Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Hotel F&B, Restaurant & Bar Senior Decision Makers' Forum is a premier event designed for high-level relationship building in the food and beverage sector.
Taking place at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, this forum will feature a series of pre-selected meetings, engaging seminars, and networking opportunities tailored for senior executives in the hospitality industry.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Hotel F&B, Restaurant & Bar Senior Decision Makers' Forum takes place from 17-19 November 2026 at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
- 2Scale and Focus: This exclusive event connects senior decision-makers in the F&B industry with innovative suppliers for high-level discussions.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Snap Events Ltd, known for curating impactful industry events.
- 4Entry: Registration is essential to secure a place at this sought-after event.
Why visit
Location: The Hotel F&B, Restaurant & Bar Senior Decision Makers' Forum takes place in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at The Hotel F&B, Restaurant & Bar Senior Decision Makers' Forum provides suppliers with direct access to influential buyers in the hospitality sector. This focused environment allows for impactful interactions, showcasing products and solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Senior executives from leading hotel chains
Procurement managers in the F&B sector
Restaurant owners and operators
Hospitality consultants and advisors
Decision-makers in food and beverage operations
Culinary directors and chefs
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Suppliers of kitchen equipment and technology
Food and beverage manufacturers
Service providers for hospitality operations
Innovative product developers in the F&B sector
Consultants specializing in restaurant design
Sustainability solution providers for the hospitality industry
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Kitchen equipment and appliances
Food and beverage products
Hospitality technology solutions
Restaurant furnishings and decor
Sustainable packaging solutions
Culinary tools and utensils
Location & Facilities
Venue
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
PO Box 144876, Yas Bay, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Facilities
Parking
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island in Abu Dhabi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island in Abu Dhabi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Package A: 1 Delegate, 12 Meetings
€9,500.00General admission
Package B: 1 Delegate, 16 Meetings
€12,000.00General admission
Package C: 1 Delegate, 20 Meetings
€14,600.00General admission
Package D: 2 Delegates, 16 Meetings
€14,000.00General admission
Package E: 2 Delegates, 20 Meetings
€16,500.00General admission
Package F: 3 Delegates, 20 Meetings
€18,400.00
Who runs the show
Organisers
Snap Events Ltd
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Why it matters
On 2026-11-17 to 2026-11-19, The Hotel F&B, Restaurant & Bar Senior Decision Makers' Forum in Abu Dhabi covering Kitchen equipment and appliances, Food and beverage products, Hospitality technology solutions, Restaurant furnishings a gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · AED
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Zayed International
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
5-star
Yas IslandBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, spa
DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences
4-star
Yas IslandBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, fitness center, bar, restaurant
Royal Rose Hotel Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
5-star
Abu Dhabi cityBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, spa
The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton
5-star
Yas IslandBreakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
airport taxi
Estimated costApprox. AED 60-90 single journey (metered airport taxi, 15-20 min)
Best forZayed International (AUH) to Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
The airport is adjacent to Yas Island, so this is a short metered hop rather than a city crossing. Confirm the fare and pick-up zone at the taxi rank; ride-hailing pick-up points are separately signposted.
taxi / ride-hailing
Estimated costApprox. AED 70-110 single journey (25-35 min)
Best forAbu Dhabi city centre and Corniche hotels to Yas Island venue
Route runs via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10); some Abu Dhabi crossings carry a small toll, normally added to the metered fare.
ride-hailing (Careem / Uber)
Estimated costApprox. AED 20-40 per short island hop
Best forYas Island hotels to the venue hotel
Island distances are short but rarely walkable in the heat; ride-hailing is the default for delegates moving between hotels and evening functions.
complimentary island shuttle
Estimated costFree of charge (confirm current route map and timings with the hotel)
Best forYas Island hotel circuit and leisure district stops
Yas Island runs a shuttle service linking hotels and attractions; useful for evening dinners, less reliable for fixed meeting start times.
public bus
Estimated costApprox. AED 2-4 per single journey with a Hafilat card
Best forAbu Dhabi city bus routes serving Yas Island
Abu Dhabi has no metro or tram, so buses are the only public transport option. Buy or top up a Hafilat card at a bus station or authorised outlet; services are infrequent by comparison with taxis.
parking
Estimated costUsually complimentary for hotel guests; day-visitor valet may be chargeable (confirm with the hotel)
Best forHilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Yas Island venue car parks
Yas Island hotels and venues generally provide on-site parking. Confirm badge access, height restrictions and any charge for non-resident cars before driving in.
metro
Estimated costAED 4-8.50 (Nol Card single journey)
Best forWorld Trade Centre Metro Station (Red Line) to venue
RTA Red Line stops at World Trade Centre - buy or top up a Nol Card at the station.
