Samantha Wood

Samantha Wood is a British-Greek-Cypriot resident of Dubai who wears a number of hats – a food writer, event organiser and consultant with three decades of experience. She left the hospitality PR world 13 years ago, and set up her own business - the impartial restaurant review website, FooDiva.net which has scooped a dozen awards, and an engaged following of 85,000+ across the website, Substack newsletter and social media. Samantha also curates sell-out bespoke and ticketed dining experiences, whilst also offering a concierge service of restaurant recommendations and foodie itineraries. She has featured prolifically in local and international media including guest segments on CNN and a regular spot on Dubai Eye radio. Samantha is a Board Advisor for the UAE Restaurants Group, a member of the global Guild of Food Writers, holds a WSET Level 2 wine qualification, and is a speaker and industry awards judge on her favourite subjects – food, restaurants and communications. Over the pandemic, 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.

Professions

Broadcaster, Consultant, Copywriter, Editor/editorial work, Feature writer, Food and travel writer, Restaurant reviewer, Wine/drinks writer

Special subjects

Food, restaurants, drinks, wine, chefs, culinary travel

Regular work

My restaurant review website www.foodiva.net. Substack newsletter www.foodiva.substack.com. Freelance commissions for local and international publications, as well as a regular spot on a local radio station. Event curation for chef-led dining experiences.

Advisory boards / Awards

Board Advisor for UAE Restaurants Group. Top 10 Substack publications in UAE. Power 50 by Caterer Middle East. Top 100 Dubai websites to follow – highest ranked food website. Ahlan Hot 100 influencer. Best Food Blogger in BBC Good Food Awards. ProChef Middle East Food Ambassador. Expat Star Awards. Gold in Expat Blog Awards UAE.

Languages spoken

English, Greek, French

Commercial interest

Publishing, editorial, copywriting, event management for chef-led dining experiences, consultancy.