Sharjah, 2 March 2014

Al Qasba, the premier tourist, leisure and family destination in the emirate of Sharjah, has announced that participant registration for the 8th Al Qasba Food Festival, which will take place from 27 March till 12 April 2014, is now open.

Aspiring cooks, food companies and outlets are invited to participate in the Food Festival, which is expected to attract visitors throughout the 17 days event, to enjoy its various activities.

The 17-days culinary event will feature cooking competitions by top Arab and foreign chefs, cooking competitions for families and employees from government bodies and private companies, cookery workshops for young chefs, live shows by chefs who will display their skills in preparing a range of delicious dishes and light meals, as well as competitions to create fantastical vegetable and fruit carvings and cake decorations, among many other activities.

The Festival will also see the family cooking competition, and another competition between government department employees. Each competition will be held between teams that will battle it out to win the title of the best team in cooking. The competition rounds will take place daily between two teams with around 34 teams set to compete over the course of the Festival. Each day will see one winning team selected by a judging panel and the winners will be walking away with one of a range of valuable prizes. 

The 2014 Food festival will feature a number of lectures on the different foods, and herbs that mentioned in the Holy Qur'an in the treatment of illnesses. There will be other lectures on the importance of proper nutrition and food for health. These lectures will focus on how to treat common diseases, such as diabetes, blood pressure, and obesity, by using vegetables, fruits, grains, and spices available in markets and at homes.

The Al Qasba Food Festival will coincide this year with the UAE Green Festival, which is aimed to promote green initiatives and encourage people to adopt a better way of life through activities on the benefits of fresh and organic products and green food menu and eco-friendly cooking methods.

Interested individuals, families, companies and food outlets can call 06 5560777 to get more information about how to participate in the competitions and cookery workshops organised by the Festival. Registration will remain open until 16 March 2014.

Al Qasba prides itself on giving its visitors the opportunity to enjoy culture, entertainment and leisure attractions representing the very best from the Arab world and beyond, as well as being an outstanding family destination with a range of activities that caters to people of all ages.

Spread over 10,000 hectares, Al Qasba boasts a range of state-of-the-art facilities and tourist attractions including, among others, various restaurants and cafes, Masrah Al Qasba-Theatre, Multaqa Al Qasba-Conference and Meeting Halls, Al Qasba Business Centre, Kids Fun Zone, Al Qasba Musical Fountain, Etisalat Eye of the Emirates Wheel, and the Maraya Art Centre.