The waiting is over! Dubai’s annual celebration of gastronomy, Dubai Food Festival (DFF), opens on 22 February, marking the start of 17 days of epicurean discovery and delight.

It’s truly a foodie paradise at Dubai Food Festival 2018, with a jam-packed schedule of culinary events, activities and promotions to take part in. With returning favourites and new attractions to visit during the festival, here are our top 11 suggestions:

1. Stroll down to Etisalat Beach Canteen

The Festival’s flagship event is free to enter and serves as the perfect spot to take the family for a fun day out by the beach. Try out top-notch snacks and food at the food trucks and restaurants, watch a movie under the stars, join a cooking demos and relax by the beach – all in one great location.

2. Dine like royalty

Embark on a first-class culinary adventure when you dine at one of the city’s finest restaurants during Dubai Restaurant Week (22 February – 3 March). Book a table now on RoundMenu to enjoy a bespoke 3-course meal with iconic views of Dubai, at one of 15 different restaurants.

3. Explore Dubai’s top Hidden Gems

Hiding in the bustling streets of Dubai are a host of culinary secrets waiting to be discovered, from Emirati delights to unique street food and authentic flavours from across the world – all at the best prices. Visit www.dubaihiddengems.com to see the top 10 Hidden Gems as voted by Dubai’s residents, and deals on offer at each of these restaurants.

4. Meet culinary superstars at Taste of Dubai

Back for its 11th edition, Taste of Dubai brings together the city’s hottest restaurants, world famous celebrity chefs, and an incredible line-up of international music. Watch live cooking demonstrations, learn top tips and tuck into some delicious fare during the 3-day festival. Tickets are available online here.

5. Enjoy Miami Vibes

Relish plenty of authentic soul and street food from an array of local food trucks and food stalls, putting their own unique twists on traditional cuisines, with everything from burgers and salads to cookies and ice cream. There is something for everyone in the family at the Miami Food Festival in City Walk – you can enjoy great food in a fun, vibrant atmosphere from 15 – 25 Feb.

6. Bleu Blanc: Chef’s Table with David Myers

Be among the first to get up close and personal with David Myers, as he hosts the Bleu Blanc ‘Chef’s Table’. The visionary Gypsy Chef will prepare and plate up his signature dishes at the famed Bleu Blanc Grill Counter while taking guests on a culinary journey, recollecting stories from his extensive travels around the globe. Reserve your seats now.

7. Bring out the street style

Dubai’s vibrant street food scene comes to life throughout Dubai Food Festival – visit Dubai Street Nights at Al Seef from 1-3 March, and head down to Etisalat Beach Canteen for the first ever Dubai Street Food Awards on 10 March. For those looking to try out street food from around the world, visit Bollywood Parks Dubai from 22-24 February for ‘Streets of India’ – a Bollywood food bazaar; Street Social on 2 March at Marina Social, or the Thai street food festival at The Backyard, Steigenberger Hotel on Saturday evenings during the festival.

8. Experience Arabian Nights at Ewaan

Be transported back in time and experience every mystical facet of Middle Eastern allure at Ewaan, The Palace Downtown Dubai. The evening features graceful performances by a Tannoura dancer, an exquisite oriental buffet, soulful music, traditional sweets, and a splendid view from the al fresco terrace. The Arabian experience will be available on 7 March and is priced at AED 265 per person.

9. Brush up your culinary skills

Think you can take on a chef? Join in the “Beat the Chef” competition on Sundays and Wednesdays from 2-5pm at Café Society, Tamani Marina Hotel – and compete with the Café chef against the clock to cook up extravagant culinary creations. You can also try your hand at crafting and sculpting chocolate at Boutique La Chocolat masterclasses at Etisalat Beach Canteen and City Walk.

10. Win big!

Who doesn’t like to win goodies! During the festival, on a minimum spend of AED 50 at participating food outlets across the city, you can enter a raffle draw that gives you a chance to win multiple prizes including Dubai Experience vouchers brought to you by Novo Elite Holidays and a grand prize car, Nissan Kicks from A W Rostamani Arabian Automobiles. Customers are also in the running to win instant scratch win prizes such as 3-month Zomato Gold Memberships.

11. Movies to Munch On

Enjoy the beautiful weather as you drive up to an outdoor cinema experience at Last Exit E11 and Last Exit Mad X. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays throughout the festival, catch fun animated movies or themed classics and contemporary flicks 6 pm to 10:45 pm. Pair the movies with delicious meals available at a variety of on-site food trucks.