In the city that never sleeps, where golden dunes meet the azure curve of the Gulf, the stage is set for a celebration of taste. From April 7 to 8, 2025, Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah will become the beating heart of global mixology, hosting the debut edition of the Gulf Bar Show—an unprecedented event in the Middle East region, created to celebrate mindful drinking and anticipate the future of fine spirits. 4,500 square metres, 200 exhibitors and four dedicated tasting rooms will welcome the expected 9,000 attendees, including bar industry professionals, journalists, influencers and a passionate crowd of cocktail and spirits lovers.
Among the key players, Campari Group takes center stage. Through the work of the EMEA Partnership Markets team and Campari Academy, a group of international talents will converge in Dubai. These experts will lead seminars, showcase their craft at the Campari, Espolòn and Aperol stands, and headline guest nights across the city’s most vibrant cocktail bars—starting as early as April 5.
Beyond the Show: Guest Nights Around the City
The festivities will open on Saturday, April 5, at the brand-new Negroni Lounge inside Barfly—a taste of what’s to come when the venue officially launches later in April in collaboration with Francesco Galdi, Corporate Operations & Beverage Manager of the Buddha Bar group. From 9 PM to midnight, Philip Bischoff of Bangkok’s BKK Social Club will dazzle guests with creations built around Campari.
April 6: A Journey Through Flavour and Atmosphere
On Sunday, April 6, from 8 PM, the elegant, Japanese-inspired setting of Mimi Kakushi will host Giorgio Bargiani, Assistant Director of Mixology at London’s Connaught Bar. Meanwhile, Amelia Lounge will welcome Riccardo Bucci and Lorenzo Falasca—Co-Founders of Rem Trastevere—who, alongside Bar Manager Alain Achkar, will present a bold menu featuring Montelobos Mezcal and Ancho Reyes from 9 PM to 1 AM.
April 7: Icons and Originals Take the Stage
April 7 belongs to Tommaso Cecca, Global Head of Camparino, who will unveil signature drinks from the legendary Milanese venue starting from 7 PM, supported by Bar Manager Francesco D’Arienzo. That same evening, from 8:30 PM, Stelios Papadopoulos of Barro Negro will headline at Alma, bringing the vibrant soul of Espolòn Tequila to life.
The Final Toasts: April 8 and 9
On April 8 from 9 PM, Maison Dalì becomes the canvas for Tommaso Cecca’s artistry, while simultaneously, Blind Tiger will host a takeover by Giovanni Allario, Bar Manager at Moebius Milano, featuring Campari’s rare and super-premium portfolio (Courvoisier and Glen Grant included) —a night set to stretch until midnight. The celebrations will culminate on April 9 at Be Beach, where from 6 PM to 9 PM, Stelios Papadopoulos, Riccardo Bucci and Lorenzo Falasca will bring the curtain down with an Espolòn Tequila–infused finale.
Thought Leadership and Future Perspectives at the Gulf Bar Show
In addition to the guest nights, the Gulf Bar Show will host a series of high-profile seminars and talks. On April 7 at 2:30 PM, the Main Stage will spotlight Stelios Papadopoulos of Barro Negro, moderated by Penelope Vaglini, Co-Founder of Coqtail, for a deep dive into the agave universe, exploring consumer trends and the spirit’s evolving role in contemporary mixology.
On April 8 at 1 PM, at the BehindBars booth, Monica Berg—Co-Founder of Tayer+Elementary and Creative Director of Campari Academy—will lead a dedicated seminar. Later that day, at 3:30 PM on the Main Stage, Berg will be joined by Tommaso Cecca and Giorgio Bargiani for a compelling discussion on the future direction of the bar industry, moderated by journalist Carlo Carnevale.
Campari and Espolòn: A Showcase of Artistry
At the heart of the Gulf Bar Show, two experiential booths will offer guests a journey through Campari’s world—one celebrating the classic Milanese bitter, the other exploring agave through the lens of Espolòn.
Here, visitors will witness live performances by some of the world’s most influential bartenders. On April 7, Campari’s Negroni Lounge will host Red Hands 2024 Kimberly Munro and Vitor Hugo Lourenco from 4 PM, followed by Giorgio Bargiani and Tommaso Cecca at 5 PM, and Francesco Galdi with Philipp Bischoff from 6 PM. On April 8, Giovanni Allario and Francesco D’Arienzo will take over at 5 PM, with Red Hands Sharfin Akter Auni and Don Bodhinayake stepping in from 6 PM.
At the Espolòn booth, Stelios Papadopoulos and Riccardo Bucci will take the stage at 5 PM on both April 7 and 8, followed by Alain Achkar and Lorenzo Falasca at 6 PM. On the final day, the REM founders will return alongside Papadopoulos for a final run of agave-forward signature cocktails from 5 to 7 PM.
Finally, out on the terrace, Aperol will welcome Spritz lovers with a vibrant stand styled like a vintage ape car, dressed in the brand’s bold, unmistakable colors.
A New Chapter for International Mixology at Gulf Bar Show
The inaugural Gulf Bar Show promises to be a landmark moment for the Middle East region—the first true stage dedicated entirely to cocktail culture, spirits, and distillation. A crossroad where experience, creativity and craft meet in the glass, set in a city that thrives on reinvention. With Campari Academy, the world of mixology finds a cosmopolitan, bold and ever-evolving new home, ready to engage a new generation of spirited drinkers.
Images courtesy of Campari Academy SEMED. Booth rendering courtesy Communication Agency NoLoop srl, architecture firm Designers srl.
