Etisalat Beach Canteen confirmed to return to Dubai Food Festival in February

One of the most exciting engagements on the UAE's social calendar, the Dubai Food Festival will kick-start in the emirate on February 25, 2021.

In 2020, DFF was an altogether more sombre affair owing to the coronavirus pandemic, with certain events, such as the popular Taste of Dubai, being cancelled at the last minute.

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Taste of Dubai, which is held at the Dubai Media City amphitheatre, was meant to postponed until December, but presumably it will now be held on the last three days of DFF in March, as per usual.

Other events that make up DFF include Etisalat Beach Canteen, Hidden Gems, Restaurant Week and Foodie Experiences, which are all slated to be part of this year's event.

Etisalat Beach Canteen, which is usually held at the slice of Jumeirah beach behind Sunset Mall, will showcase Dubai's local food scene and home-grown brands. Dubai Restaurant Week will feature curated menus by more than 30 establishments, while Foodie Experiences will offer chef's tables and cooking masterclasses, although the final line-up of venues, restaurants and chefs is yet to be confirmed.

One confirmed participant at next year's DFF is Best of Dubai, a chef-led culinary series launched by cookbook author Flavel Monteiro. The event comes on the back of Monteiro's latest book, and comprises chefs from the city's restaurants cooking up their signature dishes.

A statement by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment said DFF is "the perfect introduction to the city’s all-inclusive and exciting food and restaurant scene" and that this year it "will offer a taste of international flavours, with gastronomic and dining experiences" each day.