7 min
Ever wondered what an exhibition and trade show would be like for the famed bar & beverage industry? Well, you don't have to wonder any longer. The Gulf Bar Show 2025, the first and only show of its kind in the MENA region, is coming to Dubai on the 7th and 8th of April and the tickets are live folks! Let's dig those up.
Get an Essential Pass, valid for one day with up to 3 sessions for AED195, an Explorer Pass for both days and up to 10 sessions for AED295, or go big and grab the Very Important Pass for both days with access to all sessions, and exclusive entry to the After Party for AED495. Keep scrolling to know more and get those tickets while they're still hot!
Scheduled to become an annual fixture in Dubai, the show aims to position the region at the forefront of the global beverage industry, providing a universal platform for sector professionals and brands to collaborate, innovate, and explore regional and global trends.
The Gulf Bar Show is set to make history as the MENA region’s first dedicated bar and beverage trade show focusing on culture, craftsmanship, and community, ensuring three values that Dubai fosters and nurtures!
This inaugural event will take place over two days, on April 7th and 8th, at Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah, providing a spectacular backdrop where the energy of Dubai meets the global beverage industry. GBS will feature 200 exhibitors showcasing global and regional brands, alongside more than 30 seminars, masterclasses, tasting sessions, workshops, and symposiums. The event will also host competitions and awards celebrating excellence in the industry.
In the run-up to the Gulf Bar Show, some of Dubai’s most renowned restaurants and bars will host a series of exclusive guest shifts featuring both locally and internationally acclaimed bartenders. On Saturday April 5 and Sunday April 6, with the official opening cocktail party hosted at NOBU on Sunday April 6 from 5 PM till 11 PM.
The Quiote Co Stand and Behind Bars pop-ups at the event will feature a rotating schedule of bar takeovers with the industry’s very best.
The 3 days will see an increadible roster of mixology talent including Nikola Ristic, Arlindo Duarte at Buddha Bar, Gitano, Bar Du Port, Galaxy Bar, NOBU, Don Bodhinayake from St. Regis, Vitor Hugo from Culinary Arts Group, 1920, Kira, Zuma, and Amazonico, which will wrap up the night. But of course, that's not it, the Gulf Bar Show will welcome a stellar roster of guest bartenders for a series of one-night-only shifts at Dubai’s most iconic bars. Some of the biggest names include Alma, hosting Stelios Papadopoulos, Clap will welcome Jimmy Barrat, 1920 will feature Mauro Mahjoub, and so much more.
The celebrations don’t stop when the day events finish, as each evening will conclude with exclusive after parties featuring live entertainment and surprise guests.
On Monday April 7, Electric Pawn Shop will host an after party starting 9 PM, serving as a spectacular finale to the first day of GBS’ opening day. On Tuesday April 8, Bar Du Port will host an after party starting 11 PM to close the second day, and finally, on Wednesday April 9, Dré Masso will be at Sushisamba starting 8 PM, while Be Beach will host the official closing after party from 6 PM until late, finishing the event on a high.
Each year, GBS will foster industry growth through collaboration, increase exposure for up-and-coming brands, and facilitate valuable partnerships – from frontline professionals to major distributors and investors.
“We have created The Gulf Bar Show to celebrate the vibrant bar culture of the region and to provide a platform where industry professionals, brands, and enthusiasts can come together to share ideas, showcase talent, and elevate the standards of the bar scene. Our goal is to make this a cornerstone event that highlights the creativity and innovation shaping the future of the industry in the Gulf,” said Hugo Goncalves, Co-Founder of The Gulf Bar Show.
The venue will be transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration, with several themed areas, including The Terrace with its Cigar Lounge, the Main Hall, the MENA Heritage Hall, and the Networking Hall.
GBS will host thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, tasting sessions, and deep dives into emerging trends, providing valuable insights and knowledge for attendees to apply to their own work. Supported by an exceptional roster of industry icons, this event will also offer MENA-based professionals the rare opportunity to engage and network with the global bar scene’s brightest stars, bringing attention to the region’s vibrant bar and beverage scene.
GBS will champion responsible consumption with seminars on zero-proof innovations, low-ABV options in the Cold Sober section, and partnerships with regional health organizations to foster a culture of mindful drinking aligned with local values.
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn from the world’s leading bartenders and hear from a curated selection of experts covering five key pillars shaking up the bar industry. From the pioneers of mixology to sustainability advocates and strategic business minds, the lineup of star personalities include Salvatore ‘The Maestro’ Calabrese, Tony Abou-Ganim, Dré Masso, Jean Trinh, Julio Bermejo, Angus Winchester, Jared Brown & Anistatia Miller, and Priyanka Blah & Danil Nevsky. With its dynamic mix of innovation, education, and collaboration, the event promises to inspire a new era of creativity and excellence in the industry.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an aspiring entrepreneur, or a curious enthusiast, The Gulf Bar Show invites you to be part of this transformative experience. Grab your tickets now at platinumlist and mark your calendars for an extravaganza that will raise the bar in every sense.
Timing: April 7th till 8th, 2025
Location: Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: @gulfbarshow
16 min
