DFRE announces AED 10,000 fine-dining experience
The Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) has announced details of a AED 10,000 (£1,627) fine dining experience.
Marking the end of the emirate's food festival, diners will be given the opportunity to take part in a gourmet experience situated 212 metres above ground. Proceeds of the event will go towards United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
A total of 12 guests will be able to be served atop the helipad of the Burj al Arab building in Dubai. Participants will be initially treated with an exclusive reception on the lower deck, before being ushered up to experience panoramic views of the emirate and locations such as the Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and the World Islands. Diners will be able to tuck into seven courses, created by executive chef Maxime Luvara, while event organisers anticipate the funds raised will help feed more than 120,000 for a whole day.
Laila Mohammed Suhail, chief executive officer of DFRE, claimed the experience was just part of Dubai's commitment to becoming not just a hub of gastronomic excellence, but also a hive of philanthropy. She added the organisation was extremely proud to be able to help the efforts of the WFP.
Ashraf Hamouda, head of partnership and business development for MENA, Central Asia and Eastern Europe at WFP, stated although the organisation carries out essential work in fighting hunger across the globe, it still relied completely on charitable donations.
He said: 'By hosting a charity dinner in support of WFP and under the umbrella of the ‘Eat and Feed’ initiative, in such an iconic venue during the Dubai Food Festival, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment and Burj Al Arab will help raise our outreach and fundraising efforts to new heights.'
Officials at the Burj al Arab were equally excited about the event. General manager Heinrich Morio commented the hotel was pleased to not only be able to support the charity, but also help enhance Dubai's reputation as the number-one destination for culinary expertise.