Launching this April, The Gulf Bar Show is set to make history as the MENA region’s first dedicated bar and beverage trade show with a focus on culture, craftsmanship, and community. The inaugural event will take place over two days, on April 7th and 8th, at Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah.
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.
“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.
Each year, GBS will foster industry growth through collaboration, increase exposure for up-and-coming brands, and facilitate valuable partnerships, serving as the definitive meeting ground for the bar and beverage community – from frontline professionals to major distributors and investors. It will also offer MENA-based professionals the opportunity to network on a global scale, bringing attention to the region’s vibrant bar and beverage scene.
“Inspired by the wisdom of the Spanish saying, ‘The shrimp that sleeps is carried away by the waves,’ we are reminded that passion and dedication can never rest. It’s not enough to merely endure; we must rise with purpose and a heightened sense of awareness,” reflected Sebouh Tato, GBS Co-Founder.
“For over three decades, I’ve been dedicated to building something truly remarkable. Now, alongside the incredible team behind GBS, I’m ready to channel that momentum, push boundaries, and surpass expectations. Let us not be the sleeping shrimp, but those who embrace the waves with unwavering purpose, driving our collective vision to extraordinary new heights,” Tato went on.
A Landmark Event for the Region
Spanning over 4,500 sqm, 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.
Held at Madinat Jumeirah, the location provides a spectacular backdrop where the energy of Dubai meets the global beverage industry. The venue will be transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation and collaboration, with several themed areas, including The Terrace with its Cigar Lounge, Les Aperitifs, Cold Sober, and Planet-Loving/Wellness spaces; the Main Hall for Tech & Liquor; the MENA Heritage Hall showcasing regional participants and products; and the Networking Hall for GBS Talks. Additional areas will include the Think Tank, Tasting Rooms, Startup Corner, NET Networking for sponsors, and Laze Away for breaks.
Driving Sustainability and Social Responsibility
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. There will also be dedicated spaces focused on mental health awareness and support for industry professionals, including wellness workshops, quiet zones, and discussions about work-life balance and industry pressures.
On the environmental front, The Gulf Bar Show is aligning with the UAE’s sustainability goals by exploring initiatives like ‘Green Tickets’ that support local reforestation efforts. Proposed partnerships with the UAE’s ‘Green Sheikh’ initiative could contribute to planting mangrove trees to offset the event’s carbon footprint. Additionally, a collaboration with B Corp consultants aims to establish sustainable practices for trade shows in the region, setting benchmarks in waste reduction, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing for exhibitors and partners.
Insights, Inspiration & Industry Expertise
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. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn from the world’s leading bartenders and industry legends and hear from a curated selection of experts covering five key pillars shaking up the bar industry: Hospitality, Sustainability, Spirits Knowledge, Business of Bars, and Future Trends.
The Gulf Bar Show is set to redefine the bar and beverage industry in the MENA region and beyond, offering an unparalleled platform for professionals to learn, connect, and grow. 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.
Mark your calendars for April 7th and 8th, 2025, and join us in Dubai for an event that will raise the bar in every sense.
For more information, please visit www.gulfbarshow.com. For the latest updates follow @gulfbarshow on Instagram and Gulf Bar Show on LinkedIn.
