Dubai Culture concludes Emirati Chefs Grant programme and launches second edition
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has concluded the first edition of its Emirati Chefs Grant programme and announced the launch of its second edition, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing Emirati talent in the culinary arts and promoting local food culture on a global stage.
Organised in collaboration with the International Centre for Culinary Arts in Dubai (ICCA Dubai), the three-month programme was designed to support ambitious Emirati chefs by enhancing their technical skills, creative capabilities and professional knowledge. The initiative forms part of Dubai Culture’s broader efforts to preserve authentic local culture, celebrate Emirati hospitality and strengthen the presence of Emirati cuisine internationally.
The first edition of the programme covered a wide range of specialised culinary topics and concluded with six Emirati chefs — Noura Al Awadhi, Alia Al Ali, Asayel Al Marzouqi, Rashid Al Nuaimi, Huda Al Ghafli and Maitha Al Ghafli — receiving diplomas in culinary arts. The participants completed intensive training workshops led by expert instructors from ICCA Dubai, focusing on both foundational and advanced cooking techniques.
During the programme, participants were trained in preparing a variety of appetisers, main courses, baked goods and desserts using modern equipment, alongside innovative menu development techniques. The curriculum also included hospitality etiquette, food presentation, food safety and public health standards, healthy dietary systems, cost calculation, planning and preparation, and the fundamentals of kitchen management and restaurant operations.
Alongside the programme’s conclusion, Dubai Culture announced the second edition of the Emirati Chefs Grant, which launched in November 2025. This new edition enabled ten Emirati female chefs — Aisha Al Khoury, Ahoud Walid Al Zarouni, Hamda Adel Al Khoury, Hind Mohammed Al Mulla, Khawla Omar Al Ghafli, Meera Jassim Al Zaabi, Naeema Al Mulla, Salwa Salim Al Ali, Aisha Khoury and Shatha Al Hosani — to obtain diplomas in culinary arts.
Shaima Rashid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said the grant plays a vital role in empowering Emirati chefs and expanding their creative horizons. She noted that the programme enables participants to blend Arabic, Emirati and international flavours, while presenting innovative dishes to diverse audiences.
“Through this grant, Dubai Culture seeks to provide a unique platform that supports creative Emirati chefs, opens new horizons for them, and encourages them to transform their ideas into sustainable projects,” Al Suwaidi said. She added that food is a key expression of Emirati cultural identity, reflecting the authenticity, generosity and traditions of the local community.
Sungeh Raja, Director and CEO of ICCA Dubai, said the institution is proud to contribute to the development of national talent. “As an organisation that has grown from the UAE to the world, we are honoured to train and refine the skills of a new generation of Emirati chefs, while preserving their connection to their cultural identity and culinary heritage,” he said.
