8–10 December 2026 | Dubai International Financial Centre

A global stage for Dubai’s next generation of hospitality talent

World Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist is coming to Dubai.

Celebrating the talent, creativity and ambition shaping the city’s hospitality industry, the inaugural WorldYYY Dubai championship will bring together young chefs, waiters and mixologists for three days of connection, learning and competition.

From the kitchen to front of house and behind the bar, this is an opportunity to demonstrate your skills, meet established industry professionals and take the next step in your hospitality career.

Supporting hospitality in Dubai

Jointly presented by BSL and WorldYYY, the Dubai championship takes place in conjunction with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the Official Licence Holder, and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the Strategic Partner.

Set within the DIFC estate, the event will connect emerging talent with experienced hospitality leaders, international judges and partners who share a commitment to developing the next generation.

4Homes joins the inaugural event as Official Culinary Equipment Partner, supporting the competition and the young professionals taking part.

Host venues and the full judging panel will be announced soon.

Tuesday 8 December – Welcome Reception

The championship opens with an evening reception welcoming competitors, visiting judges, sponsors and invited industry guests.

An opportunity to make introductions and build connections, the reception sets the scene for a programme celebrating Dubai’s hospitality community and its future talent.

Wednesday 9 December – Industry Day

Meet the people, discover the products and develop the teamwork behind exceptional hospitality.

Industry Day brings contestants together with judges and sponsors for culinary workshops, practical challenges and team-building activities. Through hands-on sessions and conversations with industry professionals, competitors will gain insight, exchange ideas and prepare for the final.

It is a chance to learn, ask questions and build relationships that extend beyond the competition.

Thursday 10 December – Competition Day

Four finalists in each discipline will compete for the titles of Dubai’s Young Chef, Young Waiter and Young Mixologist.

Young Chef

Showcase culinary creativity, sound technique and the ability to deliver under pressure.

Young Waiter

Demonstrate attentive service, product knowledge, clear communication and the detail that makes guests feel welcome.

Young Mixologist

Combine flavour, presentation and technical skill to create imaginative non-alcoholic drinks. Dubai’s mixology competition will focus exclusively on alcohol-free creations.

Working across the kitchen, dining room and bar, finalists will be challenged to show individual ability alongside the teamwork essential to a successful hospitality experience.

Thursday 10 December – Awards Ceremony

The championship concludes with an evening awards ceremony bringing together competitors, judges, sponsors and industry supporters.

Following the judges’ deliberations, Dubai’s first WorldYYY champions will be announced—a celebration of their achievements and the beginning of their journey within the international WorldYYY community.

Further details of the awards evening will be announced soon.

Your next chapter starts here

Whether your ambition lies in the kitchen, restaurant service or creative mixology, WorldYYY Dubai offers a platform to challenge yourself, develop your confidence and get your talent noticed.

Join us this December and help shape the future of hospitality in Dubai.