Latest news with #UAERG
Mid East Info
12-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
UAE Restaurant Group and IMAGES RetailME Return with the Second Edition of Sector-Shaping Forums - Middle East Business News and Information
Serving as premier knowledge-sharing platforms for food service HoReCa and food & grocery retail, the second edition of UAERG Food Service Forum and IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum will take place on June 19th at JW Marriott Marina Offering a blend of conferences led by key voices, exhibitions, networking sessions, and awards, the forums will explore today's most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities across the sector Dubai, UAE June 2025: As two of the region's leading forces shaping the future of the food and retail industries, the UAE Restaurant Group UAERG and IMAGES RetailME will come together to host another edition of their insightful forums. UAERG, the official representative body of the UAE's food and beverage sector, will present the Food Service Forum with a focus on the HoReCa ecosystem, while IMAGES RetailME, the region's premier retail business intelligence platform, will lead the Food Business Forum, spotlighting the food and grocery retail market. Set to take place on June 19th at JW Marriott Marina, both concurrent events will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, concluding with a UAERG Partners Felicitation Ceremony. UAERG Food Service Forum: In recent years, MENA has experienced a surge of fine-dining restaurants, cafés, bars, international fast-food chains, and homegrown culinary concepts, catering to the region's evolving palate and growing appetite for unique dining experiences. Helping participants tap into the local market's immense potential, the UAERG Food Service Forum will feature a series of impactful roundtables, exhibition areas, and networking sessions, as well as the chance to meet the region's most powerful food service professionals. To set the tone for the forums, Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAE Restaurant Group and Vice President of HAMA MEA, and Amitabh Taneja, Editor-in-Chief at IMAGES Retail, will deliver an introductory speech. After, participants can dive into the discussions, starting at 10.20am with an inaugural session exploring the balance between ultra-fast delivery models and food quality, featuring Jaskaran Singh, Vice President of Product at Careem. Later at 2.00pm, a session on experiential dining will examine whether premium restaurant concepts and entertainment hybrids are worth the investment for shopping centres, with key insights from Jitin Joshi, Chef and Culinary Leader at Revolver (Culinary Arts Group), and Fay Economides, Executive Managing Director at M Management Company. Other highlights include an expert-led discussion on transforming café brands into lifestyle icons with various industry leaders sharing their experiences, including Duncan Muir, Senior Director of F&B and Retail at Bateel. The food service forum will also explore AI integration in the kitchen, with a panel featuring Sheikha Al Mheiri, Owner of MAD Hospitality, and Tapan Vaidya, Treasurer at UAERG and CEO of PJP Investments Group. Finally, Naved Nasir, Founder of Khadak, will join fellow industry trailblazers to share the ingredients for long-term success. Through meaningful events like the Food Service Forum, UAERG aims to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration, helping shape the future of the UAE's dynamic F&B scene. In line with this role, the group is led by four key committees: the Education & Innovation Committee, headed by Board Member Walid Fakih, which keeps members informed on trends and tech, and the Membership Engagement & Events Committee, led by Treasurer Tapan Vaidya, aimed at fostering connection and knowledge-sharing. Meanwhile, Vice Chairman Amit Nayak leads both the Sustainability Committee and the Government Relations & Advocacy Committee, which ensures their voices are heard in policy and regulatory matters. Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAE Restaurant Group and Vice President of HAMA MEA, shared, 'The second edition of UAERG Food Service Forum and IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum comes at a crucial turning point. Several factors, including lifestyle changes, sustainability, and technology, are completely transforming how diners engage with concepts. Through events like this, we hope to contribute to the greater success of the UAE's food service industry, sharing expert insights and practices that will help businesses of all sizes thrive.' IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum: In the realm of Food & Grocery Retail, the MENA market is experiencing a profound shift, driven by the evolving needs of modern consumers, rapid technological advancements, and diversified products. This year's IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum seeks to empower participants to navigate these industry shifts and highlight emerging trends by bringing together key industry players from leading hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty retailers. One of the day's standout sessions is the 12.00pm CEO Power Panel, which will explore how both legacy and next-gen brands are reinventing themselves through agile strategies, new formats, and bold market experimentation. Following the expert-led discussions, the forums will conclude with the UAERG Partners Felicitation Ceremony, honouring outstanding contributions across the food sector. Spanning a range of categories, the event will spotlight companies driving innovation, growth, and positive change within the industry. Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of UAERG, said, 'We are thrilled to be working with IMAGES RetailME once again, uniting some of the most renowned names in the food and beverage industry to exchange knowledge, share practical insights, and address the challenges shaping our sector. These forums represent more than just an opportunity to gather – they reflect our collective ambition to push boundaries, inspire innovation, and position the UAE and the greater MENA region as a global gastronomic hub of culinary excellence and business leadership.' After a successful inaugural edition, the second UAERG Food Service Forum and IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum aim to build on that momentum. This year's edition offers a dynamic platform to stay ahead of emerging trends, forge meaningful connections, and uncover new avenues for growth, making it a must-attend for industry professionals and business owners alike. The UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) was established in 2020 as the Dubai Restaurants Group and transitioned to its current form in 2022. As a distinguished not-for-profit organisation, the group unites some of the most renowned names in the food and beverage industry, working collectively to elevate the UAE as a global gastronomic hub. Guided by core values of integrity and innovation, UAERG seeks to promote excellence across the F&B sector while driving job creation and economic growth. The Group is equally dedicated to advancing sustainable practices within the industry. UAERG also serves as a central resource for research and insights, offering valuable reports on industry trends. Through regular member meetings, advisory sessions, and panel discussions, it provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration, helping shape the future of the UAE's dynamic F&B scene.
