Check out These Three Food Festivals in the UAE This November

If you're a foodie looking for a memorable outing this autumn, the UAE has you covered — and November is the perfect month to explore some standout culinary festivals. Here's a look at three can’t-miss food festivals in the UAE this November, each offering its own unique flavour, atmosphere and experience.

1. Taste of Abu Dhabi – 14-16 November 2025, Yas Island

From 14-16 November at Gateway Park North on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the Taste of Abu Dhabi festival returns with a blend of food, drink and music in a lively outdoor setting. 
Expect around 15 restaurants serving taster-sized dishes, celebrity chef workshops, a kids’ zone, artisan vendors and live entertainment — making it ideal for friends, families and food lovers alike. 
Tickets start from approximately AED 80 for general admission; children under 12 often enter free (though food & drink vouchers may differ). 
Tip: Arrive early (doors open around 2 pm) to beat the early rush and secure good access to chef demonstrations. Also, bring a comfortable appetite — many vendors offer multiple dish options.

2. MICHELIN Guide Food Festival Abu Dhabi – 21-23 November 2025, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

For a more refined, gastronomic outing, from 21‐23 November the Michelin Guide Food Festival heads to the luxurious grounds of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. 
This is the third edition of the festival, and it brings together renowned local and international chefs from over 20 Michelin-recommended restaurants. Expect curated menus, exclusive dishes, masterclasses and a marketplace of premium producers. 

Opening from 4:00 pm daily, tickets start at AED 100 for general admission (children under 12 free) with early bird offers from AED 85.
Tip: If you’re keen on chef masterclasses or limited-edition dishes, book your tickets ahead and check the schedule for slots you want. Dress smart-casual to suit the elegant venue.

3. Festival of Cake – 28 Nov-2 Dec 2025, Expo City Dubai

If your sweet tooth is calling, don’t miss the “region’s first Festival of Cake”, happening at Expo City Dubai from 28 November to 2 December. 
Featuring over 25 world-class chefs (including pastry experts) and hundreds of cake & bake market stalls, this festival is a celebration of everything sweet: live bake-offs (professional, amateur, junior), giant sprinkle pools, coffee masterclasses, live music and kids workshops. 
Doors open from 16:00 until midnight. A single-day ticket starts from AED 50 for adults. 

Tip: Visit on the first or last day if you prefer smaller crowds. And if you’re bringing kids, the junior bake-off or kids workshops are early-day highlights.

Why November is ideal for food festivals in the UAE

With cooler weather settling in, outdoor venues become far more comfortable for daytime and evening events. November also marks the start of a lively events calendar across the Emirates. Whether you’re after gourmet fine-dining, street-food vibes or indulgent desserts, these festivals reflect the UAE’s increasingly sophisticated food culture and global culinary connections.

Final thoughts

• Looking for family-friendly fun? Taste of Abu Dhabi offers a broad mix of tastes, music and kids activities.

• After fine dining and chef-led experiences? The Michelin Guide festival is your go-to.

• Just want to indulge and celebrate sugar and sweet treats? The Festival of Cake is specialised and festive.
  Make sure to book tickets in advance, check transport & parking options (since Yas Island and Expo City may get busy), and plan your visit around your food priorities.