FAQs - Taste of Abu Dhabi Festival

FAQs

Taste of Abu Dhabi is the city’s ultimate celebration of food, drink and music. Featuring pop-ups from 16 of the best restaurants in the city, workshops with celebrity chefs in 3 cooking features, the event is a culinary hub for foodies, families, and friends. Live music, licensed outlets, an artisan vendor village, and more will keep the festival vibes going through the weekend.

Friday 15 November 2024
1PM-12AM

Saturday 16 November 2024
1PM-12AM

Sunday 17 November 2024
1PM-10PM

Gateway Park South, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Yes, there is free parking around the venue; however, it is encouraged to take taxis or Careem as the carparks may fill up.

Under 12: Free admission—no ticket required.
Ages 12 and above: Standard ticket required.

Explore our ticket packages for a foodie experience to remember. Click here to learn more about our tickets and packages.

Platinumlist.net

All tickets can be bought here at abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net and at the box office on event days.

Packages

Standard Ticket
Advance AED 75
Box Office AED 85

Includes: 1 day entry to the event and exclusive Taste workshops.

Taster Package
Advance AED 180
Box Office 195

Includes: 1 day entry to the event, 2 food vouchers, 2 drink vouchers, and exclusive Taste workshops.

*Vouchers are distributed at the time of entry into the event.
**Food vouchers may be redeemed for any dish at any restaurant pop-up.
***Drink vouchers may be used for house beverages, soft drinks, or water.

VIP Package
Advance AED 325
Box Office AED 350

Includes: 1 day entry to the event, 3 food vouchers, 4 drink vouchers, access to the VIP Lounge, and exclusive Taste workshops.

Sunday Brunch Package
Advance AED 375
Box Office AED 400

Includes: Sunday entry to the event, 5 food vouchers, 5 drink vouchers, access to the VIP Lounge, and exclusive Taste workshops.

Friday Work Social Package (minimum 10 to book)
Contact marketing@mena-events.com to book

Advance 130 AED per person

Includes: Friday entry to the event before 3PM, 2 food vouchers, custom digital invitations for your company, access to the VIP Lounge, and exclusive Taste workshops.

Friday Work Social Plus Package (minimum 10 to book)
Contact marketing@mena-events.com to book

Advance 165 AED per person

Includes: Friday entry to the event before 3PM, 2 food vouchers, 2 drink vouchers, custom digital invitations for your company, access to the VIP Lounge, and exclusive Taste workshops.

All tickets are non-refundable.

There are plenty of free activities to do at Taste Abu Dhabi.

Participation at our Taste Workshops at the Kibsons Cook School, BLACK+DECKER & NOOR OIL Culinary Stage and Exit 10 & Aramtec Fire Pit are included free with any ticket. Registration first-come first-served on the day, 1 hour prior to each session.

No outside food or drink is permitted into the venue and bags may be checked upon arrival.

Yes, there will be dedicated licensed outlets selling alcohol at the event. All guests wishing to purchase alcohol will be required to present ID for proof of age.

We aim to cater for as many people as possible to ensure everyone is able to enjoy delicious food during the event. Restaurants’ menus will always state the 12 most common allergens; however, there is always a risk of cross-contamination and those with allergies should be mindful of this.

Please have a chat with any of our restaurants and artisan producers when you drop by about the ingredients in their dishes. They will always be happy to help with any questions.

Taste of Abu Dhabi is a cashless event. All restaurants, bars, and artisan vendors will accept debit and credit card.

Select ticket packages include food and drink vouchers which can be used to redeem dishes at the restaurants and drinks at select bars.

Included in select ticket packages, each food voucher is redeemable at the event for 1 dish at any of the 16 restaurant pop-ups.

*Food vouchers cannot be used at exhibitors’ stands.

All vouchers will be distributed at the time of entry to the event. Vouchers cannot be refunded or transferred to another person, day, or location.

Included in select ticket packages, each drink voucher is redeemable at the event for 1 house beverage, soft drink, or water. Drink vouchers can be redeemed at event bars only.

*Drink vouchers cannot be redeemed at restaurants or exhibitors’ stands.

All vouchers will be distributed at the time of entry to the event. Vouchers cannot be refunded or transferred to another person, day, or location.

Everybody is welcome to attend Taste of Abu Dhabi; however, it is not recommended for wheelchairs due to the venue’s grassy terrain as well as the absence of ramps.

Animals are not permitted into the event; however, guide dogs are allowed.

All tickets do not allow for re-entry. Make sure to come prepared with all items needed such as sunscreen, baby food, medications, etc.

Please contact Anju by emailing anju@mena-events.com

Yes, Taste of Abu Dhabi has teamed up with ne’ma as the events’s official Food Waste Reduction Partner.

At Taste of Abu Dhabi, we believe that knowledge is the first step toward making a positive impact on our environment and community. As we celebrate the rich culinary culture of our city, it’s essential to address an important issue: food waste.

In this Q&A, developed in collaboration with ne’ma – the UAE Food Loss and Waste Initiative, we cover some key topics, such as the differences between food loss and food waste, how food wasted in the UAE, and practical solutions to reduce waste at home and in businesses.

From the benefits of composting to creative ways to repurpose leftovers, we aim to empower you with the tools to make a difference every day.

Food loss refers to the reduction of food available for consumption due to factors occurring during the production stages, such as agricultural loss or damage during transport. Food waste, on the other hand, occurs at the consumer level when edible food is discarded or unused.

It is estimated that one-third of all food produced globally is wasted each year. And that magnitude of food loss and waste results in about 8% to 9% of global carbon emissions. In the UAE, more than 30% of that food is wasted throughout the supply chain. This entire process costs UAE an average of 6 billion dirhams annually.

Composting allows organic waste, including food scraps, to decompose naturally, turning it into nutrient-rich soil. This process reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and can enrich garden soil, promoting a circular economy in food production.

Over-purchasing, improper storage, misunderstanding expiration dates, lack of meal planning, and forgetting about leftovers in the refrigerator, can all contribute to food waste at home.

Leftovers can be repurposed in numerous ways to enhance recipes or create new dishes, here are some helpful tips:

Turning vegetables and meats into soups or casseroles.
Using stale bread for croutons, bread pudding, or using it as breadcrumbs in other recipes.
Creating smoothies from overripe fruits and vegetables.
Freezing surplus fruits and vegetables to be used later.

We can educate children through activities such as:

Involving them in meal planning and cooking.
Teaching them about composting waste.
Discussing the effects of food waste on the environment and the importance of sharing food with those in need.

Meal planning helps prevent food waste by allowing individuals to buy only what they need, reducing impulse purchases, and ensuring that ingredients are used before they spoil. This can also lead to more balanced meals and savings on grocery bills.

Restaurants can implement the following practices:

Conduct regular inventory to manage stock effectively.

Train staff on portion control to reduce over-preparation.

Partner with local food banks to donate excess food and collaborate with organizations focused on food rescue.