Guests take their seats ahead of the awards ceremony.

It may not be a revelation (it isn't to us) that Dubai residents dine out frequently. According to a Compare the Market report, the city was named one of the world's top 10 foodie destinations in 2023. The number of restaurants in the city has only increased since then. While Dubai may be a global food hub, not all eateries are top-notch. Thankfully, Khaleej Times is here to help you distinguish the best from the rest. The paper is hosting the annual DXB F&B Awards on November 27 at Address Sky View. Now in its second year, these awards delve into the food scene, focusing on innovation, excellence, and culinary delights worthy of recognition.

We understand that tastes are subjective, especially in a culturally diverse place like the UAE, so don't rely solely on our opinion. Instead, take a look at our jury—a panel of three from the food and beverage industry—who have sampled and analyzed restaurants around town. Among our judges is James Knight-Paccheco, who leads his own consultancy, Group JKP, and has worked with renowned chefs like Raymond Blanc, Gordon Ramsay, and Michael Caines. Read more about him here. Then, there's Jean Winter, the visionary behind Touch, the UAE's inclusive talent agency representing celebrity chefs and athletes, advocating for disability inclusion, and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. Read all about her here. Lastly, Tapan Vaidya, Group CEO of PJP Investments Group, oversees Papa Johns operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, offering insights into what it takes to create a dish and establishment that keeps customers coming back. Read all about him here.

The nominations are in, and the judges have deliberated for hours. Now, it's time for the awards. British TV presenter and voiceover artist Katie Overy will host tonight's event. Let the award ceremony begin! Stay tuned for updates.

7:07 PM: Welcome address

Michael Jabri-Pickett, Editor-in-Chief of Khaleej Times, welcomes the audience to the second edition of the DXB F&B Awards 2024, stating that the event aims to "honor the best of the best." He emphasizes that "food is not just an extension, but a reflection of culture," and the diversity in Dubai's F&B sector mirrors the emirate's values of diversity. He introduces the judging panel and explains that they voted in 26 categories, which were then audited by Crowe Company.

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