Dubai’s dining scene is about to get a serious upgrade—and burger lovers, this one’s for you. The World Burger Touris back at Hard Rock Cafe, and this year’s edition is bolder, tastier, and more international than ever before.
Bringing together culinary influences from across the globe, the annual event gives Hard Rock chefs the creative reins to craft burger masterpieces that reflect the spirit of their hometowns. The result? A festival of flavor where no two burgers are alike—and where each bite tells a story.
And representing the UAE this time around is a showstopper you don’t want to miss: the Desert Halloumi Burger. Created by local chef Iqbal, it’s a tribute to Dubai’s rich flavors, ingredients, and flair.
Dubai’s Desert Halloumi Burger: A Local Twist on a Global Classic
Imagine this: a juicy steak patty, layered with crispy fried halloumi, drizzled with house-made date chutney, and finished with a punch of herb and garlic aioli, fresh arugula, onion, and tomato. It’s sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy—all at once.
Chef Iqbal has managed to capture the essence of the Middle East in a burger. Think dates, halloumi, spice, and soul—all wrapped in Hard Rock’s signature style.
“This event lets us celebrate who we are as a city through food,” says Vatche Yacoubian, General Manager at Hard Rock Cafe Dubai. “The Desert Halloumi Burger is more than just a dish—it’s a love letter to our region’s cuisine.”
A Tour That Spans Continents
The World Burger Tour isn’t just a promotional campaign—it’s a culinary face-off involving more than 100 Hard Rock locations. Each cafe presents a locally inspired burger, going head-to-head for a chance to be crowned global favorite.
This year, the process gets even tastier with Olivia Tiedemann—celebrity chef and food influencer—joining the team as a mentor and judge. Alongside customer feedback, her insight will help determine which five burgers will go international, served across Hard Rock Cafes globally later this year.
So yes, the stakes are high—and the grill is hotter than ever.
Only in Dubai. Only for a Limited Time.
The Desert Halloumi Burger is exclusive to Hard Rock Cafe Dubai at Festival City Mall, available from June 14 to August 4, 2025. It’s a limited-edition feature, so once it’s off the menu, it’s gone for good.
This burger isn’t just a meal—it’s a cultural mash-up. A culinary passport. A chance to taste how Dubai interprets a global icon. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a foodie traveler passing through, this is one burger that’s worth the stop.
Rock the Bite Before It’s Gone
So what are you waiting for? Round up your crew, grab a seat at Hard Rock, and ask for the World Burger Tour menu. The vibes are always high, the music’s loud, and now the food is infused with the spirit of Dubai.
This isn’t just a tour—it’s a global burger movement, and Dubai’s right at the center of it. Come hungry. Leave inspired.
