THE GULF BAR SHOW
RETURNS

Known as "The Maestro," Salvatore is a globally renowned bartender and innovator. He created the world's most expensive cocktail (£5,500) and the world’s oldest cocktail "Salvatore's Legacy," featuring rare liqueurs totaling 730 years in combined age.

Ranked #24 in Drinks International's Top 100 (2023), multi-award-winning Sebastian manages high-profile consultancies and founded Celebrate Her, a global initiative supporting women in hospitality. She’s the former beverage program manager of The Savoy and Artesian Bar.

"The Modern Mixologist" authored influential books and created Bellagio Las Vegas' cocktail program. A 3x Iron Chef America champion, he consults for major venues and serves as National Ambassador for U.S. Bartenders Guild.

“The King of Negroni" opened the world's first Negroni bar in Munich (1998) and founded Europe's first Cocktail Museum. As Campari's first Brand Ambassador, he established the global Campari Academy network. He won “Bartender of the Year” in Bavaria in 2002 and received the “Order of Merite” in Italy in 2020.

Co-Creator of multi-award-winning Olmeca Altos Tequila, global ambassador for Nusa Caña, and author of ‘Classic Cocktails At Home’, Masso spent 30+ years championing sustainable practices in bartending and establishing impactful bars across London and Asia.

Drink historian authors with 30+ books and founders of Mixellany Limited. Their masterwork "Spirituous Journey: A History of Drink" chronicled drinks from 7000 BC to 1950s, winning Gourmand World Cookbook Awards for Best Drink History (2009/10).

The "Godfather of British Bartending" served as UKBG President (1997-2004) and was Head Barman and Bar Manager at the Savoy Hotel's American Bar (1984-2003). Creator of the "Elise" cocktail and winner of the MSS Europa Competition, he organized and judged prestigious competitions such as the World Class Competition and Tales of the Cocktail.

A "godfather" of Japanese bartending known for diamond-shaped ice carving, Ueno has served as a judge for Diageo’s World Class Competition since its inception. Owner of Bar High Five in Tokyo's Ginza district, he won World's Best Bartender at Tales of the Cocktail (2016).

Bar and restaurant coach who created the Business of Bars program, implemented in 50+ countries. He founded Barmetrix, helping nearly 5,000 operations worldwide, while advocating for sustainable work-life balance in hospitality. He’s also the host of the Hospitality Outliers Podcast

World's 67th Most Influential Figure in the Spirits Industry (2024) | Drinks International. Sturt has been instrumental in promoting Dubai’s hospitality scene on a global stage. She’s the Middle East Academy Chair for The World's 50 Best Bars, and member of Tales of the Cocktail’s Education Committee (New Orleans). 

An award-winning hospitality consultant who changed the bar game in Russia a decade ago, Narzi trains and empowers bartenders globally while championing emotional intelligence as key to exceptional guest experiences.

Beverage Director of NAHATÉ

As the Co-Founder of hospitality-focused Liquid Design Agency, Bolshakov specializes in high-end guest experiences and has toured 40+ countries with guest shifts and masterclasses at World Best Bars and Michelin restaurants. 

Co-founder of Alembic – Liquid Education Experience, he’s trained 1,500+ F&B professionals across MEA and Asia. A certified Sake Educator specializing in Dry Mixology, he's transformed the Gulf's bartending scene.

Former Diageo luxury portfolio ambassador and pioneering female mixologist, Duff is a Tales of the Cocktail Catalyst Committee member who runs her own consultancy, helping brands navigate industry trends.

First Non-Mexican Awarded "Tequila Connoisseur" By CNIT. His extensive career in agave and as a reputable bartender and tequila ambassador, Stelios’ expertise in the category is second to none. He opened Barro Negro Athens, cementing his role as a leader in the agave scene.

Tequila producer and spirits educator with 5+ years in production and market development, Taylor focuses on educating consumers through social media, exploring the impact of content creators on spirits knowledge.

Co-Chair for Tales of the Cocktail Business Education Committee

Global Director of On Trade Excellence for PATRÓN Tequila, Mote is the co-founder of ‘Bittered Sling’ and ‘A Mob of Mentors’ social enterprise. Named ‘International Bar Mentor of the Year (2022), she’s also the author of ‘A Bartender's Guide to the World.’

