The first installment of Gourmet Abu Dhabi, a world-class event celebrating and promoting culinary achievement in the United Arab Emirates has started with a bang beginning with a gala dinner event.
Anticipation for the event culiminated in a star-studded event attended by Michelin-starred masterchefs, dignitaries and other esteemed members of the international culinary scene all gathered to get a taste of the epicurean feasts on offer from each of the hosting establishments – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, InterContinental Abu Dhabi and Hilton Abu Dhabi.
Gourmet Abu Dhabi also boasts a masterchef cast which, between them, hold 24 Michelin-stars. "This line-up is extremely impressive and includes some of the industry's most admired personalities," added Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).
Some of these Michelin-starred chefs include Heinz Beck, regarded as the 'Michelangelo' of the culinary world; Atul Kochhar, the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star; Sam Leong, genius of modern Chinese cusine and Annie Féolde, the French woman who has become the byword for authentic cuisine in her adopted home of Italy; among many others whose resumes and biographies is guaranteed to wow even the most critical of culinarians.
"I think I speak for all the masterchefs when I say how enthusiastic we all are about Gourmet Abu Dhabi and having the opportunity not only to spread our own knowledge but to experience, first hand, the Arabian hospitality we hear so much about and to meet and interact with professionals within the Middle East," said Annie Féolde.
Also adding to the glamour of the event are master patissiers, celebrities such as Ian Wright from Discovery Travel and Living and F&B industry leaders.
The event presented by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and managed by Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd will continue until 14 February and will see a whole gamut of 45 headline events including culinary masterclasses, gourmet safaris, a gourmet golf event and a strong professional educational programme. To keep an eye on the exciting events unfolding at the dreamy capital and to find out more, please visit
www.gourmetabudhabi.ae www.asiacuisine.com.sg 
