Restaurants Owned by Emirati Women Achieving Huge Success across Dubai

• Venues add to the world-class mix of the city’s culinary scene – and inspire a new generation of female restaurateurs

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 26 August 2022: Restaurants owned by Emirati women are celebrating huge successes in Dubai, adding to the city’s thriving gastronomy scene, and blazing a trail for the next generation of local chefs.

In a city known for world-class cuisine, Dubai-based Emirati women are breaking barriers and smashing glass ceilings on the way to widespread acclaim. Taking inspiration from culture, family, and even social media, these women are setting new standards for gastronomy in the city, and opening up a world of opportunity for those looking to follow in their footsteps.

Ahead of Emirati Women’s Day, take a look at some of the incredible success stories Dubai has to offer:

Sheikha Al Eissa 

When Sheikha Al Eissa used to impress friends with her ingenious burger creations, little did she know she would eventually make a business from it? Encouraged to post her creations on social media, Sheikha was inundated with interest, and soon after found herself starting an on-demand burger service from her Mirdif home, before opening She Burger in 2017.

With plenty of big-name visitors, including a visit from Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, She Burger has vastly expanded its menu since launch – but it’s the burgers which remain a firm favourite, thanks to an evolution of styles and Sheikha’s flair for flavours.

Nahla Al Wali

Food is so often something which evokes a strong sense of family and joyous moments shared together. That’s particularly true for Nahla Al Wali and her sisters Nadia and Nehad, the trio behind Asma.

Bringing together the bold flavours of the Middle East, Asma is an ode to their mother of the same name and serves up traditional fare using the best ingredients to offer diners a truly authentic taste of home.

Hessa Al Qassim 

Hessa Al Qassim was part of Dubai’s cookery school Top Chef before going on to launch Culinary Boutique, a gourmet café, cookery school, and event space.

Entrepreneur Hessa has developed a truly unique culinary experience for the diner and would-be chef alike. Dine at Culinary Boutique and you’ll be astonished by the gourmet offerings and wowed by the décor and the warming atmosphere.

For those looking to expand their skills in the kitchen, the cooking school is suited for beginners through to the chefs of tomorrow, with more than 100 courses to suit every need - all under the watchful eye of skilled and experienced chefs.

Amna Al Hashemi

When it comes to trailblazers, Amna Al Hashemi is at the forefront of the conversation. The first Emirati female to own a restaurant, Mitts and Trays is another concept born out of social media.

What started as an Instagram account for the former PR and design professional who left corporate life to pursue her passion for the kitchen, now has two branches across Dubai, serving modern family favorites with a personal touch.

An inspiration to fellow foodies, Amna can often be found encouraging others to find their passion for food and frequently engages in mentorship programmes and helps inspire young women to follow in her footsteps.  

Aisha and Noor Alabbasi

Emirati sisters Aisha and Noor Alabbasi are the culinary and business brains behind Fifth Flavor. This pan-Asian eatery is inspired by traditional cuisines, but be ready to experience a mix of different flavours from Laksa Noodles to Falafel Baos.

A favourite at Ripe Market, Fifth Flavor can be seen popping up across Dubai  – with the same excited reaction in every location.

Noora Salem

Food and fitness go hand-in-hand, so when Noora Salem found herself struggling to find a restaurant suited to clean living, but with flavour-filled food at an affordable price, she knew she had to find the solution herself.

VIBE brings together a specially created menu inspired by its owner’s travels around the world, and will always have the core values of healthy eating at heart.

As diners become more health-conscious, VIBE is at the forefront of a revolution changing the concept of clean eating with its dynamic brand of mouth-watering cuisine – which looks just as good as it tastes.

Emirati women are changing the Dubai culinary scene with a mix of innovative approaches, passion, dedication, and respect for culture and tradition. These women are not only enhancing the landscape of today but laying the foundations for tomorrow.  Their work will inspire new generations of chefs and restaurant owners and should be celebrated for their achievements and inspiration this Emirati Women’s Day. 

For more information, please visit https://www.visitdubai.com/food

About Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in achieving its competitiveness vision to position the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the emirate’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators. Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for the licensing and classification of all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. The DET portfolio includes, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Dubai Industries and Exports, Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI) and Dubai SME, as well as Dubai College of Tourism, Dubai Calendar and Dubai Business Events.