Author Of ‘Anatomy Of Mezcal’ Honoring Mexico’s Biodiversity & Cultural Heritage

Mexican scientist, master distiller, and Casa Lumbre co-founder with a PhD in biochemistry. Creator of 15+ award-winning brands, like Montelobos Mezcal and Ancho Reyes, using native Mexican ingredients and innovative production techniques.

Founder of ‘Cocktails for You’

Award-winning bartender and spirits creator, he developed his own champagne brands while consulting for big names. He’s known for his innovative brand development approaches and marketing strategies in the premium drinks sector.

Founder of ‘Drinking Out Loud’ & Co-Founder of B-Corp certified ‘Avallen Spirits’

Former Diageo executive and global Tanqueray ambassador with trilingual fluency, Jordan was named Woman of the Year (2020) by The Drinks Business, and is the European Co-Chair for the Spirited Awards at Tales of Cocktail.

Leading global bar figures behind Campari's Discover Iconic campaign. They'll share perspectives on career development and engage in audience conversations about industry trends. All three are considered icons in the international bar community.

Italian drinks writer, journalist, and consultant from Naples. Focuses on global drinking culture, connecting local heritage with the international stage through stories of bar community members.

Co-Founder of Altos Planos

Award-winning mixologist with 18+ years experience, Coronado has served as cocktail innovator for Chef Jose Andres' Think Food Group, champagne sommelier at Bubble Lounge, and National Brand Ambassador at Bacardi. 

Co-Founder of ‘Behind Bars Agency’

Known for bartender-centric bar layouts that prioritize workflow efficiency, Ruas has designed acclaimed venues across Europe, focusing on the worlds' best bar solutions, guest experience, and employee well-being.

Kosovo-born founder of Konik's Tail vodka, Shabani is a war refugee turned entrepreneur. He’s revolutionized craft vodka with his traditional Polish product, earning recognition in the World's 50 Best Bars and becoming an industry mentor.

Global Head of Advocacy and Ambassadors at Fratelli Branca Distillerie, he’s known for balancing tradition with innovation. He specializes in driving brand growth through meaningful partnerships and commercial excellence.

After 15 years of building iconic brands at Diageo, Godiva, and Kenvue, El Tabchy now focuses on reducing food waste and raising awareness around gut health, as the founder of UAE’s first fermentation store.

Italian vermouth producer and global bar consultant who co-created Mancino Vermouth and Rinomato Aperitivo, Mancino has championed aperitivo culture worldwide while consulting for luxury venues like Rosewood Hotels.

Founder of Craft & Culture

Former Johnnie Walker Global Head of Customer Marketing, Luxury & Premium, Cookson has established import channels for artisanal brands, creating educational platforms and a spirits brand incubator for brands wishing to enter the Middle East.

Director of Bars at Capella Taipei, the world’s Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure for the second consecutive year. He’s the Education Director at both Bar Convent Berlin and London, while having served as Tanqueray’s Global Brand Ambassador. 

Top 100 Most Influential in the Hospitality Industry, Nevsky is the founder of Indie Bartender, a career platform empowering modern independent bartenders. He won Best International Bar Mentor at 2024 Spirited Awards® by Tales of the Cocktail Foundation.

"King Cocktail" DeGroff sparked the modern cocktail renaissance at Rainbow Room (1987-1999). He authored essential guides "The Craft of the Cocktail" and "The Essential Cocktail," and founded The Museum of American Cocktail.

Franklin & Sons’ Global Brand Ambassador 

With extensive mixology experience, he specializes in flavor development and innovative tonic pairings. He’s an education advocate, educating bartenders globally on premium mixer applications. 

Global Innovation Director at Heineken, leading sustainability initiatives and product development. With 20+ years experience, van Willegen pioneered Heineken's zero-alcohol portfolio and drives the company's environmental commitments through innovative brewing technologies.

Environmental innovator in spirits packaging and founder of sustainable consultancy in MENA. A pioneer in circular economy initiatives for the beverage industry, Karam develops zero-waste packaging solutions while advising brands on reducing environmental impact across their supply chains.