Speaker profile

Samantha Wood
FooDiva

Samantha Wood is a British-Greek-Cypriot resident of Dubai who wears a number of hats – a food writer, event organiser and marketing consultant with 25+ years of experience in the United Kingdom and the Middle East. Having left the hospitality PR world, she set up her own business a decade ago – an impartial restaurant review website, FooDiva (www.foodiva.net) that has collected 12 awards. Samantha also curates #ThreeChefsDinner and #DineAroundDubai experiences. She has featured prolifically in local and international media including guest segments on CNN and a regular spot on Dubai Eye radio. She is the UAE contributor for the global Truth, Love & Clean Cutlery restaurant guide. Samantha is a member of the global Guild of Food Writers, holds a WSET Level 2 wine qualification, and is a speaker, moderator and industry awards judge on her favourite subjects – food, restaurants and social media. In light of the COVID-19 crisis, she launched a pro bono social media campaign, #UAERestaurantsUnite to support the F&B industry, which has since morphed into a long term strategy championing the country’s homegrown dining scene.