Happiness is a piece of cake.. Expo City Dubai launches the Region’s First Festival of Cake with a Star-Studded line of International Dessert Chefs
Expo City Dubai launches the Region’s First Festival of Cake with a Star-Studded line of International Dessert Chefs.
The first-of-its-kind festival was launched with an exclusive teaser event starring the UAE’s first Emirati female pastry chef Sahar Parham Al Awadhi, and Asia’s 50 Best Chef Janice Wong.
DUBAI, 23 March 2025
Expo City Dubai unveiled The Festival of Cake yesterday, a delectably sweet event set to take the UAE by storm. Organised in collaboration with TGP International, the festival will run from 28th November to 2nd December, offering visitors an exceptional array of culinary experiences centred around sweets and pastries from across the world.
Taking place at Expo City Dubai, this extraordinary five-day, multi-sensory festival promises a unique experience dedicated to the joy of baking, blending fun, education, and incredible handcrafted sweet treats.
Bringing together emerging bakers, celebrity chefs, families, and cake lovers, this world-class festival will feature an exciting line-up of bake-offs, dining experiences, celebrity chef appearances, baking and cake-themed activities, a giant sprinkles pool, entertainment, and competitions. A highlight of the event is the Festival of Cake Bake-Off—a chance for everyone to showcase their baking talents on a global stage.
With renowned names already confirmed—including Canadian baking sensation and TV host Anna Olson; Claire Clark MBE, a master pâtissier recognised as one of the world’s top pastry chefs; Kimberly Lin, formerly of Claridge’s and Dominique Ansel Bakery; and Markus Bohr of Harrods—the event is set to be the region’s largest pastry and confectionery celebration.
Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director of Entertainment and Experiences at Expo City Dubai, said: “We are thrilled to launch our very own Festival of Cake. This festival is more than a celebration of dessert—it is a tribute to artistry, precision, and beauty. From the careful selection of ingredients to the intricate designs that transform cakes into edible masterpieces, it promises a feast for both the eyes and the palate.”
She added: “As the legacy of a global event, Expo City Dubai’s core programming strategy focuses on creating events and initiatives that transcend borders through a universal language. We aim to create a world where all your senses come alive: music that ignites your soul with Firdaus Orchestra, vibrant colors that fill your eyes with Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival, art that touches your heart in Al Wasl Plaza, and the aroma and taste of freshly baked cakes at Festival of Cake. At Expo City Dubai our mission is to unite global art and culture with events that everyone can enjoy,” Abulhoul enthusiastically shared. “We craft and create experiences that allow people to connect beyond language, culture, and ethnicity.”
“And really, who doesn’t love coffee and cake? For me, whenever I anticipate a tough day ahead, my instinct in the morning is to indulge in a slice of cake layered with rich frosting, paired with a single espresso. It is a small ritual that, without fail, turns the day around,” Abulhoul concluded.
Simon Wright, Founder of TGP International, commented: “As a global 360° hospitality agency, we constantly strive to create new and exciting F&B ventures that lead to unforgettable experiences for our customers. Our partnership with Expo City Dubai has allowed us to take our creativity and offerings to the next level. The Festival of Cake, with its diverse activities and strong international presence, is a testament to this successful collaboration, enabling us to bring a star-studded line-up of chefs and brands to the region.”
Exclusive Launch Event
Providing the world with a tantalising glimpse of the delectable new cake-themed festival, a select group of local media were invited to an exclusive launch event on Friday, 21st March at Expo City Dubai.
The evening featured a spectacular four-hand, six-course dinner crafted by the UAE’s first Emirati female pastry chef and MENA’s Best Pastry Chef, Sahar Parham Al Awadhi, alongside Asia’s 50 Best Chef Janice Wong from Singapore. The highlight of the night was the unveiling of the breathtaking, three-metre-tall Festival of Cake celebration cake.
The inaugural Festival of Cake will take place at Expo City Dubai from Friday, 28th November to Tuesday, 2nd December.
Tickets will be on sale in September 2025. For more ticket information and updates, follow @festival_of_cake on Instagram.