Web Release
12-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
UAE Restaurant Group and IMAGES RetailME Return with the Second Edition of Sector-Shaping Forums
As two of the region's leading forces shaping the future of the food and retail industries, the UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) and IMAGES RetailME will come together to host another edition of their insightful forums. UAERG, the official representative body of the UAE's food and beverage sector, will present the Food Service Forum with a focus on the HoReCa ecosystem, while IMAGES RetailME, the region's premier retail business intelligence platform, will lead the Food Business Forum, spotlighting the food and grocery retail market. Set to take place on June 19th at JW Marriott Marina, both concurrent events will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, concluding with a UAERG Partners Felicitation Ceremony. UAERG Food Service Forum In recent years, MENA has experienced a surge of fine-dining restaurants, cafés, bars, international fast-food chains, and homegrown culinary concepts, catering to the region's evolving palate and growing appetite for unique dining experiences. Helping participants tap into the local market's immense potential, the UAERG Food Service Forum will feature a series of impactful roundtables, exhibition areas, and networking sessions, as well as the chance to meet the region's most powerful food service professionals. To set the tone for the forums, Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAE Restaurant Group and Vice President of HAMA MEA, and Amitabh Taneja, Editor-in-Chief at IMAGES Retail, will deliver an introductory speech. After, participants can dive into the discussions, starting at 10.20am with an inaugural session exploring the balance between ultra-fast delivery models and food quality, featuring Jaskaran Singh, Vice President of Product at Careem. Later at 2.00pm, a session on experiential dining will examine whether premium restaurant concepts and entertainment hybrids are worth the investment for shopping centres, with key insights from Jitin Joshi, Chef and Culinary Leader at Revolver (Culinary Arts Group), and Fay Economides, Executive Managing Director at M Management Company. Other highlights include an expert-led discussion on transforming café brands into lifestyle icons with various industry leaders sharing their experiences, including Duncan Muir, Senior Director of F&B and Retail at Bateel. The food service forum will also explore AI integration in the kitchen, with a panel featuring Sheikha Al Mheiri, Owner of MAD Hospitality, and Tapan Vaidya, Treasurer at UAERG and CEO of PJP Investments Group. Finally, Naved Nasir, Founder of Khadak, will join fellow industry trailblazers to share the ingredients for long-term success. Through meaningful events like the Food Service Forum, UAERG aims to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration, helping shape the future of the UAE's dynamic F&B scene. In line with this role, the group is led by four key committees: the Education & Innovation Committee, headed by Board Member Walid Fakih, which keeps members informed on trends and tech, and the Membership Engagement & Events Committee, led by Treasurer Tapan Vaidya, aimed at fostering connection and knowledge-sharing. Meanwhile, Vice Chairman Amit Nayak leads both the Sustainability Committee and the Government Relations & Advocacy Committee, which ensures their voices are heard in policy and regulatory matters. Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAE Restaurant Group and Vice President of HAMA MEA, shared, 'The second edition of UAERG Food Service Forum and IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum comes at a crucial turning point. Several factors, including lifestyle changes, sustainability, and technology, are completely transforming how diners engage with concepts. Through events like this, we hope to contribute to the greater success of the UAE's food service industry, sharing expert insights and practices that will help businesses of all sizes thrive.' IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum In the realm of Food & Grocery Retail, the MENA market is experiencing a profound shift, driven by the evolving needs of modern consumers, rapid technological advancements, and diversified products. This year's IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum seeks to empower participants to navigate these industry shifts and highlight emerging trends by bringing together key industry players from leading hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty retailers. One of the day's standout sessions is the 12.00pm CEO Power Panel, which will explore how both legacy and next-gen brands are reinventing themselves through agile strategies, new formats, and bold market experimentation. Following the expert-led discussions, the forums will conclude with the UAERG Partners Felicitation Ceremony, honouring outstanding contributions across the food sector. Spanning a range of categories, the event will spotlight companies driving innovation, growth, and positive change within the industry. Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of UAERG, said, 'We are thrilled to be working with IMAGES RetailME once again, uniting some of the most renowned names in the food and beverage industry to exchange knowledge, share practical insights, and address the challenges shaping our sector. These forums represent more than just an opportunity to gather – they reflect our collective ambition to push boundaries, inspire innovation, and position the UAE and the greater MENA region as a global gastronomic hub of culinary excellence and business leadership.' After a successful inaugural edition, the second UAERG Food Service Forum and IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum aim to build on that momentum. This year's edition offers a dynamic platform to stay ahead of emerging trends, forge meaningful connections, and uncover new avenues for growth, making it a must-attend for industry professionals and business owners alike. To register, please visit For more information about UAERG, please visit To learn more about IMAGES RetailME, please visit
