps on an exciting career path in the food and hospitality industry.''
Emma Banks
Vice President F&B strategy & development EMEA, Hilton
Words that matter from Dubai College of Tourism's top leader
“As we continually strive towards achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to make Dubai the most liveable city in the world, it is crucial for our industry to deliver exceptional experiences to residents and visitors across the tourism ecosystem. With gastronomy being a key pillar of Dubai’s diverse destination proposition, our participation at global events such as Gulfood 2022, the largest annual F&B sourcing event in the world, will further enhance our student’s personal development through insightful workshops, first-hand experience of the industry and the chance to interact with experienced chefs and other industry thought-leaders. As the College is also dedicated to nurturing the talents of Emirati youth, and as part of our collaboration with Gulfood, we are excited to be offering a scholarship to an aspiring Emirati chef during this event while our faculty will have the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with participants, as well as reach a wider audience to promote our world-class culinary arts programme.”
Essa Bin Hadher
General Manager, Dubai College of Tourism (DCT)
Emirati Culinary Artists at
Gulfood Top Table
Emirati chef and owner, Faisal Naser is the brains behind popular fast-food concept LENTO, which opened in Abu Dhabi in 2020 and is set to launch in Dubai this year.
Aged 36, Naser has built a loyal fanbase for serving quality, artisanal smashed burgers, fried chicken, off-menu specials and pop-up dinners.
Faisal Naser
Founder
LENTO
Emirati Chef Khaled trained in many five star restaurants around Dubai including Gorden Ramsay's Breadstreet Kitchen and Ossiano, Atlantis the Palm.
Currently he is an Executive Chef and partner in FAE Café. Chef Khaled is experimental in style and presentation, which is great news for diners since it shows in the dishes.
Khaled is conscious about the kitchen and what comes out of it in terms of being sustainable.
Khaled Al Saadi
Co-Founder
FAE Café