Weather
November 2026 in Abu Dhabi is mild to warm and dry: afternoons typically sit around 30-33 C and nights around 20-23 C, with rainfall very rare (roughly 5 mm for the month). Sea temperatures stay warm, which makes pool and beach breaks viable after meetings. Interiors are heavily air-conditioned, so the practical risk is over-cooling rather than heat. Check a forecast close to travel for any unusual humidity or shamal wind.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Abu Dhabi has dense 5G mobile coverage from du and Etisalat, and hotel Wi-Fi on Yas Island is standard. The simplest setup for a short business trip is a travel eSIM activated before departure or a visitor line at the airport; roaming on your home SIM works but data can be expensive. Some internet calling features can behave differently on local networks, so test your meeting apps and keep a dial-in number as backup. UAE uses type G sockets - bring a UK-style adaptor.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress and public conduct
Abu Dhabi is more relaxed than some regional cities, but modest dress still applies outside resorts: shoulders and knees covered in malls, government buildings and heritage sites. Swimwear belongs at the pool or beach only.
The working week
The UAE works Monday to Friday with a Saturday-Sunday weekend, and Friday is a shorter day in many government offices. Schedule visa paperwork, bank errands and site inspections accordingly, and expect some shops to pause briefly around Friday prayers.
Alcohol and dining
Alcohol is served in licensed hotel restaurants and bars, not in public spaces. During event dinners, it is normal for guests to decline a drink without explanation; hotel venues always offer non-alcoholic alternatives.
Greetings and business etiquette
A handshake with the right hand is standard in meetings. Some Emirati women may prefer not to shake hands - follow their lead rather than extending first. Business cards are exchanged with a brief moment of attention rather than pocketed immediately.
Photography
Avoid photographing government buildings, military sites, airports' security areas and people who have not consented, including staff and other delegates. Ask before photographing a supplier's stand or product display.
Tipping and payments
Restaurants usually add a service charge; where they do not, around 10 percent is normal. Taxis are commonly rounded up. Cards are accepted almost everywhere on Yas Island, but keep some cash for small purchases and tips.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: AUH
Book into Zayed International (AUH), the Etihad Airways hub and the airport adjacent to Yas Island. Captured Google Flights samples for the 17-21 November 2026 window show nonstop Etihad options from New York (JFK), Singapore (SIN), Tokyo (NRT) and Sydney (SYD), with London (LHR) routings in the capture showing one stop via the Gulf. All sampled fares are round trip for one adult, include taxes and fees and exclude optional bags - they were sampled on the capture date in AED and must be rechecked before booking. Dubai (DXB) is a viable alternative but adds 1.5 to 2 hours by road each way. Arrive the day before your first appointment: the meeting diary usually starts early and a delayed arrival is hard to reschedule.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Zayed International (AUH). Allow road or rail time to Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island: Yas Island: Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island; Yas Island: DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences; Abu Dhabi city: Royal Rose Hotel Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton.
Ride-hail: Careem and Uber both operate in Abu Dhabi and are the default way to move between Yas Island hotels, restaurants and the venue in the evening. Fares are app-quoted and charged to card or cash; expect roughly AED 20-40 for a short island hop and AED 70-110 from the city centre. Airport pick-up uses a dedicated ride-hailing zone rather than the taxi rank. Download and register the app before departure, since some registrations require SMS verification to your home number.
Public transit: Abu Dhabi has no metro or tram network, so public transport means buses: city routes connect the centre to Yas Island, paid with a Hafilat stored-value card at roughly AED 2-4 per journey. For delegates the realistic options are taxis, ride-hailing and the complimentary Yas Island shuttle that links hotels and attractions. Bus and shuttle timetables are not built around meeting start times, so use them for evening trips, confirm the current route map with the hotel, and keep a taxi as backup for the first morning.
Parking: Yas Island hotels and the larger venues provide on-site parking, and parking is generally complimentary for hotel guests, with day-visitor or valet parking sometimes chargeable. Confirm badge access, height restrictions and any event-day charge directly with Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island or the organiser. If you are driving from Abu Dhabi city, allow extra time on Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10) during the morning peak, and note that some crossings carry a small toll.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Approx. 30-33 C on November afternoons, dropping to around 20-23 C at night. Interiors are strongly air-conditioned, so the felt temperature swings more than the forecast suggests.
Seasonality: November is one of the driest months in Abu Dhabi, with rainfall of roughly 5 mm on average and long sunny spells. Humidity is lower than in the summer months, which makes outdoor walks and evening terraces comfortable. Occasional shamal winds can bring dusty haze, so check the forecast in the final week.
