EKFC Sets New Catering Milestone for Dubai Airshow 2026
Alexandra
Massive Culinary Setup for Dubai Airshow 2025
Dubai Airshow 2025 is gearing up to welcome aviation and aerospace professionals from nearly 100 countries, with EKFC (Emirates Flight Catering) set to serve more than 300,000 meals during the event. The scale and complexity of catering at this airshow highlight both logistical expertise and culinary diversity, reflecting the international nature of the attendees.
Building Central Kitchens from Scratch
To meet such a mammoth demand, EKFC constructed two complete central kitchens on-site, strategically located between the exhibition halls and chalet areas. These kitchens are equipped with specialized zones including cold rooms, dishwashing areas, dedicated storage, as well as independent power supplies. The on-site facilities support pastry preparation, cold kitchen activities, and bulk production, designed to handle tens of thousands of meals daily.
In support of the culinary operations, infrastructure for staff — such as canteens, uniform distribution centers, welfare tents, and rest areas — was also established. Impressively, this entire setup was planned and executed within a two-week period, followed by a dry run before the event to ensure flawless service delivery.
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Staffing and Expertise
Nearly 2,600 staff members, including 74 interns from prestigious hospitality institutions worldwide, have been recruited for the event. These interns, many of whom are UAE nationals, have undergone cultural and technical training over six months and contribute not only in kitchen roles but also in finance, human resources, and event operations. EKFC’s workforce integrates professionals from its existing kitchens, Dubai World Trade Centre personnel, and a variety of departments, creating a robust and agile team.
The staff will feature exclusive cobalt blue uniforms designed specifically for the show, a distinct departure from their usual corporate colors, symbolizing the unique occasion.
Global Culinary Tapestry on Display
EKFC’s approach to catering this event goes beyond quantity to focus on global authenticity and real-time flexibility. The culinary teams provide a diverse menu tailored to pavilion-specific requests, offering dishes such as braised beef cheeks with black truffle sauce, elaborate Middle Eastern mezze, Emirati-style tandoori lobster, Indian chicken pistachio korma, and traditional Chinese wok dishes.
On-Demand Service and Cultural Sensitivity
Exhibition halls will enjoy on-demand catering services, including basket orders, fresh pastries, and customizable menus that cater to dietary preferences and cultural nuances. This adaptability is rooted in EKFC's airline catering heritage, where daily operations depend on mastering diverse tastes and accommodating special requests from international travelers.
Collaborations With Local and Global Brands
Several UAE-based and international food concepts are partnered to create seven signature culinary zones during the airshow:
- Origami - Japanese cuisine
- Onda - Premium coffee
- Yann Couvreur Pastry & Barista Experience
- Dibba Oyster Bar showcasing Fujairah-produced seafood
- An in-house salmon and caviar lounge
- Bustanica Salad Bar with poke-style bowls
- Middle Eastern and Persian BBQ station
Additionally, Emirates Leisure Retail operates Costa Coffee outlets and a food truck village in the SkyView area, adding vibrant options for attendees.
Waste Minimization and Local Sourcing
Environmental responsibility is prominent in EKFC’s strategy. Plastic bottles have been completely replaced by glass containers throughout the event, accompanied by recycling systems. Leftover food is either composted or donated to food banks through a Dubai Municipality partnership, prioritizing waste reduction. Furthermore, EKFC’s commitment to local sourcing includes partnerships with suppliers such as Dibba oysters and Mai Dubai water.
Historical Context and Tourism Growth in Dubai
The preparation for this event fits into a broader context of Dubai's rapid development as a global aviation and tourism hub. Dubai International Airport, already one of the busiest worldwide, supports tens of millions of passengers annually, making the city an indispensable crossroads between East and West.
Since its establishment in the early 1970s, the United Arab Emirates has strategically diversified its economy beyond oil, with tourism and trade becoming vital pillars. Dubai leads the federation with a robust tourism sector that includes luxury resorts, extensive marinas, world-class shopping, and expansive event venues.
Events like the Dubai Airshow reinforce the city’s position as a premier destination for international business and leisure travelers alike. The show attracts a wide spectrum of aviation professionals, government officials, industry experts, and enthusiasts, contributing significantly to visitor numbers and economic activity.
Significance for International Tourism and Sailing
The Dubai Airshow’s scale and international flavor underscore Dubai’s appeal as a vibrant destination with a diverse visitor profile. For lovers of the sea and boating, Dubai’s infrastructure includes numerous marinas and beaches where yachts and sailing activities flourish, often paralleling these high-profile events with increased waterfront leisure and charter opportunities.
The confluence of aviation and maritime tourism in Dubai creates a dynamic environment where business meets recreation. For travelers attending events like the airshow, the opportunity to explore the city’s beaches, rent a yacht in the nearby gulf waters, or enjoy sailing excursions adds an adventurous dimension to their experience.
Table: EKFC Dubai Airshow Catering Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Meals to be Served | Over 300,000 |
| Staff Employed | Approx. 2,600 (including 74 interns) |
| On-site Kitchens | Two central kitchens built |
| Food Concepts | 7 specialty zones + coffee and food trucks |
| Waste Strategy | Plastic replaced by glass, food composting, local sourcing |
| Duration for Setup | Completed in approx. 2 weeks |
Looking Ahead: The Future of Mega Event Catering and Tourism
EKFC’s meticulous organization reflects the rising complexity of catering for global-scale events. The skill set demanded involves not just culinary expertise but also infrastructure planning, workforce coordination, and sustainability practices. As international tourism continues to grow—especially in vibrant hubs like Dubai—the ability to offer tailored, high-quality dining experiences at large gatherings will become increasingly critical.
Dubai's growing appeal as a transport and leisure hub will likely see continued synergies between international exhibitions and marine tourism. The rise in visitors ultimately fuels demand for diverse boating experiences, from leisurely yacht charters in clear gulf waters to high-octane water sports, complementing the city’s busy calendar of events.
Conclusion
EKFC's role in serving over 300,000 meals at the 2025 Dubai Airshow highlights the extraordinary culinary and logistical efforts behind one of the world’s most significant aviation gatherings. The company's dedication to quality, cultural sensitivity, and sustainability sets a new standard for large-scale catering operations. Situated in a city at the crossroads of global tourism and commerce, this event also emphasizes Dubai’s status as a hotspot for international visitors, many of whom enjoy the region’s premium boating activities and yacht charters after the event.
For those inspired to explore Dubai's bright marinas, pristine beaches, and thrilling sailing adventures, GetBoat.com offers an extensive international marketplace to rent sailing boats and yachts, perfectly matching every taste and budget. Whether arriving for business or leisure, the city’s blend of spectacular events and water-based activities makes it a premier destination on the global yachting map.
