From the likes of NOBU, Mimi Kakushi, Electric Pawn Shop and more, GBS brings world-class mixology to Dubai to creating world class bespoke experiences
The highly anticipated Gulf Bar Show, MENA’s first and only bar and beverage trade show, is set to shake up Dubai’s luxury bar scene starting April 5 until April 9, with an electrifying programme of bar takeovers and exclusive guest bartender shifts. Bringing together the industry’s most renowned mixologists and prestigious brands at Madinat Jumeirah, the inaugural event promises to be an unmissable celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and community.
In the run-up to the Gulf Bar Show, happening on April 7 & 8 from 11 AM to 9 PM, some of Dubai’s most renowned restaurants and bars will host a series of exclusive guest shifts featuring both locally and internationally acclaimed bartenders. The excitement kicks off the weekend before GBS, on Saturday April 5 and Sunday April 6, with the official opening cocktail party hosted at NOBU on Sunday April 6 from 5 PM till 11 PM.
Leading venues such as Nahate, Four Seasons DIFC, Maison Dali, and Mimi Kakushi will play host to industry icons as part of the bar takeovers, and guests can expect an unforgettable showcase of mixology talent featuring brands like Bacardi, Campari, Mancino, Maraska, and Tito’s, setting the stage for exciting evenings filled with innovative cocktails, high-energy atmospheres, and unforgettable collaborations.
GBS Bar Takeovers
GBS Bar Takeovers will transform some of Dubai’s most celebrated venues into hubs of cocktail creativity. The Quiote Co Stand and Behind Barspop-ups at the event will feature a rotating schedule of bar takeovers, allowing guests to experience expertly crafted cocktails by the industry’s very best, representing leading brands and bars.
The Schedule
On Monday April 7, Nikola Ristic will serve Bloody Maries from 11 AM to 1 PM and Arlindo Duarte at Buddha Bar from 7-9 PM. On the Quiote Co Stand, Gitano will present from 1-3 PM, followed by Bar Du Port from 3-5 PM, Galaxy Bar from 5-7 PM, and NOBU from 7-9 PM.
On Tuesday April 8, Don Bodhinayake from St. Regis takes over Behind Bars from 11 AM to 1 PM, with Vitor Hugo from Culinary Arts Group from 5-7 PM. Meanwhile on the Quiote Co Stand, 1920 will present from 1-3 PM, Kira from 3-5 PM, Zuma from 5-7 PM, and Amazonico will wrap up the night from 7-9 PM.
Guest Bartenders
Adding to the excitement, the Gulf Bar Show will welcome a stellar roster of guest bartenders for a series of one-night-only shifts at Dubai’s most iconic bars.
On Monday April 7, Alma will host Stelios Papadopoulos, Clap will welcome Jimmy Barrat, 1920 will feature Mauro Mahjoub, Blind Tiger will showcase Tommaso Cecca, and Nahate will bring in Salvatore Calabrese & Federico Pavan.
On Tuesday April 8, Bar Du Port will feature Dale DeGroff, Maison Dali will welcome Tommaso Cecca, COYA will present Juan, while Bulgari Hotel showcases Hyacinthe Lescoët, among many others.
After Parties
The celebrations don’t stop when the day events finish, as each evening will conclude with exclusive after parties featuring live entertainment and surprise guests.
On Monday April 7, Electric Pawn Shop will host an after party starting 9 PM, serving as a spectacular finale to the first day of GBS’ opening day.
On Tuesday April 8, Bar Du Port will host an after party starting 11 PM to close the second day, and finally,
On Wednesday April 9, Dré Masso will be at Sushisamba starting 8 PM, while Be Beach will host the official closing after party from 6 PM until late, finishing the event on a high.
The Gulf Bar Show is a platform where industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts come together to celebrate the art of mixology and its community-building impact.
With exclusive brand activations, world-class bartenders, 30+ educational and deeply insightful sessions with industry legends, and unforgettable experiences, GBS 2025 is set to be the highlight of the year for MENA’s bar and beverage scene.
In addition to this, The Gulf Bar Show is committed to transforming the beverage industry’s environmental impact and has partnered with the UK-based company Evertreen.
For every ticket sold, GBS will plant a tree in Brazil as part of the Amazon reforestation initiative.
To book tickets, please visit Platinumlist.com, or find out more information by visiting www.gulfbarshow.com.
For the latest updates follow @gulfbarshow on Instagram and Gulf Bar Show on LinkedIn.
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