Dubai’s reputation as a hub of innovation reached new heights today, as the UAE has achieved a Guinness World Record for the longest line of sustainable pizzas.
Hosted at the Dubai Festival Bay Intercontinental Hotel, the event highlighted the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, combining environmental responsibility with the artistry of Italian cuisine.
The initiative was spearheaded by Italfood, a distinguished name in cheese production since 1955, in collaboration with local charities and sustainability advocates. It was more than a celebration of gastronomy – it was a showcase of how tradition and innovation can create lasting impact.
Longest line of sustainable pizzas in Dubai
Fresh Emirati cheese
Italfood brought its decades-long legacy to the fore by crafting pizzas using cheese made fresh daily with milk from local Emirati producers. "At Italfood, we are proud to contribute to such an important transformative initiative," said a representative. "Breaking the record for the longest pizza, with a pledge to sustainability, showcases very well how gastronomic excellence can walk the talk with environmental consideration and social caring."
Italfood’s journey of preserving Italian traditions while adapting to modern sensibilities has made it a trusted name in the UAE’s food sector. Its commitment to quality and sustainability mirrors the ethos of the event, further strengthening its brand as a community-focused enterprise.
The innovation of seawater
A key highlight was the use of filtered seawater as a sustainable ingredient in pizza preparation. Introduced by Dr. Vincenzo Di Donna, this revolutionary approach enriched the pizza dough with 92 essential minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. "Our bodies reflect the composition of seawater. Incorporating this ingredient allows us to enhance both taste and nutritional value," Dr. Di Donna explained.
This innovation underscores the event’s focus on merging tradition with modern science to produce healthier, more sustainable food.
Spreading joy through generosity
A significant portion of the pizzas created at the event will be distributed to local charities, ensuring that the record-breaking initiative leaves a lasting impact. Proceeds from the event will support the Dubai Charity Association and Hifz Al Niaama, a project founded in 2004 that redistributes surplus food to underprivileged families.
"The spirit of generosity and sustainability is at the heart of this initiative," said representatives of Hifz Al Niaama. The organisation’s ability to collect and redistribute food from hotels and banquets ensures that nothing goes to waste, echoing the UAE’s broader sustainability goals.
Tradition meets modernity
The event also highlighted Italfood’s ethos of bridging generations, combining the legacy of Ciro Romano with the innovative drive of Tareq Bkairat and Akar Jamal. Their efforts demonstrated how Italian culinary traditions can evolve to address contemporary needs while maintaining their authenticity.
From crafting fresh, preservative-free cheese to implementing sustainable practices, Italfood exemplified the balance between preserving heritage and embracing innovation.