As the countdown begins for the third edition of Dubai Food Festival, the organisers have unveiled the full 17-day line-up of events, activities, gourmet superstars and promotions across the city, starting from 25 February. Reaching all corners of the city, the Festival will feature a mouth-watering line-up of events and activities, and engage more than 1000 restaurants and 30 celebrity chefs showcasing the diversity, creativity and multicultural nature of Dubai's culinary offering.

Now in its third year, the Dubai Food Festival is organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), to celebrate the city's reputation as the culinary capital of the region.

Hosted under the new 'Celebrate Taste' theme, the 2016 Dubai Food Festival will bring back favourites such as the Etisalat Beach Canteen, the official must-visit hub, the Masterclass Series presented by Al Islami and the popular Taste of Dubai, as well as exciting new events such as Dubai Restaurant Week, Dine With The Stars and Eat The World DXB.

With so much on offer at Dubai Food Festival across 17 days there is something for everyone to enjoy and experience, from foodies to families, residents and visitors,  restaurateurs and industry experts across the city.

'Celebrate Taste' during Dubai Food Festival 2016

Etisalat Beach Canteen, Kite Beach (25 February - 12 March)

Families, foodies, fitness fanatics and fashionistas are in for a treat when the revamped Etisalat Beach Canteen returns as the Festival's free to attend, go-to destination that will serve as the Festival's official hub and the main ticket booking platform of DFF 2016. Alongside 15 delicious home-grown restaurant concepts and celebrity chef appearances, visitors will enjoy all-new features such as fitness classes, open-mic nights, storytelling by the sea, a farmer's market and fashion market, as well as local bands, DJs, children's activities, beach cinema and beach sports. For information on the schedule and details on how to register for or buy tickets for events, visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com.

Dubai Restaurant Week (25 February - 5 March)

The inaugural Dubai Restaurant Week will see 30 of the city's best fine dining restaurants offer a three-course set menu at the exceptional price of AED189 per person. Residents, foodies and visitors are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out on this unique experience via the official booking partner Round Menu at www.roundmenu.com/DRW.

Offering an exclusive opportunity to sample the top spots on everyone's to-try list, participating restaurants include: Alta Badia, Ashiana by Vineet, Atelier M, Boca, Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, Café Belge, Fogueira, Fume, Garden, Hoi An, Junoon, JW's Steakhouse, Kiku, Mint Leaf of London, Okku, Pai Thai, Positano, Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar, Rivington Grill, Sea Fu, Seven Sands, Social By Heinz Beck, The Croft, The Hide, The Ivy, The Rib Room, Thiptara, Vivaldi by Alfredo Russo, Yuan and Zheng He's.

Dine With The Stars (25 & 26 February)

'Dine With The Stars' gala dinner events offer guests an unforgettable opportunity to dine with their favourite celebrity chefs and enjoy a delicious menu crafted especially for the occasion. On Thursday 25^th February, the "Queen of the Arabian Kitchen", Chef Manal Al Alem, will serve up a Middle Eastern themed evening. Then on Friday 26^th for one night only, foodies will enjoy a five-course meal cooked by five elite celebrity chefs George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Manu Feildel, Matt Moran and Shannon Bennett. For further information and to reserve your place at this once-in-a-lifetime event visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com/booknow

Dubai Long Table presented by Dodge, Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard (26 February)

Grab a rare opportunity to enjoy one of the longest dining experiences at the first-ever Long Table set up along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai. The event invites 1,000 guests to choose from six specially created three-course menus from the award-winning chefs of The Address Hotels + Resorts, and Vida Hotels and Resorts. The event will run from 12.30 to 4pm and is priced at just AED160 per adult, AED90 per child (6-12 years) and complimentary for those below age six. For more information and seat reservations, visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com.

Masterclass Series presented by Al Islami; SCAFA (26 February - 11 March)

Dubai Food Festival will offer Masterclasses with international and local chefs at Dubai's School of Culinary and Finishing Arts (SCAFA). The Masterclass series by Al Islami kicks off with George Calombaris, Gary Mehigan, Manu Feildel, Matt Moran, Manal Al Alem and Shannon Bennett on 26 and 27 February, as well as MasterChef India winner Nikita Gandhi and MasterChef New Zealand winner Tim Read from 2-5 March.