Packing: Pack light breathable business wear for the meeting floor plus a jacket or shawl for over-cooled rooms, sunglasses and sun protection for the short outdoor stretches, comfortable shoes for resort-sized venues, and modest evening clothing for dinners and any public spaces you visit. A UK-style type G adaptor, a refillable water bottle and a light layer for the flight are the practical extras.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at The Hotel F&B, Restaurant & Bar Senior Decision Makers' Forum usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day -14: Confirm your delegate package tier and the number of pre-scheduled meetings attached to it, and check the appointment list on the organiser platform for gaps worth filling.
T-2
Day -12: Book flights into Zayed International (AUH) to land the day before your first meeting, and allow a 15-20 minute transfer to Yas Island rather than a long city crossing.
T-3
Day -12: Reserve the host hotel or a nearby Yas Island property; if the host block is full, keep the booking cancellable until the meeting diary is confirmed.
T-4
Day -10: Check UAE entry requirements for your passport and confirm passport validity with your airline.
T-5
Day -8: Draft a two-page buyer profile with your source markets, volume bands and the product gaps you want suppliers to fill, and send it to the organiser if a profile upload is requested.
T-6
Day -7: Print or download the meeting schedule and block 15-minute buffers between back-to-back appointments so the running order does not collapse.
T-7
Day -5: Arrange airport transfer or confirm that the hotel offers a shuttle; save the hotel address in Arabic and English for the driver.
T-8
Day -4: Notify your card provider of UAE travel, download a ride-hailing app before departure and check roaming or eSIM options.
T-9
Day -3: Pack business casual plus a layer for air-conditioned meeting rooms, and modest evening wear for hosted functions.
T-10
Day -2: Reconfirm every meeting on your diary and prepare one-page briefs per supplier with the questions you need answered on the day.
T-11
Day -1: Arrive, collect a local SIM or activate your eSIM, and walk the venue to locate the meeting rooms before the first appointment.
Day 0
Carry your badge, passport copy and a charged phone with the schedule loaded; arrive 20 minutes before the first slot for security and orientation.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2The Hotel F&B, Restaurant & Bar Senior Decision Makers' Forum registration concourse
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsAED 190.00
- Per diem × 2AED 150.00
Estimated totalAED 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
EUR 9500 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | EUR 9500 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether The Hotel F&B, Restaurant & Bar Senior Decision Makers' Forum fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For The Hotel F&B, Restaurant & Bar Senior Decision Makers' Forum, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Kitchen equipment and appliances and Food and beverage products solutions and benchmarking suppliers at The Hotel F&B, Restaurant & Bar Senior Decision Makers' Forum in Abu Dhabi.
Min. budget
$18,850.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Kitchen equipment and appliances and Food and beverage products products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$84,825.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Abu Dhabi show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Pre-scheduled meeting
- A one-to-one appointment booked into your on-site diary before travel, instead of an open stand visit. At To The Table MEA the number of these appointments is the main variable between delegate packages.
- Delegate package
- The commercial unit sold for this event, priced by delegate count and meeting count. Captured tiers run from Package A (1 delegate, 12 meetings) to Package F (3 delegates, 20 meetings).
- MEA
- Middle East and Africa - the regional catchment implied by the event name and the reason supplier delegations from the Gulf, wider Middle East and African markets appear on the same floor plan.
- Dirham (AED)
- The UAE currency, pegged at roughly AED 3.67 to the US dollar. Taxis, cafes and hotel extras are quoted in dirhams; cards are accepted almost everywhere on Yas Island.
- Zayed International Airport (AUH)
- Abu Dhabi's main commercial gateway, on the eastern side of the city next to Yas Island. It is the airport to book for this venue; Dubai (DXB) is a road transfer of roughly one and a half to two hours.
- Yas Island
- Abu Dhabi's leisure and events district, where the host hotel, the theme parks and the circuit sit. It is a self-contained area rather than a downtown grid, so transfers are short but rarely walkable in the heat.
- Hafilat card
- The stored-value card used on Abu Dhabi city buses. Useful only if you plan to ride public buses; taxis and ride-hailing are paid separately by meter or card.
- UAE working week
- Monday to Friday, with a Saturday-Sunday weekend. Friday is a shorter day in many government offices, which matters when scheduling visa paperwork, bank visits or supplier calls.
- Site inspection
- A short hotel or venue walk-through arranged around the meetings. Abu Dhabi's resort cluster makes a same-trip inspection practical, but it must be booked with the hotel or DMC in advance.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- The Hotel F&B, Restaurant & Bar Senior Decision Makers' Forum
- The Hotel F&B 2026
- The Hotel F&B Abu Dhabi 2026
- Restaurant 2026
- Restaurant Abu Dhabi 2026
- Bar Senior Decision Makers 2026
- Bar Senior Decision Makers Abu Dhabi 2026
- Forum 2026
- Forum Abu Dhabi 2026
- Abu Dhabi UAE
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.