Hard Rock Cafe’s World Burger Tour Returns to Dubai With a Middle Eastern Twist

Get ready to sink your teeth into a global culinary celebration as Hard Rock Cafe’s much-anticipated World Burger Tour returns, and this year it’s bringing flavors from around the world straight to your plate, right here in Dubai.

Launched annually to commemorate the founding of Hard Rock International on June 14, 1971, the World Burger Tour invites chefs from over 100 Hard Rock Cafe locations worldwide to create burgers inspired by their region’s local ingredients, flavors, and culture. From Rome’s Lasagna Burger to Atlantic City’s Jersey Shore creation, the competition promises a one-of-a-kind tasting experience for burger lovers everywhere.

And Hard Rock Cafe Dubai is proudly repping the UAE with an exciting entry: the Desert Halloumi Burger; a rich, flavorful creation dreamed up by local talent Chef Iqbal.

A Burger Born in the Desert

The Desert Halloumi Burger is anything but ordinary. Taking inspiration from Middle Eastern culinary traditions, it features a seasoned steak patty topped with:

• Crispy fried halloumi cheese

• House-made date chutney

• Herb and garlic aioli

• Fresh arugula, onion, and tomato

The result is a fusion of bold, earthy flavors, contrasting textures, and a distinct nod to the UAE’s love for dates, aromatic spices, and creamy cheeses.

“This is such a fun annual event where our chef gets to flex his creativity,” said Vatche Yacoubian, General Manager of Hard Rock Cafe Dubai. “And our guests get to try something truly unique that reflects our region’s culinary heritage.”

A Global Culinary Showdown

The World Burger Tour isn’t just about burgers, it’s a friendly global competition. Chefs across Hard Rock’s network collaborate, experiment, and present their most innovative burger ideas. This year, for the first time, the process has been elevated with the addition of Olivia Tiedemann, a renowned chef, content creator, and Hard Rock brand partner who joined as a mentor and judge.

“Each chef brought such passion and creativity to their recipes,” Tiedemann said. “I’m amazed by how they’ve transformed classic burger concepts with local flavors and personal stories.”

The stakes are high: sales performance and Tiedemann’s input will help determine the top five burgers, which will later be offered at Hard Rock Cafes worldwide for a limited time. One final global winner will be crowned at the end of the summer.

Try It While It Lasts

The Desert Halloumi Burger is more than just a limited-time menu item, it’s a celebration of Dubai’s rich culinary tapestry, reimagined through the global lens of Hard Rock Cafe’s World Burger Tour. Available exclusively at Hard Rock Cafe Dubai in Festival City Mall from June 14 through August 4, 2025, this burger brings together the best of local flavors in a globally recognized format.

Whether you’re a Dubai local craving something new or a traveling foodie exploring the city’s dynamic dining scene, this is your chance to indulge in a burger that tells a story. Infused with Middle Eastern soul, thanks to crispy halloumi, sweet date chutney, and aromatic spices: the Desert Halloumi Burger perfectly captures the essence of the region while staying true to Hard Rock’s rock ‘n’ roll edge.

So gather your friends, bring your appetite, and ask for the World Burger Tour menu when you visit. The atmosphere at Hard Rock Cafe is always electric, and now it comes with a burger that’s bold, flavorful, and crafted to leave a lasting impression.

Don’t miss out!! This burger is only here for a short time, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Be part of this international culinary journey and experience how one bite can take you from the heart of Dubai to the heart of Hard Rock.