'Local Greats Masterclass Series presented by Al Islami'

The 'Local Greats Masterclass Series presented by Al Islami' will see celebrated chefs from Dubai restaurants including Coya, TRESIND, The Sum Of Us and Jean-Georges unveil their top tricks and tips from 8-11 March. For registration detail visit https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event/33563/dubai-food-festival---master-classes

Restaurant Masterclasses

• Polish up your cooking skills and reign as the supreme king or queen of your kitchen by opting for the Restaurant Masterclasses during Dubai Food Festival 2016 including Rivington Grill - Beef Wellington Masterclass (29th Feb & 1st Mar); Taste of Italy - An Evening with Chef Heinz Beck (1st Mar); Al Maz by Momo - 3 course meal cooking class : 9th Mar and Cocoville - Chocolate making class (5th Mar)

Fatafeat Kitchen, Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet, Level 2, The Dubai Mall (26 and 27 February)

The first and only Arab TV channel in the Middle East that is dedicated to food will host its second annual Fatafeat Kitchen,  a free-to-attend event that will offer viewers a unique chance to meet their favourite faces from Fatafeat and witness live cooking demonstrations. The event will feature 9 famous chefs and personalities -  Arda Turkmen, Lidia Bastianich, Daad Abu Jaber. Layla Fathalla, Mohammed Orfali, Sadiqa Ismail, Salma Sulaiman, Tarek Ibrahim and Wafaa Al Kandari. Fatafeat Kitchen Event 2016 will include live cooking demonstrations, Q&A panels, tastings, and opportunities to meet the chefs and participate in  competitions.

Eat the World DXB, Burj Park (25 - 27 February)

Eat the World DXB promises an exciting food and music event where high-quality, authentic food is the star of the show. Bringing 15 international street food traders, including food trucks from as far reaching as London, as well as some local greats, the event offers foodie fun including a curated market, children's activities and chef demo theatre with celebrities including Andy Bates, John Quilter, Eric Lanlard and Suzanne Husseini.

The Big Grill, Emirates Golf Club (4-5 March)

A celebration of everything BBQ complimented by great music and family entertainment in a grand festive setting. The Big Grill is the biggest food and music event dedicated to the mighty grill and for the whole family with restaurants from across the city participating to serve their BBQ delicacies, entertainment for kids and workshops for enthusiasts.

Kids Dine Free (27 February)

Dubai Food Festival's Kids Dine Free promotion invites families to enjoy a free three-course menu for children under 12 at 50 of the city's most beloved family dining restaurants when accompanied by a paying adult. With an array of entertainment offerings in partnership with ADIB at each restaurant, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a meal out with the family. For the full list of participating restaurants visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com

Street Nights Dubai Food Festival Edition, Bay Avenue in Business Bay (4 - 5 March)

The incredibly popular free-to-attend street culture event is back at a new venue in Dubai. Bay Avenue in Business Bay will be overrun with activities and features for the entire family including food trucks, live street art, live performances from home-grown musical talent and a Night Bazaar. For more information, visit www.streetnights.ae.

Taste of Dubai, Media City Amphitheatre (10 - 12 March)

Taste of Dubai returns as one of the biggest events of Dubai Food Festival, with a mouthwatering line-up of celebrity chefs, fine-dining restaurants and brand new features for foodies, families and friends. Now in its ninth edition, the popular event has confirmed celebrity chefs Nathan Outlaw, Tom Aikens, Alfred Prasad, Atul Kochhar, Jun Tanaka, Tim Anderson, Luke Thomas, Alfredo Russo and the dynamic duo of Reza Mahammad and Jenny Morris. Tickets are available from www.tasteofdubaifestival.com.

