The Dubai Airshow 2025 is not only a hub for aviation breakthroughs and high-value deals, but it also showcases large-scale culinary operations. Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) is preparing to deliver one of the world’s largest food service operations by serving over 300,000 meals across five days. This effort highlights EKFC’s culinary expertise and logistical precision on a scale rarely seen at international events.
A Culinary Operation on a Global Stage
Attendees from 98 countries are expected at the Dubai Airshow, which makes food service a vital part of the overall experience. EKFC is tasked with providing meals that are not only fresh and delicious but also culturally authentic. The company has constructed two full-scale central kitchens on-site, equipped with cold rooms, pastry zones, and high-capacity dishwashing units. Supporting infrastructure such as canteens, uniform stations, and rest areas for staff was completed in under two weeks.
Team and Talent Behind the Scenes
Delivering 300,000 meals requires a highly coordinated workforce. EKFC has recruited over 2,600 staff and interns, including chefs, culinary assistants, and logistical support personnel. More than 1,800 staff will be deployed across the venue wearing custom-designed cobalt blue uniforms.
Shahreyar Nawabi, CEO of EKFC, explained that the operation demonstrates what is possible when airline catering expertise meets event-scale execution. Every meal is designed to provide an authentic experience, respecting both recipes and cultural preferences.
Diverse Global Cuisine
One of the most ambitious aspects of EKFC’s catering is the diversity of its menu. From French and Japanese delicacies to Emirati and Indian specialties, every exhibitor and visitor can enjoy a culinary journey. EKFC collaborates with high-end brands to ensure that signature flavors are delivered with precision and quality.
Menus are curated with careful attention to detail, including presentation and ingredients. This ensures that visitors not only enjoy a meal but also experience a reflection of their own culture, creating a personalized and memorable dining experience.
Sustainability in Operations
While scale and diversity are impressive, sustainability is a key priority for EKFC. The company has implemented several measures to reduce its environmental impact. Plastic bottles have been eliminated in favor of sustainable alternatives, food waste is being composted, and edible leftovers are donated through partnerships with local food banks. Local sourcing is encouraged through collaborations with UAE producers.
These initiatives demonstrate that large-scale events can achieve operational excellence without compromising environmental responsibility.
Logistics and Technology
Serving 300,000 meals across more than 150 chalets, pavilions, and exhibits requires meticulous planning. EKFC has implemented a detailed operational plan to ensure meals are delivered on time, at the correct temperature, and with consistent quality.
The kitchens undergo rigorous stress tests before the event to simulate peak demand scenarios. Every aspect of inventory management, staff rotation, and food delivery is carefully monitored to ensure seamless execution.
Training and Precision
An operation of this scale relies on highly trained personnel. EKFC invests in extensive training programs covering culinary skills and service protocols. Chefs are trained to adapt to the dynamic requirements of a large-scale event, maintaining hygiene standards and managing time-sensitive deliveries efficiently.
Staff readiness ensures that the operation runs smoothly and that visitors enjoy a consistent and high-quality dining experience throughout the five days.
Enhancing the Airshow Experience
Food is a key part of the Dubai Airshow experience. EKFC’s approach adds flavor, comfort, and cultural richness to the event. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of global cuisines in venues designed for accessibility and convenience. Collaboration with high-end brands and cafés elevates the dining experience, making it a memorable component of the Airshow.
Attention to presentation, taste, and service ensures that meals leave a lasting impression on attendees and enhance the overall event experience.
Local Partnerships and Community Engagement
EKFC’s focus on local sourcing benefits UAE producers and strengthens community ties. Collaborating with local suppliers ensures ingredients are fresh, sustainable, and of premium quality. This approach highlights the UAE’s rich culinary heritage and offers visitors an authentic taste of the region.
Initiatives such as food donations also reflect EKFC’s commitment to social responsibility, ensuring surplus meals reach those in need instead of going to waste.
Innovation in Event Catering
The Dubai Airshow 2025 sets a benchmark in large-scale event catering. EKFC’s operation combines traditional culinary expertise with innovative strategies in logistics, sustainability, and international cuisine. From automated kitchen systems to efficient staff management, every detail is designed to deliver excellence at scale.
This operation demonstrates that mega events can integrate culinary creativity, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility effectively.
Conclusion
Emirates Flight Catering is not only serving meals at the Dubai Airshow 2025 but is creating experiences, celebrating cultures, and setting new standards in large-scale catering. With over 300,000 meals prepared, thousands of staff deployed, and sustainability at the core of its operations, EKFC is redefining what it means to cater for a global audience.
From globally inspired menus to locally sourced delicacies, and from precise logistics to eco-conscious practices, EKFC showcases how large-scale catering can be both innovative and responsible. As the Dubai Airshow 2025 takes flight, its culinary journey promises to be as impressive as the aviation innovations on display.
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