Al Qana, a waterfront social dining and entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi, has announced its plans to become a new culinary epicentre for the capital.
As a contemporary dining centre, the development is located to offer expansive outdoor spaces that cater to the need for socially distanced dining, with a vision to curate a portfolio of food-related experiences that embrace emerging global trends in the wake of the pandemic.
Covid-19 has radically reshaped consumer habits across the world, with the hospitality industry one of the hardest hit by its associated restrictions. However, as we move into Q2 2021, the mood in the UAE is upbeat. MENA Research Partners predict that the GCC’s F&B market will achieve growth of 7% this year, climbing to an estimated $196 bn. This arguably suggests and forecasts for a rapid rebound in tourism as countries gradually relax travel.
For the UAE, this is further fueled by UAE government initials to complete hospitality and leisure projects ahead of EXPO 2020 in October 2021, which is forecasting an additional 3m tourists during its opening period. Al Qana is therefore ensuring that all venues are fully future proofed for such a rebound, designed in keeping with the new requirements for socially mindful dining, with a focus on outdoor seating, spacious interiors, and food as entertainment.
Al Qana is also aware that as the market recovers, consumers will wish to seek out all that is new, fresh and engaging. As such, the leadership team feels it is imperative to pump fresh ideas into the market, embracing a raft of relevant dining trends, including eating local, veganism, sustainable concepts and digital integration.
Stuart Gissing, General Manager at Al Qana says: “Al Qana’s gastronomical offering aims to create a new foodie paradise providing residents and visitors with a rich culinary experience. Al Qana was inspired to create social entertainment and human connections through vibrant lifestyle experiences, positioning this magnificent destination as the heartbeat of Abu Dhabi.”
He adds: “Our F&B concepts will cater to the new consumer mood, ensuring safe, social spaces, and showcasing all that is exciting, energising, colourful, fresh and up and coming. We look forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy our incredible taste offerings within what is already set to become one of Abu Dhabi’s most favorite social hubs for all ages.”
Spanning over 2.4 km, Al Qana will bring local and international F&B concepts with over 95 outlets. With over 60% leased, six months from opening, the names of the collection of outlets will be announced in the coming weeks.
