The economic outlook for much of the world is predicted to be rocky over the next few years.
The tourism sector in the region has never had a better time after the soccer frenzy.
According to the International Monetary Fund, the country's economy has grown by more than six percent this year.
There is a lot on the table, if the number of new fine dining restaurants is any indication. This is a vital business tie-in because licensed eateries in the country need to be part of a hotel.
The competition to be the most extravagant and lauded in this part of the world is always high, as evidenced by the competitive spirit on display in the first Michelin Guide Dubai awards a few months ago.
Talea by Antonio Guida, Hakkasan, and 99 Sushi Bar were all one star restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
Armani Ristorante is located at the base of the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and it is one of eleven restaurants in the city that have been awarded aMichelin star.
Both locals and tourists have been drawn in by the awards this year, according to Chef Giovanni Papi. He said that there has been an increase in gourmet guests.
The degustation menu at Armani Ristorante starts at 949 dirhams and goes up to 1,559 dirhams. There are intricate dishes such as Bottoni Ripieni, a dish made of button-shaped ravioli filled with lamb and artichoke and fondue.
There are currently no three-starMichelin restaurants in the U.S., but in November there was a visit by one of the chefs. One of the more serious global chefs in the area, the French maestro is a frequent visitor to the city.
Guests were able to sample creations such as pan- fried squid with black garlic and Paris mushrooms.
This visit put me in awe to see the remarkable achievements that the country has achieved in developing the food craft so exquisitely.
The chiefs of the French tire company said that the United Arab Emirates is now on par with some of the world's best gourmet destinations.
The selection criteria for allMichelin Guide restaurants are the same as per our global standard review process, where anonymous inspectors review all cuisines and evaluate only the quality of the dishes
The restaurants in the U.S. are just as good as the big cities.
Although this year's selection encompassed cuisines from across the European and Asian continents, no restaurant in the United States of America was awarded a star.
The founder of popular impartial restaurant review website FooDiva.net said that the heavy reliance on imported produce is a detriment to the country. Some restaurants that do maximize our local bounty are not included in the guide.
Only two of the 11 one and two star restaurants in the guide are chef-led. These restaurants should be recognized at the highest level rather than focusing on imported celebrity chef concepts.
The category for restaurants that offer a three-course gourmet experience priced at an average of 250 dirhams was nominated by Middle Eastern restaurants. The winners include a home-style restaurant.
Restaurants with the Bib Gourmand distinction have carved out a niche for themselves. They are not a sub-Michelin venue, but rather a place for a special dining experience.
There is a nice example of Fi'lia on the 70th floor. Fresh ingredients from the firewood oven and grill, handmade breads and pasta are offered at this trendy eatery. Think of gnocci and caviar with 1 kilo of salt.
The management at Fi'lia appears to be happy with their ranking.
The goal was not to aim for a star, but to be realistic about it.
What was always the aim of Fi'lia was affordable dishes with good quality ingredients. Like our mothers used to make, it's all about good food.
By 2031, the tourism sector is expected to contribute 450 billion dirhams to the national GDP, up from the present 177 billion dirhams.
The minister of the economy says the strategy will bring 100 billion dirhams in investments and 40 million hotel guests to the region.
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