California’s renowned culinary and produce heritage, as well as gourmet travel experiences, were spotlighted in Dubai recently as the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California Agricultural Export Council (CAEC), California Grown and Visit California teamed together to host a ‘Taste of California’ event, showcasing the state’s premium food products, high-quality agricultural produce, and tailored culinary travel itineraries for travelers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The event brought together a distinguished audience of produce and tourism industry leaders, media representatives and influencers from across the UAE and GCC, including importers, distributors, chefs, and travel tastemakers. Guests were treated to an immersive tasting experience curated by acclaimed chefs from both California and Dubai, celebrating the state’s diverse culinary landscape and rich regional flavors—infused with a local Arabian twist.

Each culinary station showcased a signature Californian hero ingredient, sponsored by a variety of esteemed California partners, including California Walnuts, the California Prune Board, the Almond Board of California, the California Milk Advisory Board, American Pistachios, USA Rice, USA Dates, and California Wines.

During the event Christine Birdsong, Undersecretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture addressed the audience thanking the Middle East importers, distributors and chefs for their support for Californian produce; a collaboration they hope to grow.

“From Michelin-starred dining and farm-to-table experiences to scenic road trips across California’s breathtaking regions, the state offers travelers from the GCC and the Middle East a truly unforgettable culinary journey. The ‘Taste of California’ event beautifully showcased the state’s culinary excellence, while introducing travel experiences designed to combine food, culture, and exploration,” said Glenn Johnston, Managing Director, Visit California, Middle East.

Johnston added:

“The ‘Taste of California’ event reaffirmed the state’s globally recognized leadership in gourmet travel, agriculture, and innovation, while underscoring its commitment to strengthening trade partnerships with the Middle East and meeting the region’s growing demand for premium, sustainably sourced food and beverage products—now available for GCC travelers to experience in California through exclusive foodie travel packages that we have jointly designed with GCC travel agents.”