The UAE’s food scene has been evolving at pace, shaped by a blend of global influence and homegrown ambition. But within the rise of local dining concepts, a clear gap has remained: how to give Emirati chefs the visibility, support, and operational strength needed to scale their ideas. Enter The Emirati Chef’s Table – a collaboration between Dubai SME and Kitopi designed to spotlight Emirati culinary voices and turn passion into sustainable businesses.
More than a campaign, this initiative is positioned as the beginning of a cultural movement that ties heritage to scalable growth.
Empowering homegrown talent
When asked what inspired the creation of The Emirati Chef’s Table, Kitopi pointed to Dubai SME’s mandate of nurturing Emirati entrepreneurs across industries, with F&B a natural focal point.
“They partnered with Kitopi as an industry leader in F&B operations to create a platform that empowers local chefs to transform their passion into scalable businesses. Through mentorship, expert guidance, and real-world exposure, the initiative gives chefs the tools to refine their concepts and bring them to market at scale,” says Farah Ali Ahmad, Marketing Manager, Kitopi.
This approach doesn’t just empower chefs; it reflects a shared vision of celebrating culture while fuelling entrepreneurship – something increasingly central to Dubai’s wider SME strategy.
A line-up that tells a story
Five chefs were selected to debut the platform, each representing a different dimension of Emirati food culture.
“We wanted to create the strongest mix of voices that not only reflect Emirati talent, but also bring something truly distinct to the table. Each of the five chefs was chosen because of their unique culinary identity, their ability to tell a story through flavor, and the creativity they’ve poured into developing something special,” Ahmad explains.
From playful takes on comfort food to bold reimaginings of tradition, the line-up illustrates both the diversity and innovation shaping the UAE’s rising F&B scene.
The Emirati Chef’s Table: From initiative to movement
For Kitopi, The Emirati Chef’s Table is more than a single activation. It marks the start of a multi-phase collaboration with Dubai SME and Dubai Tourism, with future roll-outs planned on a larger scale.
The program will roll out in different phases later this year and into next year, each time on a larger scale, as Kitopi continues to expand how it supports and showcases Emirati food culture.
Early collaborations, such as the partnership with Inner Child at High Joint, are examples of how Kitopi is weaving heritage-driven food concepts into its wider brand narrative.
“These collaborations are not just about helping businesses grow, they are about spotlighting how heritage and culture inspire the unique dishes, flavors, and brands that these chefs create. Over time, the initiative will evolve into a larger movement that gives Emirati food culture the visibility it deserves,” Ahmad explains.
Food has always been one of the most powerful cultural exports. As the UAE positions itself as a global culinary hub, initiatives like The Emirati Chef’s Table become more than brand activations – they’re cultural statements.
Visibility today isn’t only about scale; it’s about authenticity. By giving chefs themselves the spotlight while tying the story back to its operational platform, Kitopi creates a narrative that works both for brand equity and for community impact.