Signature Events (25 February - 12 March)

Dubai Food Festival is teaming up with some of the city's best loved restaurants to showcase the outstanding food scene in Dubai. The Festival's Signature Events programme includes restaurant-led experiences at some of the most popular spots in the emirate. With events ranging from family days out such as The Great British Garden Party at Reform Social, to evenings for the discerning foodies such as the Full Moon Dinner at Pierchic, there is something for everyone. For the full calendar, visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com

Signature Tastes (25 February - 12 March)

During Dubai Food Festival, participating restaurants throughout the city will offer a "taste of their best" with limited edition signature dishes or menus. Order a Signature Taste from a participating restaurant and enter the draw to win incredible pre-loaded ADIB cards with an overall value of AED250,000. This is a perfect opportunity for residents to try out new eateries or a new menu item from their favourite restaurant. Visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com for more information.

Hidden Gems; Citywide ( 25 February to 12 March)

Dubai's food scene has its share of mind-bending gastronomic concepts and celebrity chef-led restaurants. And with over 200 nationalities living (and cooking) in Dubai, there are new tastes to explore as the city is filled with hundreds of hidden gems.  To bring them to the limelight, Dubai Food Festival 2016 has launched a new campaign encouraging GCC and UAE residents and visitors to nominate their unsung heroes (Dubai's 20 best hidden culinary gems)  at www.dubaihiddengems.com

Dubai Food Festival 2016 has launched a new campaign encouraging GCC and UAE residents and visitors to nominate their unsung heroes at www.dubaihiddengems.com. And here are the top 5 Hidden Gems winners:

• Mannaland - Satwa › Al Mina Road, Satwa, Dubai
• Bu Qtair - Umm Suqeim › Near Burj Al Arab, Street 4D, Opposite Fisherman's Accommodation, Umm Suqeim, Dubai.
• Ustadi Special Kabab - Meena Bazaar, Near Musalla Tower, Al Musalla Road, Meena Bazaar, Dubai.
• Al Ibrahimi - Al Karama › Opposite BurJuman Centre, Al Karama, Dubai.
• The Hot Dog Stand- Dubai Marina › Shop 3, Jannah Place, Nasaq Street, Dubai Marina, Dubai.

To find out the rest go to www.dubaifoodfestival.com

Global Village Street Food Celebration; Global Village (25 Feb - 12 March 2016)

One of Dubai's most popular family attractions, the Global Village marks its milestone 20th season by joining hands with Dubai Food Festival to offer authentic street food dishes throughout the festival at its restaurants, cafes and kiosks representing its multicultural aspect under the Signature Taste promotion. Visit www.globalvillage.ae

Promotions and activities galore

Home Edition

Participating supermarkets and hypermarkets (25 February - 12 March)

Supermarket shopping gets even more rewarding this DFF, as this year's Home Edition promotion offers shoppers spending AED 250 at participating supermarkets and hypermarkets the chance to win prizes worth AED 50,000.  Two raffle draws will be held during the promotion with each draw offering six lucky winners the chance to win a voucher worth AED 50,000 that will allow them to shop for an entire year of groceries. The participating supermarkets and hypermarkets are Carrefour, Lulu, Spinneys, Géant, Union Coop, and Waitrose.

The Dubai Mall

Restaurants located in The Dubai Mall Waterfront promenade will participate in 'Mondays in White' on 29 February and 7 March with each outlet offering a special set menu for customers seeking to experience an exceptional and memorable service with a quartet of musicians roaming in and out of the outlets! Further, in celebration of DFF2016, Food and Beverage outlets in The Dubai Mall are also set to entertain families and kids with a DFF Mascot Parade at the mall from 25 February to 12 March.

MAF Malls

Malls of Majid Al Futtaim Properties - City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif & City Centre Me'aisem -  will be running exciting promotions and activities as part of DFF 2016 including Spend, Dine and Win Instantly and a Food for Thought charity activity in  aid of unfortunate kids, who are deprived access to food across the world. Feed your Craving at City Centre Deira on 4 March  will feature twenty-one year old Nikita Ghandi - the youngest chef to win the reality series MasterChef in India -  trying different dishes from different restaurants at the mall while a Feed Your Craving activity at City Centre Mirdif on the same day will feature

the Emirates youngest chef Bader Najeeb, giving cooking demonstration on stage.