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE Restaurant Group and IMAGES RetailME return with the second edition of sector-shaping forums
Offering a blend of conferences led by key voices, exhibitions, networking sessions, and awards, the forums will explore today's most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities across the sector Dubai, UAE: As two of the region's leading forces shaping the future of the food and retail industries, the UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) and IMAGES RetailME will come together to host another edition of their insightful forums. UAERG, the official representative body of the UAE's food and beverage sector, will present the Food Service Forum with a focus on the HoReCa ecosystem, while IMAGES RetailME, the region's premier retail business intelligence platform, will lead the Food Business Forum, spotlighting the food and grocery retail market. Set to take place on June 19th at JW Marriott Marina, both concurrent events will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, concluding with a UAERG Partners Felicitation Ceremony. UAERG Food Service Forum In recent years, MENA has experienced a surge of fine-dining restaurants, cafés, bars, international fast-food chains, and homegrown culinary concepts, catering to the region's evolving palate and growing appetite for unique dining experiences. Helping participants tap into the local market's immense potential, the UAERG Food Service Forum will feature a series of impactful roundtables, exhibition areas, and networking sessions, as well as the chance to meet the region's most powerful food service professionals. To set the tone for the forums, Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAE Restaurant Group and Vice President of HAMA MEA, and Amitabh Taneja, Editor-in-Chief at IMAGES Retail, will deliver an introductory speech. After, participants can dive into the discussions, starting at 10.20am with an inaugural session exploring the balance between ultra-fast delivery models and food quality, featuring Jaskaran Singh, Vice President of Product at Careem. Later at 2.00pm, a session on experiential dining will examine whether premium restaurant concepts and entertainment hybrids are worth the investment for shopping centres, with key insights from Jitin Joshi, Chef and Culinary Leader at Revolver (Culinary Arts Group), and Fay Economides, Executive Managing Director at M Management Company. Other highlights include an expert-led discussion on transforming café brands into lifestyle icons with various industry leaders sharing their experiences, including Duncan Muir, Senior Director of F&B and Retail at Bateel. The food service forum will also explore AI integration in the kitchen, with a panel featuring Sheikha Al Mheiri, Owner of MAD Hospitality, and Tapan Vaidya, Treasurer at UAERG and CEO of PJP Investments Group. Finally, Naved Nasir, Founder of Khadak, will join fellow industry trailblazers to share the ingredients for long-term success. Through meaningful events like the Food Service Forum, UAERG aims to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration, helping shape the future of the UAE's dynamic F&B scene. In line with this role, the group is led by four key committees: the Education & Innovation Committee, headed by Board Member Walid Fakih, which keeps members informed on trends and tech, and the Membership Engagement & Events Committee, led by Treasurer Tapan Vaidya, aimed at fostering connection and knowledge-sharing. Meanwhile, Vice Chairman Amit Nayak leads both the Sustainability Committee and the Government Relations & Advocacy Committee, which ensures their voices are heard in policy and regulatory matters. Amit Nayak, Vice Chairman of UAE Restaurant Group and Vice President of HAMA MEA, shared, 'The second edition of UAERG Food Service Forum and IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum comes at a crucial turning point. Several factors, including lifestyle changes, sustainability, and technology, are completely transforming how diners engage with concepts. Through events like this, we hope to contribute to the greater success of the UAE's food service industry, sharing expert insights and practices that will help businesses of all sizes thrive.' IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum In the realm of Food & Grocery Retail, the MENA market is experiencing a profound shift, driven by the evolving needs of modern consumers, rapid technological advancements, and diversified products. This year's IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum seeks to empower participants to navigate these industry shifts and highlight emerging trends by bringing together key industry players from leading hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty retailers. One of the day's standout sessions is the 12.00pm CEO Power Panel, which will explore how both legacy and next-gen brands are reinventing themselves through agile strategies, new formats, and bold market experimentation. Following the expert-led discussions, the forums will conclude with the UAERG Partners Felicitation Ceremony, honouring outstanding contributions across the food sector. Spanning a range of categories, the event will spotlight companies driving innovation, growth, and positive change within the industry. Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of UAERG, said, 'We are thrilled to be working with IMAGES RetailME once again, uniting some of the most renowned names in the food and beverage industry to exchange knowledge, share practical insights, and address the challenges shaping our sector. These forums represent more than just an opportunity to gather - they reflect our collective ambition to push boundaries, inspire innovation, and position the UAE and the greater MENA region as a global gastronomic hub of culinary excellence and business leadership.' After a successful inaugural edition, the second UAERG Food Service Forum and IMAGES RetailME Food Business Forum aim to build on that momentum. This year's edition offers a dynamic platform to stay ahead of emerging trends, forge meaningful connections, and uncover new avenues for growth, making it a must-attend for industry professionals and business owners alike. To register, please visit For more information about UAERG, please visit To learn more about IMAGES RetailME, please visit About UAERG: The UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) was established in 2020 as the Dubai Restaurants Group and transitioned to its current form in 2022. As a distinguished not-for-profit organisation, the group unites some of the most renowned names in the food and beverage industry, working collectively to elevate the UAE as a global gastronomic hub. Guided by core values of integrity and innovation, UAERG seeks to promote excellence across the F&B sector while driving job creation and economic growth. The Group is equally dedicated to advancing sustainable practices within the industry. UAERG also serves as a central resource for research and insights, offering valuable reports on industry trends. Through regular member meetings, advisory sessions, and panel discussions, it provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration, helping shape the future of the UAE's dynamic F&B scene. For inquiries about membership or sponsorship, please contact sherine@
Web Release
11-06-2025
- Business
- Web Release
UAE Restaurant Group Supports the UAE's First Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study
The UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) has announced its support for a first-of-its-kind study aimed at addressing food waste across all sectors in the UAE, including the hospitality sector. Led by ne'ma – the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, the UAE's First Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study will measure and collect real data across the value chain. These insights will contribute to the creation of national FLW indices, forming the foundation for evidence-based actions and long-term progress. Backed by a coalition of hospitality leaders, including HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group, UAERG will spearhead industry-wide collaboration and mobilize key stakeholders to ensure robust data collection. By generating sector-specific data, the study will support the generation of actionable insights that drive meaningful progress across the hospitality sector. It will also empower businesses to adopt unified measurement tools and best practices for reducing food waste, contributing to the UAE's goal of halving food loss and waste by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. Abdulla Al Mulla, Chairman of UAERG, said, 'We are thrilled to support this vital study by ne'ma alongside HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group as we collectively work towards a more efficient and sustainable future for the UAE's hospitality sector. By leveraging our platform and industry network, we aim to empower restaurants to make meaningful changes that significantly reduce food waste in the years to come.' Khuloud Hassan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and ne'ma Committee Secretary General, said, 'The UAE's commitment to sustainable production and consumption calls for shared responsibility and collective action to address food loss and waste across all sectors. ne'ma is collaborating with the UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG), HAMA MEA, and Dubai Hotel Group to engage the hospitality sector in driving measurable change and support the UAE's first Food Loss and Waste Baseline Study. The study will generate real data, build national benchmarks, and inform evidence-based interventions. By participating, restaurants and hospitality leaders will be empowered to track progress, adopt best practices, and contribute meaningfully to the national target of halving food loss and waste by 2030, while also helping scale the hospitality sector's role in achieving long-term sustainability goals.' Amit Nayak, CHA, Chairman of Dubai Hotel Group & Vice President of HAMA MEA, stated: 'Sustainability is no longer a choice; it is a responsibility. As industry leaders, we must set the benchmark for positive change. At HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group, we recognize that tackling food waste is critical to shaping a more resilient and responsible hospitality sector. By supporting ne'ma's groundbreaking study, we are not only contributing to the UAE's national sustainability goals but also empowering businesses with the insights they need to implement meaningful, informed solutions. This collaboration reflects our commitment to powering innovation, driving impactful change, and ensuring a future where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.' Tyrone