Sweet beginnings in the region
Expo City Dubai is set to host its most indulgent event yet as the region’s first Festival of Cake arrives from Friday 28 November to Tuesday 2 December. As part of Al Wasl Season’s One Destination, Every Celebration programme, Al Wasl Plaza will be transformed into a vast 110,000-square-foot playground dedicated entirely to cake, creativity and confectionery.
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The Big Names
Some of the world’s most recognisable names in baking are heading to Dubai for the occasion. Among the 25 confirmed chefs are Markus Bohr of Harrods, award-winning Emirati pastry chef Sahar Parham Al Awadhi, and Rich Myers, the force behind viral UK dessert brand Get Baked, alongside Claire Clark MBE, Susanne Ng, Nouel Catis, Zareen Shaukat, Nadia Parekh and many more.
Visitors can catch them across three lively stages – the Sweet Creations Stage, Brew Stage and Sprinkles Stage – offering demonstrations, classes, fireside chats and light-hearted bake-offs.
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Al Wasl Plaza will be unmissable as it turns into an interactive world of cakes, cookies, coffee and colourful installations. More than a hundred shows and pop-ups will fill the space, from the immersive Chocomelt Garden to Dara’s full-sized Ice Cream Sprinkles Pool. Sugaholic Bakeshop will host the playful ‘Real or Cake?’ challenge, while the Cake Canvas Café gives guests the chance to paint and nibble on edible masterpieces. Visitors can also enjoy live music and workshops for little ones.
Bake-Off Brilliance
The Festival of Cake Bake-Off promises one of the event’s most exciting attractions. Amateur and professional bakers can compete in front of an international judging panel for the chance to win high-end Bosch equipment and exclusive prizes. Registration closes on Thursday 20 November for anyone eager to show off their skills.
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The UAE’s First Original Cake Picnic
Straight from the United States, the famous Original Cake Picnic is making its Middle Eastern debut in Dubai. The only rule? Arrive with a homemade cake. Guests will join a huge open-air gathering celebrating the joy of home baking. Entry is AED 150 and includes access to the festival’s finale on Monday 2 December.
A visit wouldn’t be complete without something sweet. Guests can purchase a Cake Passport, giving them four bite-sized treats from participating stalls. Expect irresistible desserts from Magnolia Bakery, Chocomelt, Sugaholic, Pavlova Café, Dara’s Ice Cream, Gossip the Café, Miss Matcha, House of Pops and many more.
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Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