#MOEPLATEART, Central Galleria, Mall of the Emirates (3 - 7 March)

Mall of the Emirates is launching an exciting campaign for Dubai Food Festival, highlighting the various Food and Beverage experiences that the mall offers.  The campaign will include a #MOEPlateArt activation featuring chefs from the range of restaurants within the Mall of the Emirates, who will teach the "Art of Plating" (the arrangement and overall styling of food upon bringing it to the plate) to mall visitors. This activity will also showcase the range of styles, cuisines and extraordinary Food and Beverage offerings within the mall.

Dubai Festival City Mall; Waterfront Area (16 February - 30 April)

Visitors to the mall can enjoy a range of activities and themes at City Fest at the newly-opened waterfront area including Fiesta, Arts & Expression, Film, Flower Fiesta, Up cycling & Literature, Healthy & Well-Being, Lego, Food, Sport, Installations, Cookery, Music and variety of options of food kiosks and trucks.

Mercato

As part of DFF 2016 savour a memorable visit to Mercato by participating in numerous activities for the entire family including Italian Cooking Demonstrations on how to cook delicious authentic Italian dishes in a fun and interactive way, Arabic Cooking Demonstrations on how to cook and make different authentic Arabic dishes, Cupcake Decorating Workshops featuring fun cupcake decorating workshops for children and Cinnabon Roll Making workshop that will teach children the art of making a Cinnabon. You can also spend AED 100 in any Food and Beverage outlet at Mercato or Town Centre Jumeirah and you will have the chance to win fabulous prizes.

CITY PICNICS at CITY WALK (25 February - 12 March)

CITY WALK introduces visitors to its CITY PICNICS this DFF 2016 and encourages everyone to bring along their friends and families. The event unfurls a variety of food choices in the dedicated picnic areas surrounded by endless games and activities for the young and the old. Shoppers will be given a picnic basket to purchase the meal of their choice at CITY WALK's F&B outlets and proceed towards the picnic area infused with fun and activities for a day of food and fun.

Gumball Park, BOXPARK (25 February - 12 March)

BOXPARK celebrates Dubai Food Festival with an exciting 'Spend & Win' competition which featuring 'a Gumball Park' in which customers spending above AED 200 will either win a Gold Gummy bear worth AED 30,000 or an instant prize free meals at BOXPARK restaurants or offers put together by BOXPARK's unique stores and restaurants.

Cookie of Fortune, THE BEACH (25 February - 12 March)

THE BEACH celebrates Dubai Food Festival with an exciting 'Spend & Win' competition which features paper 'cookies of fortune' in which customers will either have a fortune or an instant prize such as 50% off a meal or a free drink from one of the other restaurants. Customers also have an opportunity to win the Grand prize of a Golden Cookie worth AED 30,000.  During DFF 2016, THE BEACH will also have various other activities including a Fortune cookie workshop showing customers how to make their own origami fortune cookies;

Musical Entertainment featuring a roaming barbershop quartet dressed as chefs, who will be visiting all F&B outlets with the aim of encouraging patrons to spend AED 200 for a chance to win the golden cookie worth AED 30,000; Four unique Food Trucks placed in a central location at THE BEACH and offering a range of food choices, picnic benches with umbrellas and tasteful music from DJ's.

Chocolate Fiesta, Dubai Marina Mall,  (25 - 27 February)

At the Dubai Marina Mall Chocolate Fiesta the wonderful world of chocolates will be explored through exhibiting chocolate sculptures, tastings, chocolate menu offerings, demonstrations how chocolates are made, unique fashion, stage shows, competitions and much more!  Whether you visit with friends or family you'll find all the ingredients for a Chocolicious Day out!  A chance to taste, shop, relax and indulge in the yummiest chocolate bars!

Ibn Battuta Mall

Spend AED 100 in any Food and Beverage outlet at Ibn Battuta Mall and get a chance to win a holiday package and dining experience in Atlantis Dubai every week. This DFF enjoy live cooking demonstration by international and regional chefs and give your kids the opportunity to participate in baking activities and workshops every weekend during the festival at Ibn Battuta from 5pm to 10pm.

Dragon Mart (25 February - 12 March)

DFF visitors spending AED 50 at any Food and Beverage outlet in Dragon Market 1 and Dragon Mart 2 have the chance to win a Dodge car This DFF you can also relish mouth-watering delights by young entrepreneurs at the Dragon Drive Food Market every day at Dragon Mart 1 and Dragon Mart 2.

