DUBAI: The city’s Department of Economy and Tourism has unveiled details of the 10th anniversary edition of the Dubai Food Festival, as the industry looks forward to 2023. The DFF, which begins on April 21 and lasts until May 7, will showcase the depth, diversity and creativity of Dubai’s culinary offering through an expanded program of events and activities. It will celebrate homegrown dishes and international cuisine, as well as global trends and inspirational chefs and culinary pioneers, reported the Emirates News Agency on Thursday. The event will play host to many activities, including the return of the Etisalat Beach Canteen, and Dubai Restaurant Week with set menus from 50 of the city’s top restaurants. DFF will also feature a host of pop-ups and showcases, such as 100 Foodie Experiences, and include master classes, partner events and gourmet tastings with Dubai-based chefs from across the city. It will also witness the launch of the Signature Dish initiative, in which 300 restaurants and cafes produce classic menus at an affordable price. New attractions for next year include a Chefs in Town program of events, plus more still to be announced. Details of the DFF were revealed as the DET hosted the third Dubai Gastronomy Forum, a major industry event showcasing new gourmet concepts and highlighting key events and culinary happenings. The event, which was attended by 150 figures in the industry, took place at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai. The forum confirmed Dubai’s reputation as an international hub for gastronomy, and a beacon for visionary restaurateurs, chefs, discerning foodies, and culinary aficionados. The event showed a preview episode of the latest DET food-focused series, “Chefs on a Bus.” The program will see award-winning pastry specialist Sahar Al Awadhi invite 10 of Dubai’s top chefs to show their favorite restaurants across the city. It follows the successful launch of a number of series over the last 12 months which have showcased the Dubai food scene, including “Made in Dubai,” and “Meet the Chef.” Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment CEO Ahmed Al-KHajja said: “This year has been a milestone year for Dubai, and in particular for the city’s mouthwatering gourmet scene. “We are incredibly proud to work alongside our stakeholders and partners to showcase and further develop Dubai’s unique and diverse gastronomy scene. “During the last 12 months, we have seen the launch of the inaugural “Michelin Guide Dubai,” the arrival of the “Gault & Millau” guide, the launch of MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants list, and a host of other accolades for the city’s homegrown eateries, fine dining institutions, and neighborhood favorites. “We are proud and thankful to come together to the table with our partners and discuss how we can make 2023 an even greater success than 2022.” Dubai welcomed 11.4 million international overnight visitors between January and October this year and was recognized as the No. 1 global destination, and the fourth leading location for food lovers in the Tripadviser Travelers’ Choice Awards.