Five rising Emirati stars, one table
Dubai’s dining scene continues to grow with a strong local heartbeat, and The Emirati Chef’s Table is proof that the city’s next generation of culinary talent is ready to take the spotlight. Taking place at Eatopi, Dubai Hills Mall and One Central, and running through October 2025, this limited-time initiative – a collaboration between Dubai SME and Kitopi – shines a light on rising Emirati chefs who are redefining traditional flavours through creativity and pride in heritage. Deeply rooted in storytelling and community, the table invites diners to experience the UAE’s evolving culinary identity powered by the next crop of tastemakers.
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The program serves as a platform for upgrading, offering local F&B entrepreneurs the tools and exposure they need to thrive. Beyond the plates, The Emirati Chef’s Table nurtures a sense of belonging – where recipes become cultural expressions and where Emirati cuisine is seen not just as a tradition to preserve, but as an art with the potential to innovate.
Chef Alhassan Alfalasi
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Founder of Inner Child Bakery, Chef Alhassan channels childhood memories into delicate desserts that balance comfort and creativity. His pastries are inspired by family gatherings and familiar Emirati flavours; reimagined with a modern twist that evokes both warmth and whimsy. Each bite feels like a sweet conversation between past and present.
Chef Maitha Warshaw
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Chef Maitha’s creations are bold yet intimate; a reflection of her belief that food should tell a story. Drawing from family traditions and her love for local ingredients, her dishes are layered with meaning, from the spices she chooses to the way they’re plated. At The Emirati Chef’s Table, she transforms familiar flavours into artistic statements that honour the soul of Emirati cooking.
Chef Mariam Massoud Al Ali
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At Little Pinch, Chef Mariam tells her story through food that feels both rooted and refined. Her dishes pay tribute to Emirati home cooking, using traditional ingredients like saffron, turmeric, and dried lime in innovative ways. For her, each plate is an opportunity to preserve the essence of her heritage while presenting it in a way that resonates with Dubai’s diverse, cosmopolitan crowd.
Chefs Maitha and Abdulrahman Alhashmi
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The twin chefs behind Twins embody the collaborative spirit of the event. Their menu celebrates togetherness, inspired by the shared experiences of family meals. With playful interpretations of classic dishes, they remind diners that food is about connection – whether it’s shared between siblings in the kitchen or among friends gathered at the table.
Chefs Mariam Badri and Sara Alfalasi
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Bringing youthful energy and creativity to the table, Mariam and Sara, the founders of Tushiz, infuse Emirati flavours into fun, global formats. Their approach blends tradition with experimentation – a celebration of what happens when local comfort food meets international curiosity. Their dishes reflect the UAE’s new generation: confident, open-minded, and proud of their roots.
A Shared Table for the Future
The Emirati Chef’s Table is more than a showcase; it is a cultural dialogue through food. Each dish tells a story of identity, ambition, and belonging, inviting diners to rediscover Emirati cuisine through new eyes. As Dubai continues to define itself as a global food destination, initiatives like this, hosted at Eatopi and supported by Dubai SME and Dubai Eats, ensure that the essence of Emirati hospitality and creativity remains at the heart of the city’s culinary narrative.
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Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
