This week was an extraordinary one for two of Dubai’s trendy dining establishments, Siena and SushiSamba, as they enjoyed a royal visit from HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. His presence not only brought excitement but also highlighted the growing culinary scene in the emirate.
Siena Welcomes Sheikh Hamdan
On Monday, October 12, 2026, Sheikh Hamdan was seen entering Siena, a modern Italian restaurant situated in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This vibrant dining spot has only been open since April 2026, making the royal visit a significant milestone in its short history. As he arrived, Sheikh Hamdan graciously stopped to greet Rizwan Kassim, the Founder and Managing Partner of Rikas Group, which operates Siena. Following his meal, he posed for a memorable photo by the restaurant’s entrance, capturing the moment for Instagram.
Siena proudly shared a video of the occasion on their social media, captioning it, “It was a true honour for Siena Restaurant Dubai to welcome today His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Thank you for your visit.” The royal endorsement serves as an exciting achievement for a newcomer in Dubai’s competitive dining landscape.
Lunch at SushiSamba
On Thursday, October 15, Sheikh Hamdan continued to explore Dubai’s culinary delights, this time visiting SushiSamba located on the 51st floor of the St Regis on The Palm. Known for its stunning views of Palm Jumeirah, the restaurant is celebrated not only for its breathtaking panorama but also for its exceptional dishes that merge Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisines.
The SushiSamba team shared a photo of the Crown Prince with their staff, conveying the excitement felt by the team. Their post expressed gratitude: “It was a true honour to welcome His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, to the 51st floor today. Thank you for joining us, @faz3.” SushiSamba has previously attracted royal attention, having welcomed HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, among other distinguished guests.
A Culinary Crown
Both Siena and SushiSamba have quickly become highlights in Dubai’s dining scene, appealing to locals and tourists alike. Recognised for its spectacular views and outstanding cuisine, SushiSamba was even featured in dubai-lifestyle.ae October 2026 issue, listed among the ‘50 places we ate at this year and would go back to.’ The royal visits only further cement their status as premier dining destinations in the city.
As the culinary landscape of Dubai continues to flourish, visits from the royal family undoubtedly add a touch of prestige, encouraging both residents and visitors to experience the vibrant flavours and unique dining atmospheres these remarkable restaurants offer.