Thanksgiving Boom in Dubai's Dining Scene

Turkey Hysteria in UAE: How Thanksgiving in Dubai is on the Rise

A new festive tradition is making its way onto the UAE's culinary map: Thanksgiving. Originally rooted in North American culture, in recent years, more and more families and communities in the Emirates are celebrating it. Long weekends coinciding with national holidays provide the perfect chance for communal meals and friendly gatherings, resulting in a dramatic spike in the demand for turkey. Restaurants, food chains, and individuals alike are placing turkey at the center of their festive feasts, and this trend is expected to intensify as the end-of-year holidays approach.

Thanksgiving: An American Holiday Going Global

Traditionally held on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States—this year on November 27—Thanksgiving originally celebrated the harvest's end, community unity, and the expression of gratitude. However, globalization, the rise of international communities, and the freedom to travel have allowed this holiday to spread to more countries, such as the UAE, albeit unofficially. Alongside American expats in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates, people of other nationalities have also adopted this tradition, often adding their own cultural elements.

The Explosive Growth in Demand for Turkey

According to many hospitality venues, this year's Thanksgiving weekend was the strongest in recent years. Some restaurants reported double-digit growth in reservations and sales, particularly for turkey menus. There's been notable demand for fresh, whole turkeys, especially those in the 6-8 kilogram range, suggesting that households are hosting larger gatherings.

Alongside turkeys, pre-prepared festive menus were also popular. Many ordered not just the main course but the entire menu—including sides, sauces, and dessert. Besides the convenience, premium quality, exotic flavors, and the opportunity for communal celebration all contributed to the increased demand.

Traditional Dishes Enriched with Local Flavors

An intriguing development is the traditional American turkey dinner increasingly adorned with local Middle Eastern flavors in Dubai. Some restaurants have been offering versions seasoned with dates, pomegranate, or za’atar for years, which align well with the region's gastronomic traditions. Concurrently, side dishes are taking on new forms, with creamy potatoes with trappist cheese, dauphinoise potatoes, spicy roasted vegetables, and other unique sides making the festive dinner distinctive.

This flavor profile appeals to a much wider audience. Not only residents with American roots, but also those of other nationalities are open to these fusion dishes that blend tradition with innovation.

Home Celebrations Reaching a New Level

Turkey triumphs not only in restaurant offerings but also in households. Those who enjoy cooking at home started gathering ingredients weeks before Thanksgiving. Major supermarket chains like Spinneys or Carrefour prepared the season with special offers and a wide selection of fresh and frozen turkeys. The demand spiked so much that some stores had to introduce pre-orders.

Spending time in the kitchen, reinterpretation of family recipes, and gathering around the festive table all contribute to reinterpreting Thanksgiving warmth at home in the UAE.

Celebrating National Day and Thanksgiving Together

This year is also special as Thanksgiving coincides closely with the UAE's national day. As a result, many families organized long weekends, providing perfect opportunities for festive dinners. The combination of holidays and festive spirit further increased the demand for turkey, making it a central element on many festive tables.

Social media also actively contributed to spreading the trend: influencers, hospitality venues, and food chains shared recipes, promotions, and pictures of turkey dishes, visually inspiring the residents.

The Christmas Season Brings New Momentum

While Thanksgiving remains a key season for turkey consumption, trends indicate that more people are opting for this meat for the Christmas period as well. Turkey is slowly becoming a general festive dish that can be aligned with any cultural background—especially when traditional recipes are enriched with local elements. Thus, a new gastronomic tradition is forming in the UAE, one that no longer exclusively holds American roots, but gains regional interpretation, too.

Summary

The connection between turkey and Thanksgiving in the UAE goes far beyond a one-off celebration. Turkey is no longer merely an American emblem but a symbol of community unity, festive spirit, and cultural diversity. Dubai and other emirates' residents are embracing these new customs and adapting them to their local environment, forming new culinary traditions. In the coming years, the demand for turkey is likely to grow even further, and Thanksgiving will become even more integrated into the UAE's holiday season.

(Sourced from expert insights.)