UAE Shocks the World: Emirates, Radisson Blu, and Elie Makhlouf Team Up for a 1,001-Cheese Guinness World Record That Could Redefine Global Food Tourism

 

Emirates, Radisson Blu and Elie Makhlouf are placing the UAE firmly in the global spotlight as Dubai prepares for a culinary moment designed to travel far beyond the kitchen. In January 2026, the city known for record-breaking ambition will host a bold Guinness World Records attempt that brings together international air connectivity, high-performing hospitality, and artisanal food culture in one destination-driven spectacle. As passengers arrive on Emirates flights from Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, and check into hotels that have become event hubs in their own right, Makhlouf will attempt to showcase more than 1,001 cheese varieties at the DATE-A-CHEESE International Food Festival, running alongside Gulfood. The timing is deliberate. Dubai is already welcoming record numbers of international visitors, airlines are operating at near-full capacity during the winter season, and hotels are reporting strong demand tied to global trade and cultural events. This convergence turns a cheese record attempt into something much bigger: a travel narrative where food becomes the reason to fly, stay, explore, and experience the city. For tourists, it signals that Dubai is no longer just a place to visit, but a destination where world-class aviation, hospitality, and gastronomy collide to create moments that feel historic, immersive, and unmistakably global.

UAE Shocks the World:

Dubai has built a reputation on turning ambition into spectacle. In January 2026, the city adds another bold chapter to its story. A culinary event anchored in precision, passion, and global collaboration is set to capture the world’s attention. At the heart of it stands cheese expert Elie Makhlouf, preparing to attempt a Guinness World Records title by showcasing more than 1,001 distinct cheese varieties at the DATE-A-CHEESE International Food Festival. Hosted at Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek and timed alongside Gulfood, the attempt places the UAE at the intersection of gastronomy, travel, and hospitality excellence.

For travelers, this is more than a record attempt. It is a reason to plan a journey. The experience blends world-class air connectivity, high-performing hotels, and a food culture that mirrors Dubai’s cosmopolitan DNA. Short stays become memorable trips. Business travel turns into culinary discovery. Leisure travelers find a festival that celebrates craftsmanship from every corner of the globe.

UAE Shocks the World: Emirates, Radisson Blu, and Elie Makhlouf Turn Cheese into a Travel Magnet

Dubai’s success as a destination rests on seamless access. Emirates plays a central role in that equation. The airline connects Dubai to hundreds of cities across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. January is a peak season for travel into the UAE, driven by mild weather and a packed events calendar. Emirates schedules multiple daily services from major markets such as London, Paris, Mumbai, Delhi, Riyadh, Jeddah, Sydney, Melbourne, New York, and Los Angeles. Widebody aircraft dominate these routes, offering high seat capacity and multiple cabin options for business and leisure travelers alike.

Arrival is equally efficient. Dubai International Airport remains one of the world’s busiest international hubs. Its scale allows Dubai to host global events without straining infrastructure. For visitors attending the cheese showcase, DXB’s proximity to Deira and the historic creek area reduces transfer time. Hotels, cultural districts, and dining venues are all within easy reach.

The record attempt itself is designed as a destination experience. The DATE-A-CHEESE International Food Festival brings together producers, chefs, and hospitality professionals. Cheeses are curated by origin, style, and craft. Europe’s iconic regions sit alongside emerging producers from the Middle East and beyond. The result is a sensory map of global food culture, staged in a city known for welcoming the world.

Tags: Emirates, Radisson Blu, Elie Makhlouf  UAE   international air connectivity DATE-A-CHEESE International Food Festival