The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has launched the third edition of the UAE Chefs Grant programme for Emirati families, in collaboration with the Community Development Authority and the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA Dubai). This initiative aims to support productive families by enhancing their culinary skills and entrepreneurial abilities, while also developing their capacity to manage small and medium-sized enterprises. The programme seeks to highlight talented individuals and empower them to refine their expertise in these fields, aligning with the authority’s responsibilities and sector priorities to promote community development, showcase local hospitality culture, and enhance the uniqueness of Emirati cuisine on the global stage, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global hub for the creative economy.
Support for Emerging Entrepreneurs
This initiative, part of the ‘Dubai Cultural Grant’ programme, offers productive families the chance to evolve into professional entrepreneurs in the culinary arts. It aims to preserve the traditions of Emirati cuisine and prepare participants for involvement in the cultural, artistic, and entertainment events that Dubai hosts throughout the year, thereby supporting the cultural and creative industries in the emirate.
Training Workshops
Dubai Culture aims to train ten participants from productive families, including Amna Abdullah Mohammed Al-Abdooli, Mariam Rashid Saif Al-Ghafli, and Fatima Khamis Mujdam. They will undergo a comprehensive programme focused on empowerment and development in culinary arts and project management.
The third edition of the programme includes a series of training workshops and mentoring sessions, led by experts from ICCA Dubai. During these workshops, participants will learn about standards and specifications, innovative menu creation techniques, the importance of food safety and public health, healthy food types and dietary systems, cost calculation, planning and preparation methods, as well as branding and licensing requirements. Additionally, the programme will provide opportunities for participants to engage in cultural events and build professional networks.
Celebrating Authentic Flavours
Shamma Rashid Al-Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Arts, Design, and Literature sector at Dubai Culture, stated: “Through the Culinary Arts Grant for Productive Families, we continue to support these families and empower them to develop their capabilities by benefiting from the expertise of specialists. This enriches their experiences and inspires them to present Emirati cuisine in contemporary ways that reflect its authentic flavours and diversity. It also assists them in transforming their ideas and aspirations into sustainable projects that represent the Emirati identity and enhance the presence of culinary arts in Dubai’s cultural and creative landscape.”
Empowering Community Entrepreneurs
Mytha Al-Shamsi, Executive Director of Community Empowerment at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, added: “We believe that empowering home-based entrepreneurs goes beyond skills development; it also involves boosting their confidence and providing a supportive environment that enables individuals to turn their talents into sustainable opportunities. Through these strategic partnerships, we continue to support initiatives that merge empowerment with the preservation of cultural heritage, thereby enhancing community cohesion and improving quality of life.”