30 October 2019, Abu Dhabi, UAE – Next weekend, headline acts UB40 and Boyzlife take to the main stage at the Capital’s favourite food, drink and music festival, Taste of Abu Dhabi from the 7th to 9th November 2019, at du Arena, Yas Island. 

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell & Astro from the legendary UK cover band will kick start the weekend of non-stop live music and entertainment at Taste of Abu Dhabi in partnership with RAKBANK, on Thursday 7th November and Boyzlife duo Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden will be live on stage on Saturday 8th November.

Frederic de Melker, RAKBANK’s Managing Director of Personal Banking, said: "The partnership with Taste of Abu Dhabi is in line with RAKBANK's strategy to offer our customers access to unique dining experiences through unmatched value-based offers at leading restaurants across the UAE. Through this partnership, RAKBANK aims to extend the RAKfoodie offering to a wider audience at this amazing regional food festival in Abu Dhabi. RAKfoodie is one of the fastest growing dining discounts programs offered by a bank in UAE that offers up to 30% discount at over 2,000 partner restaurants. Plus Buy 1 Get 1 free and Best Foodie Friday offers at leading outlets. These offers are easily accessible on the go through the RAKfoodie App.”

Alongside the amazing restaurants serving up taste size dishes, there will be more food and drink experiences than ever before for you to savor at Taste of Abu Dhabi alongside a star line up of international chefs. Here’s your guide to planning your weekend at Taste of Abu Dhabi 2019:

INTERNATIONAL FOOD SAMPLING PAVILION - NEW! FOR 2019
At Taste of Abu Dhabi you will be able to sample your way around the world at the International Food Sampling Pavilion with a free selection of international delicacies and the best organic and fresh produce in the Middle East including honey, dates, juices, arabic sweets, biscuits and coffee to taste at the pop-up stalls.

EMIRATI FLAVOURS PAVILION - NEW! FOR 2019
You’ll be able to experience the flavours of the UAE and learn about local traditions and culture at the Emirati Flavours Pavilion whilst sampling traditional Arabic coffee and dates whilst you browse through beautiful handmade crafts and more. Emirati chefs will also create culinary show pieces and practical cooking demonstrations from authentic to new dishes across the Crate & Barrel Chefs’ Theatre and the Al Ain Farms & Kibsons Cooking Challenge.

THE BEVERAGE THEATRE - NEW! FOR 2019
For the first time ever, Taste of Abu Dhabi will also have a bespoke beverage tasting experience theatre that will showcase mixologist masterclasses and let you expand your knowledge whilst sampling a range of hops, grapes and mocktails. 

TAKE ON CELEBRITY CHEFS IN THE AL AIN FARMS & KIBSONS COOKING CHALLENGE 
The festival favorite Al Ain Farms & Kibsons Cooking Challenge returns where you can compete with others to win prizes as you cook alongside this years Taste of Abu Dhabi celebrity chefs including multi-Michelin star and 5 of 5 AA Rosettes awarding-winning French chef Jean Christophe Novelli; Australian chef, author, restauranteur and MasterChef UK judge John Torode; cookbook author and founder of Assia Kitchen, Assia Othman; Indian chef, restauranteur, author and MasterChef India judge, Kunal Kapur; and international bestselling author on baby and children’s food and nutrition, Annabel Karmel.

THE BIG BAKING TENT BY ICCA
Master Pâtissier Eric Lanlard returns to Taste of Abu Dhabi with baking masterclasses at the Big Baking Tent by ICCA, alongside local and international pastry experts sharing tips and tricks for Abu Dhabi’s budding baking enthusiasts to join in.

CRATE & BARREL CHEFS’ THEATRE 
Watch the masters at work as you learn tips and tricks from this year’s Taste of Abu Dhabi celebrity chefs including Jean Christophe Novelli, John Torode, Annabel Karmel and Kunal Kapur. The Crate & Barrel Chefs’ Theatre will teach you a multitude of new tips and techniques and new innovations in ingredients in the kitchen.

VISIT BRITAIN & WEGO VIP LOUNGE 
For those looking for the ultimate Taste of Abu Dhabi experience make sure you get your hands on VIP tickets before the event. They provide you with fast-track entry into the festival and unlimited access to the Visit Britain & Wego VIP lounge where you can relax in style close to the main stage in lounge-style seating, while you enjoy two complimentary drinks and three food vouchers to sample your favourite dishes from any of the restaurants participating at Taste of Abu Dhabi. 

KIDS’ ZONE
There will be lots of fun for the whole family, with kids 12 and under getting free entry. There will be a dedicated Kids’ Zone to keep the little ones entertained including everything from arts & crafts, inflatables to face painting, and much more. Kids will also be able to work off some energy with free trampolining with BOUNCE Inc.

TASTE THE BEST DISHES FROM ABU DHABI’S RESTAURANTS 
This year’s restaurants will have signature dishes for you to taste throughout the weekend alongside a host of bespoke beverage outlets. Restaurants confirmed include: Lebanese fare at Sambusek; a supreme steak experience from Butcher & Still; exquisite Indian cuisine from Namak by Kunal Kapur; modern interpretations of classic Chinese dishes at Dai Pai Dong; the best-known French dishes at La Brasserie; a unique interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine at Todd English’s Olives; authentic Italian dishes at Dinos Italian Bistro; Spanish tapas at Diablito; Mexican cuisine at Amerigos; and Thai delicacies at Desert Lotus.

THE ICCA BIG BAKE OFF COMPETITION 
The ICCA Big Bake Off Competition Final will be held on Saturday 9th November at the Big Baking Tent by ICCA when the winner of ‘Taste of Abu Dhabi 2019 Baking Crown’ will be announced. This is your chance to show off your baking decorations skills with a chance to win Baking & Pâtisserie Courses worth AED 25,000 at the The International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA) in Dubai. To be selected to showcase your creations at Taste of Abu Dhabi simply send a detailed description of the cake you would create alongside a picture or sketch and you could be facing the judges, Chef Eric Lanlard and ICCA Pastry Chef Instructors at the ICCA Big Bake Off Competition. http://tasteabudhabi.com/whats-on/the-icca-big-baking-tent-bake-off/

THE ULTIMATE TASTE EXPERIENCE
This year Taste of Abu Dhabi will also offer you a brunch in the sun with the Ultimate Taste Experience ticket starting at AED290 which includes four food and six drink. Ticket prices starting from AED70. For more information on this year’s festival and to secure your tickets online at www.tasteabudhabi.com 

Taste of Abu Dhabi:
Thursday 7th November 4pm — 12am
Friday 8th November 12pm — 12am 
Saturday 9th November 12pm — 11pm