Reid, UAERG Board Member and CEO of MMI & ELR, added, 'As a voice in the UAE's F&B sector, UAERG is proud to support ne'ma's national mission to reduce food loss and waste. This collaboration reflects our commitment to sustainability as a business priority and as part of our shared responsibility to the UAE's long-term goals. By participating in the baseline study and embedding data-driven practices across our member restaurants, we are contributing to a more efficient, resilient, and globally recognized hospitality sector.' Originally founded as the Dubai Restaurant Group in 2020, the UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) brings together leading voices from across the food and beverage landscape. Beyond championing culinary excellence and positioning the UAE as a global dining destination, the group plays a key role in supporting innovation, sustainability, and sector-wide growth. In line with this role, the group has proposed the creation of a dedicated working group comprising leadership from HAMA MEA, Dubai Hotel Group, and UAERG to further the UAE's leadership in sustainability within the hospitality industry. As UAERG continues to elevate the UAE's F&B industry, initiatives like ne'ma's pioneering study ensure the nation stays at the forefront of innovation and sustainable best practices. Through promoting data-driven solutions and encouraging industry-wide collaboration, UAERG's support of this study, alongside industry leaders HAMA MEA and Dubai Hotel Group, marks a major step toward a more resilient and responsible hospitality ecosystem. For more information, please visit To learn more about ne'ma, please visit
Khaleej Times
02-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Ramadan in UAE: Iftar buffet rates surge up to 30% due to weather, rent hike
Restaurants in the UAE have increased iftar buffet rates by up to 30 per cent due to rising costs of ingredients, rents and growing demand from the rising population and more people opting for dining out due to pleasant weather conditions during Ramadan this year. F&B industry executives say that four and five-star hotel restaurants have led the increase in the iftar buffet rates this Ramadan while standalone outlets tried to absorb some cost as well. Restaurants across the UAE roll out special dishes for iftar and suhoor buffet during the fasting month to cater to the demand from Muslims. Corporates, individuals and families book restaurants and Ramadan tents for gatherings for iftar and suhoor. 'This year, iftar buffets across the UAE have seen slight pricing adjustments, balancing enhanced guest experiences with evolving market dynamics. The industry continues to focus on value-driven offerings, ensuring that guests enjoy a memorable and high-quality iftar experience,' said Amit Nayak, vice chairman of UAE Restaurants Group (UAERG). Eti Bhasin, executive director for Majestic Hotels, The Permit Room, and Dhaba Lane, said an average 30 per cent increase can be expected in rates overall across the industry starting from the second week of Ramadan. She expects F&B outlets – especially those with an outdoor venue – to have at least a 50 per cent increase in their revenues this Ramadan which coincides with the last bit of winter in the UAE. According to Somya Jain, CEO of Chatori Gali Restaurants & Catering, the iftar buffet rates increased by about 10-15 per cent in 2025 compared to last year. Rising costs Jain attributed the constant rise in commodity products and rising rents to the increase in iftar buffet rates. 'From rents being at an all-time high to oil prices increasing by 15 per cent to vegetable prices increasing by 7 per cent, some burden eventually has to be transferred to the customer. F&Bs are not usually able to increase menu prices as soon as raw material prices go up, but are now taking a step in that direction,' she added. Eti Bhasin said the last of winter months again is a primary reason, unlike summer months where it was more of a norm to order online as compared to dining out at the outlet. 'As a result, F&B outlets are taking advantage of the expected surge in dining out before the onset of summer. Rising costs in ingredients have indeed been a reason, however, that cannot be limited to only Ramadan, but all year round. Rental increase is a phenomenon affecting all sectors including retail and hence a 10 per cent increase has been observed in all F&B outlets. We have plans at Dhaba Lane to increase rates location-wise considering this aspect,' she added. According to Amit Nayak, iftar pricing is driven by a blend of market demand and operational enhancements including many establishments investing in high-quality ingredients and speciality dishes that celebrate regional and international flavours, creating immersive and engaging atmospheres for families and friends to gather; global shifts in food procurement and logistics costs continue to shape pricing strategies, and a growing emphasis on responsibly sourced ingredients and eco-conscious dining experiences. Standalone vs hotel restaurants Somya Jain added that 4 and 5-star hotel restaurants 'are more at liberty to increase prices, and have done so this year.' She noted that it becomes difficult to completely transfer the increased costs to the customers for standalone restaurants because it is not received well in the market. 'While we do increase prices slightly, ultimately, we end up taking a hit in profit margins.' Eti Bhasin, noted that the majority of 4 and 5-star hotels with an outdoor space have surged their rates during the holy month of Ramadan compared to 1, 2 and 3-star hotels. 'This is due to the demand for fancy spreads and value for money from customers.'
