Since GRIF (The Global Restaurant Investment Forum) began over a decade ago, both the forum and Dubai’s vibrant F&B scene have grown side by side. After hosting numerouscurated industry gatherings across Europe and the Middle East, the GRIF community, made up ofindustry veterans and emerging talent, is preparing to gather once more in the city where it all began, with the support of strategic partner Dubai Economy and Tourism.
Taking place from October 6th to 8th, the forum welcomes industry professionals from around the world to a series of unmissable expert-led talks, workshops, and networking opportunities at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central and the newly launched 25 Jump Street. The conference will also feature study tours and receptions that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the success of Dubai’s leading culinary hotspots, hosted by RIKAS, Delano Dubai, Paris Society, The MAINE, Gastronaut Hospitality, Rosy Hospitality, Tashas Group, and more.
Having facilitated countless deals across global expansions, hotel F&B partnerships, franchise agreements, strategic alliances, and investment ventures, GRIF is now returning to where it all began. GRIF’s return comes at a key moment, with Dubai’s hospitality and F&B sector experiencing significant growth. The emirate welcomed a substantial 18.72 million international overnight visitors in 2024, while the foodservice sector is projected to reach $52.76 billion by 2030.
As the industry evolves, this year’s gathering will focus on key topics shaping the future, such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and growth through a series of insightful discussions. Additionally, while operators continue to scale globally, investors are looking for depth and meaning, and guests are seeking destinations that offer authenticity, soul, and a sense of purpose. Talks from founders will highlight this shift, as well as emphasising the importance of strategic partnerships.
Renowned Speakers
In addition to the study tours, the impressive lineup includes first-time speakers: Asma Khan, Restaurateur and Author; Harry Goss, Partner & Food Service Lead at McWin; Natasha Sideris, Founder of Tashas Group; Tony Habre, Group CEO of Addmind and AlphaMind Hospitality; Sanjay Nandi, Group CEO, ADMO Lifestyle Holding; Ahmet Oytun Cakir, Owner of Gastronaut Hospitality; Antonio Gonzalez, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Sunset Hospitality Group; Rabih Fakhreddine, Founder & CEO of 7 Management; Rizwan Kassim, CEO & Founder, Rikas Hospitality; and Gustavo de Hostos, Managing Partner of Forsite Creative.
Joining them are Greg Wright, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Food People; Frantz Braha, Chief Growth Officer; Andre Gerschel, Section Chief of Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund; Spencer Ayers, Senior Vice President of F&B Strategy at Dubai Holding Hospitality; Henry Coutinho-Mason, Founder & Author of The Future Normal; Alex Dilling, **Michelin-Starred Chef and Culinary Visionary; and Phil Broad, President International of TGI Fridays.
Other key voices include Tyrone Reid, Group CEO of MMI and Emirates Leisure Retail; Mario Ferraro, Chief Executive Officer of Smeralda Holding & Sardegna Resorts, and Victoria Sheppard, CEO of Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal. Finally, rounding out the lineup are Alexis Melikov, Founder of Tigermilk Group, and Martti Siimann, Co-Founder of SIIGUR RESTAURANTS.
GRIF 2025 will also include industry think tanks hosted by Think Hospitality, where industry leaders can debate, share, and define the strategies driving the next wave of innovation.
Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, the concept architect for The Global Restaurant Investment Forum, said, ‘GRIF’s return to Dubai isn’t just sentimental, it’s strategic. This city is where the global F&B community meets, where East connects with West, and where a casual coffee can effortlessly evolve into a funding conversation. That’s the kind of energy we’re channelling at this year’s gathering, providing a platform for thought-provoking panels, sharp insights, and impromptu hallway chats that lead to game-changing deals.’
GRIF 2025 marks a bold new chapter in Dubai, bringing the global F&B community together in a city built on ambition. More than just a forum, GRIF challenges its community to think differently and approach the industry’s most pressing issues with fresh, forward-thinking perspectives. For more information on GRIF and to stay up to date on the latest events, please visit grif.com.
