A promotional and market consolidation initiative in the Emirates, organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria, the olive oil producers’ organizations of Umbria, and the Accademia Maestro d’Olio
Umbrian Extra Virgin Olive Oil is crossing Italian borders with a double event in the United Arab Emirates. This new initiative is promoted by the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria, in collaboration with the Accademia Maestro d’Olio, Aprol Umbria, and Assoprol Umbria, with the aim of highlighting the characteristics and potential of Umbrian EVO oils—a production increasingly at the top of Italy’s agri-food excellence.
The events are scheduled to coincide with Italy’s Republic Day celebrations. The first will take place on Sunday, June 1 in Dubai, at Cucina – The Palm, located in the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah. It will feature a tasting experience curated by chefs Marco Deriu and Emanuele Rizzo, and guided by Fausto Borella, founder of the Accademia Maestro d’Olio. The following day, Monday, June 2, the Umbrian EVOs will be showcased in Abu Dhabi at the Michelin-starred restaurant Talea by Antonio Guida, followed by a celebration in the Ballroom of the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.
These are two significant opportunities to taste and present the best of a production that combines high-quality standards, strong ties to its territory, and environmental sustainability.
Umbrian EVO is a fast-growing sector, appreciated even beyond national borders for its intense and distinctive sensory profile. Made from native olive varieties such as Moraiolo, Frantoio, Leccino, San Felice, Rajo, and Dolce Agogia, Umbria DOP is a designation that protects landscapes, traditions, and culture passed down by local producers, all safeguarded by a system of certification, traceability, and environmental respect.
“This initiative,” says Giorgio Mencaroni, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria, “was born out of a concrete desire to support Umbrian businesses in their international expansion, strengthening the presence of Umbrian EVO oil in a market full of opportunity like the Emirates.”
Six companies will represent the very best of Umbrian olive oil production during guided tastings, educational sessions, and exclusive dinners with top chefs—events that will open the doors of this high-potential market to Umbrian EVO.
The United Arab Emirates are showing growing interest in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as evidenced by the collaboration between the Accademia Maestro d’Olio, the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, the Italian Cultural Center, and partners in Saudi Arabia.
“It’s a source of great pride,” says Fausto Borella, curator of the Umbrian oil mission to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, “to once again accept the invitation of His Excellency Italian Ambassador to the UAE Lorenzo Fanara to participate in the Republic Day celebration on June 2 at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. It’s an honor to showcase and represent the finest producers of premium Umbrian extra virgin olive oil. I’ve spent years promoting the best of Italian craftsmanship, and this edition features truly artisanal excellence from Umbria—the real heart of Italy.”
The project was presented in Rome in the presence of institutions, media representatives, and key industry figures. The spotlight was not only on Umbrian EVO oils but also on a selection of wines from the Perticaia and Cotarella wineries, two leading names in Umbria’s winemaking scene.