Dubai International Airport 'Dine and Win'; Participating restaurants,  Dubai International Airport (12 February - 12 March)

Spend over AED49 at a participating restaurant in Dubai International Airport and get the chance to win a five-night stay at the newly opened luxury hotel St. Regis Dubai, including Business Class flights and five of the city's best dining experiences. Visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com for further information and full prize details.

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium (15- 27 February)

To celebrate the Dubai Food Festival 2016, for the first-time ever you can enjoy the famed French, 3-Michelin-starred Chef, Jean-Georges signature Pretzel Dusted Baby Squid, with homemade Spicy Marinara and Mustard Aioli during one of the region's most eagerly awaited sport events, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships 2016.  This delicious dish by the renowned restaurant is presented at a tempting price of just AED 40 exclusively available during the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. Don't miss it!

More tempting offers

The Garden at Raffles, Raffles Garden at Raffles Dubai Hotel (March 4 and 5)

Join us for a fun-filled 'Family Spring Fest' at Raffles Garden. An acclaimed pioneer of the city's culinary scene, Raffles Dubai raises the bar at this outdoor weekend event. Families, foodies and fashionistas are in for a treat as The Garden sets up stall with a flavorsome fair of International, Arabic and Asian cuisines serving everything from pulled BBQ rolls, gourmet burgers, prime hot dogs, grilled seafood and sausages to churned ice cream and decadent sweets. Fun-filled activities are also in store for the little ones with a dedicated kids entertainment zone offering a bouncy castle, face painting corner, balloon bending and art stations to keep their cheerful spirits long into the afternoon sun. Further, the resident DJ will spin his tunes on Friday while the five piece band Screemin' Egulz sets the mood by playing classic tunes from the 70s, 80s and 90s on Saturday.

Marina Social

Come to Marina Social on 6 March 2016 from 7pm onward for Social Sunday, a specially crafted concept for the Festival with a six-course tasting menu. The ticketed event invites diners to discover all the amazing surprises that culinary creativity can throw their way,  starting at AED 675 for 6 courses including unusual

house beverage pairing, and AED 500 for 6 courses including unusual soft drinks pairing. Visit the website:

www.marinasocialdubai.com for details.

Fortnum & Mason

Indulge in a decadent afternoon tea experience on 12 March 2016 from 2pm onwards at London's legendary Fortnum & Mason near the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains. Bite into freshly prepared sandwiches, home-baked scones, cakes, pastries and sip unlimited tea. Discover the history of tea, enjoy a unique tea tasting experience, find out secrets to making perfect iced tea and get a gift of loose tea free! Ticket: AED 400 for two persons.

Pierchic

This year 12 people are destined for an unforgettable full moon, five-course Mediterranean fine-dining experience, 'Over the Water and Under the Stars' from 8-10pm on Saturday on 5 March 2016 at the award-winning seafood restaurant Pierchic at Dubai's Al Qasr hotel. Book in advance. Ticket: AED1500 per person.

Wokyo^TM

Bringing some Asian vibes to you on 3rd March is the vibrant urban Tokyo-inspired noodle bar Wokyo^TM at Jumeirah Lakes Towers in Cluster J. Mix and match your preferred Far East flavours with noodles at this free to attend event and enjoy the warm Japanese hospitality, Asian street market and live acoustic music by Dubai's top artist. Irrashaimase!

The Ivy

Go behind the scenes at The Ivy restaurant in Dubai's famous Emirates Towers and learn the secrets to their famous Chocolate Bombe dessert for two whole hours in a hands-on Masterclass with its best chefs. Enjoy your own chocolate bombe at the end of the session, refreshments throughout and get your apron as a keepsake! Ticket: AED250 per person.

Century Village

On 4 March 2016, head to Century Village Street Carnival to celebrate tantalising flavours from nine world cuisines. Its outlets will serve - Arabic, Lebanese, steak, sushi, Greek, Italian, Indian, Portuguese, Grill & BBQ dishes and coffee. To spice up proceedings, there's live music, dancers and street performers too.

For more information on the Festival's schedule and to buy tickets or register for events visit www.dubaifoodfestival.com/booknow