The Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) 2025 concluded successfully in Dubai, having reached full capacity over its three-day duration from October 6 to 8. The event served as a pivotal platform for restaurateurs, investors, developers, and operators to engage in meaningful discussions about the evolving landscape of hospitality.
Held at Antika in the newly launched 25 Jump Street, the forum featured insights from industry leaders including Rabih Fakhreddine, James Hacon, and Gustavo de Hostos. The agenda was rich with study tours, events showcasing Dubai's culinary diversity, and presentations on key trends influencing the food and beverage (F&B) sector.
Highlighting the importance of community, Joey Ghazal, Founder & Managing Partner of The MAINE Group, noted, “Neighbourhood restaurants are part of the social fabric. They create identity, bring people together and give character to cities.” This sentiment echoed throughout discussions which underscored the role of restaurants as cultural anchors within their communities.
Throughout the forum, attendees explored the rising significance of wellness in dining, with discussions indicating a growth in wellness-focused offerings post-COVID. Kathryn Moore from Spa Connectors shared insights on the shift towards holistic lifestyle propositions that integrate nutrition and wellness into dining experiences.
Artificial intelligence also emerged as a significant topic. As Chef Reif Othman of Hotaru Holdings stated, “AI is a tool that can help with inspiration, but it will never replicate a chef’s intuition or the soul of a dish,” emphasizing the balance needed between technology and traditional culinary expertise. The event also featured discussions on sustainability practices as many companies shared their commitment to reducing waste and sourcing sustainably.
Insights shared in the GRIF 2025 Industry Sentiment Report indicated that the UAE food and beverage market is projected to exceed $300 billion within the next eight years, with substantial growth expected. Both talent retention and sustainability were highlighted as critical challenges faced by operators in the evolving industry.
As the discourse on community engagement and sustainability deepened, the attendees also contributed to the “Future Normal” manifesto, a document co-authored by over 100 industry leaders that explored the future of restaurants through innovative concepts and community-led experiences.
Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, Founder of the GRIF Collective, remarked, “I’m genuinely overwhelmed by the incredible support from the GRIF community as we’ve returned to Dubai. It’s been inspiring to see people from across the world come together - to connect, collaborate, and have fun while doing it.” The GRIF 2025 event encapsulated the collective vision for shaping the hospitality industry’s future with purpose and innovation.
For more information on the Global Restaurant Investment Forum, please visit grif.com.
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