Opening a Restaurant in Saudi Arabia in 2026: What Investors and Operators Need to Know
Saudi Arabia is no longer an emerging restaurant market. It has become one of the most important F&B growth markets in the GCC. The opportunity is clear. Vision 2030, tourism development, lifestyle destinations, entertainment, giga-projects, and a young consumer base are reshaping how people dine across the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy targets 150 […]
Opening a Restaurant in Dubai in 2026: Opportunities, Challenges, and What It Really Takes to Succeed
Dubai has established itself as one of the world’s most competitive and dynamic restaurant markets. Over the past decade, the city has evolved into a global hospitality destination, attracting international restaurant brands, independent operators, celebrity chefs, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking to capitalize on its thriving food and beverage sector. From luxury dining experiences and lifestyle-driven […]
How an F&B Consultant Enhances Branding and Customer Experience
Dubai’s food and beverage industry is one of the most competitive and dynamic in the world. With new restaurants, cafés, and hospitality concepts launching every month, standing out requires more than great food. It requires a strong concept, clear branding, and a well-designed customer experience. This is where an F&B consultant in Dubai plays a […]
AI and Restaurants
From Smart Kitchens to Predictive Menus: How AI Is Shaping the Future of F&B in the GCC The GCC’s food and beverage (F&B) industry is at a turning point. Technology, once limited to POS systems and delivery platforms, is now reshaping how restaurants design menus, manage operations, forecast demand, and personalise guest experiences. The UAE, […]
How to engineer a stellar menu for your restaurant
An excellent menu not only draws attention to a restaurant’s priciest offerings but also encourages customers to order their star dishes. Food Forward Consulting tackles the topic of optimal menu engineering and how crucial it is to the restaurant’s success. Menu engineering is the process of creating a menu that showcases the kitchen’s skills while […]
The success formula for restaurants
The F&B industry is quite challenging, which is why, for various reasons, the majority of restaurants close during the first year of business. Obstacles such as fierce competition, expensive rent, rising labor costs, food price inflation, declining margins, and a downturn in customer spending play a role in the demise of many establishments. That is […]
From Restaurant to a Lifestyle Brand
Consumers today demand more from restaurants than just food. Their lifestyle must be reflected in every aspect of the business, including the menu and ambiance. We explore the reasons why this business model is dominating the F&B industry and how to turn a restaurant into a lifestyle venue. A shift in consumer lifestyle Ever […]
Hotel restaurants at a glance
Hotel restaurants are often seen as a last resort or a backup plan, but many properties are striving to level up their culinary offerings with exquisite interiors and Michelin-starred cuisine. Food Forward Consulting assesses how hotel restaurants are rivaling standalone concepts. Hotel restaurants have always suffered from a negative stigma. Despite chefs and restaurateurs doing […]
Unveiling UAE’s Culinary Capitals
Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s lavish lifestyles and metropolitan sophistication have cemented their positions as ultimate destinations for exquisite cuisine. These cities offer a dynamic and diverse culinary landscape, featuring everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling street food markets. As a result, food enthusiasts from all corners of the globe are drawn to these destinations. In […]
Kuwait’s F&B Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
In the Gulf, Kuwait has long been viewed as a leader in the food and beverage (F&B) sector. Recent figures, nonetheless, suggest that the country might have lost its stellar position to competitors in the area. We contemplate the possible reasons behind the dethroning of Kuwait and highlight the opportunities that exist to regain its […]
