Chef Symposium 2024: Dusit Thani Maldives shows Culinary Talent

The culinary scene in the Maldives reached a new high with the landmark Chef Symposium 2024, organized by the Chef’s Guild of Maldives. As the country’s sole member of the prestigious World Association of Chefs Societies, the Guild hosted this inaugural event. The focus was on advancing the culinary arts. It brought together a diverse group of chefs, innovators, and professionals from across the nation. This event, in turn, provided a vital platform for exchanging ideas, sharing expertise, and inspiring the next wave of Maldivian culinary talent.

Among the key participants was Pastry Chef Mohamed Abdulla from Dusit Thani Maldives. He stood out for his culinary expertise and passion for innovation. His involvement, highlighted Dusit Thani’s commitment to nurturing culinary talent and fostering creativity within the industry. Additionally, Chef Abdulla’s contribution underscored the resort’s role in shaping the evolving Maldivian culinary identity. Reflecting on the experience, Chef Abdulla expressed his gratitude:

“It was an honour to be part of such a landmark event. The Chef Symposium 2024 not only highlights the incredible talent in the Maldives but also provides a platform for collaboration and growth.”

Event Highlights

Panel Discussions: Addressing Industry Challenges and Showcasing Maldivian Cuisine

The symposium hosted two engaging panel discussions that sparked insightful conversations:

Challenges Facing Maldivian Chefs: This discussion focused on the difficulties that chefs in the Maldives face. Topics included workforce shortages, skill gaps, and the challenge of maintaining global standards while preserving local authenticity. Chefs and culinary professionals shared strategies to overcome these hurdles. By doing so, they ensured the growth and success of the culinary arts in the region.

Showcasing Maldivian Gastronomy to Guests: In this panel, participants explored how chefs can elevate Maldivian cuisine for international visitors. They emphasized the importance of storytelling. Furthermore, using locally sourced ingredients and creating unique dining experiences were discussed as key elements. These elements, in turn, help enhance the appeal of Maldivian culinary offerings.

Keynote Addresses from Culinary Leaders

Three inspiring keynote speeches provided a global perspective on the evolving role of chefs, sustainability, and leadership in the culinary world:

Jordi Noguera Pey, Executive Chef and Co-Founder of FOC Group, spoke about “The New Role of the Chef in the 21st Century.” He emphasized that today’s chefs are not only creators but also educators, innovators, and preservers of cultural culinary traditions.

Andrew JW Muller, Culinary Advisor and Certified Master Chef, delivered a compelling talk on “Sustainable Culinary Practices for a Greener Plate.” He urged chefs to adopt eco-conscious practices that align with global sustainability efforts.

Afeef Hussain, an Executive Coach and Hospitality Leader, addressed “Inspire Within You – The Leader of the Future.” His talk, in particular, focused on personal growth and leadership, key to guiding the future of culinary innovation.

A Decade of Culinary Achievements

The Chef Symposium 2024 also served as a milestone. A special feature, “Decade of Excellence,” showcased the Guild’s journey over the past ten years. This retrospective highlighted the Guild’s dedication to the culinary craft and its pivotal role in shaping the Maldives’ vibrant culinary landscape.

Additionally, the symposium saw the launch of several important initiatives:

Young Chefs Club: A new program designed to inspire and mentor up-and-coming chefs in the Maldives.

Chef’s Guild of Maldives Website: The launch of an official platform aimed at connecting and promoting the culinary community in the Maldives. The website can be found at www.chefsguildofmaldives.com.

CHEFDOM Vol. 001: The first edition of the Chef’s Guild’s annual magazine, showcasing Maldivian culinary talent, innovative practices, and emerging trends.

Driving Culinary Innovation

As the event came to a close, the symposium set a clear path for the future of culinary arts in the Maldives. The focus will be on advancing sustainability practices, fostering innovation, and honoring the nation’s rich culinary heritage. Dusit Thani Maldives congratulates the Chef’s Guild of Maldives for the event’s success. It also remains committed to supporting efforts that push the boundaries of culinary excellence throughout the country.

The Chef Symposium 2024 concluded with a vision for the future. It focused on furthering culinary arts in the Maldives through sustainability, innovation, and the celebration of local heritage. Dusit Thani Maldives congratulated the Chef’s Guild of Maldives on the success of the symposium. Furthermore, it reaffirms its commitment to supporting initiatives that elevate culinary excellence across the Maldives.

Why Close the World’s Busiest International Airport?

The answer lies 45 kilometers south in the desert sands of Dubai South, where Dubai is building a new mega-airport. Al Maktoum International, already partially operational, will become the world’s largest airport. When completed, it will feature five runways, 400 aircraft gates, and the capacity to handle 260 million passengers each year.

Unlike DXB, which dense neighborhoods in Garhoud and Al Qusais confine, DWC gives Dubai room to grow. In contrast, the new site offers scalability and flexibility. The project doesn’t just expand the city’s capacity—it reimagines it. Sleek architecture, cutting-edge technology, and integrated logistics with nearby Jebel Ali Port will ultimately deliver a smoother, more efficient experience for travelers and cargo alike.

Dubai isn’t just chasing numbers; rather, it’s planning for longevity. DXB, built in 1960, continues to age. Its infrastructure nears the end of its useful life. Keeping it operational would force the city to invest billions just to preserve the status quo. Dubai chooses a clean slate.

What Will Happen to the Land?

By closing DXB, Dubai unlocks a massive piece of prime real estate in its urban core. While officials haven’t announced exact redevelopment plans, they’ve opened the door to limitless possibilities. Think residential neighborhoods, parks, commercial centers—a brand-new district rising where runways once lay.

In fact, this transformation reflects the evolution seen in other global cities. Hong Kong, for instance, turned its former Kai Tak Airport into a thriving urban hub. Dubai plans to do the same—only on a larger scale.

When Is This Happening?

The shift won’t happen overnight. Dubai expects the transition to unfold over multiple decades. The first new terminal at Al Maktoum will open in 2032, and officials aim for full capacity between the late 2030s and the 2050s. Until then, DXB will keep serving passengers as Dubai phases in the move to DWC—starting with cargo and low-cost carriers, followed by flagship airlines like Emirates.

Travelers flying to and from Dubai will experience business as usual, for now. But the city has already set the change in motion, and soon, its skyline and story will look very different.

The Bigger Picture

Dubai has never hesitated to reinvent itself. It has transformed from sand dunes to skyscrapers, from a sleepy fishing village into a global metropolis. The closure of DXB doesn’t mark a loss; it signals a pivot. This moment reflects Dubai’s faith in the future, its bold planning, and its relentless drive to build bigger and better.

Unlike most cities, which adapt to their airports, Dubai is flipping the script. The city isn’t just designing an airport for tomorrow; it’s designing an entire city around it.

Dusit Thani Maldives Highlights Culinary Innovation at the Chef Symposium 2024

Event Highlights

Keynote Addresses from Culinary Leaders

A Decade of Culinary Achievements

Driving Culinary Innovation

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