Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) is leading a major Dubai Airshow catering operation, preparing over 300,000 meals for international delegates. Consequently, the Dubai Airshow catering showcases EKFC’s ability to combine scale, precision, and culinary excellence for aviation professionals, government officials, and industry leaders.
To execute this plan, the caterer built two central kitchens from scratch and mobilized nearly 2,600 staff. They will serve 150 chalets, pavilions, and exhibition stands. Moreover, over 35,000 meals have already pre-booked, reflecting strong demand from exhibitors and delegations.
Shahreyar Nawabi, EKFC CEO, said the operation merges airline catering expertise with large-scale event execution. He added that the team’s diverse culinary talent allows them to deliver authentic French, Middle Eastern, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian cuisine, customized to the cultural preferences of nearly 100 countries.
Furthermore, EKFC positioned two central kitchens strategically between the exhibition halls and chalets to ensure optimal service. The facilities include cold rooms, pastry and cold kitchen zones, dishwasher areas, dedicated storage, and independent power supply. Additionally, staff welfare tents, canteens, uniform distribution centers, and check-in areas facilitate smooth operations.
EKFC chefs prepare flexible, made-to-order meals for each pavilion. They will serve braised beef cheeks with black truffle sauce, Emirati tandoori lobster, Indian pistachio korma, and wok-cooked Chinese dishes. Meanwhile, exhibition halls will receive on-demand meals, pastries, and bespoke catering, leveraging EKFC’s airline catering expertise to satisfy diverse tastes and dietary needs.
The company partnered with premium brands to enhance the experience. Origami provides Japanese cuisine, Dibba Oyster Bar showcases local producers, Yann Couvreur runs pastry stations, and a Middle Eastern and Persian BBQ station operates. Emirates Leisure Retail manages Costa Coffee outlets and a food truck village in the SkyView area.
EKFC recruited 74 interns, including UAE Nationals, from top hospitality schools to support a core team of 1,800 staff. Additionally, 500 Dubai World Trade Centre personnel, 280 Emirates kitchen staff, and EKFC internal teams strengthen operations. Staff will wear custom cobalt blue uniforms for the event.
EKFC prioritizes sustainability in its Dubai Airshow operations. The company replaced plastic bottles with glass alternatives, implemented recycling systems, and composts or donates leftover food. They also source locally, collaborating with suppliers such as Dibba oysters and Mai Dubai.
The Dubai Airshow catering operation demonstrates EKFC’s ability to deliver large-scale, high-quality culinary services. Therefore, the event sets a benchmark for operational efficiency, authentic global cuisine, and sustainable catering practices for international exhibitions.
