Emirati Cuisine in Focus

A deep dive into the culture, cuisine and ideas rewriting the UAE story.

Faisal Alharmoodi

Faisal Alharmoodi — founder of Lets, Lets Garden, Ryba, Oosh Cafe, and Seen Holding — is a celebrated Emirati chef and a transformative figure in the regional culinary world. With his vibrant personality and unwavering passion for gastronomy and hospitality, Faisal has earned a devoted following of over 140K on Instagram, where he has become a leading voice in modern Emirati fusion cuisine.

In a historic achievement, Faisal became the first Emirati chef to receive two Michelin awards, a recognition that highlights his excellence, creativity, and his pivotal role in redefining Gulf cuisine on the global stage.

Faisal's culinary journey began in his mother’s kitchen, where he started cooking at a young age to help her during a time of illness. Defying societal expectations that discouraged men from entering the kitchen, he developed his skills through experimentation and self-learning. Although he initially pursued a degree in engineering to meet his family's expectations, his heart never left the kitchen.

Following his true passion led to a series of remarkable milestones. One early highlight was being selected to cook for heads of state at the prestigious World Government Summit, a moment that cemented his reputation for culinary excellence. He also played a key role in the success of San Pellegrino’s MENA 50 Best Restaurants, showcasing his influence in the region’s evolving dining landscape. His 2021 collaboration with renowned chef Reif Othman during the Abu Dhabi Culinary Season further demonstrated his spirit of innovation and commitment to elevating Emirati cuisine through creative partnerships.

Today, Faisal owns and operates several acclaimed restaurants in Abu Dhabi. His latest venture, Ryba, is an award-winning seafood restaurant praised for its bold, boundary-pushing menu. Ryba reflects Faisal’s mission to celebrate local ingredients, push the limits of culinary creativity, and present a contemporary interpretation of Emirati heritage on every plate.

Beyond the kitchen, Faisal is a powerful digital presence and a cultural ambassador. Through his social media platforms, he shares his culinary philosophy, behind-the-scenes glimpses of his process, and stories that inspire a new generation of chefs and food lovers. With plans to expand further into Dubai and internationally, Faisal envisions a future where Emirati cuisine earns its rightful place on the world stage.

His deep dedication to local produce, storytelling through food, and redefining traditional flavors makes Faisal Alharmoodi not only a trailblazer in the culinary industry but also a proud representative of the UAE’s cultural identity — a true symbol of innovation, resilience, and national pride.

Khaled Alsaadi

Chef Khaled Alsaadi is a culinary artist with a passion for elevating the art of Emirati Cuisine, known for his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. His illustrious career has led him through the kitchens of some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants, including the renowned Nobu, the luxurious Hakkasan, the enchanting Ossiano, and the dynamic Bread Street Kitchen. Over the years, he has had the honor of serving an elite clientele, including members of the UAE royal family and distinguished ministers, as well as collaborating with high-end jewelry and fashion brands to create unforgettable dining experiences. Chef Khaled’s culinary style is a fusion of innovation and tradition, with a focus on seafood and grilling techniques, expertly blending global flavors. Whether curating a refined omakase experience or delivering an exceptional catered event, his dedication to excellence remains at the forefront of his craft.

Faisal Naser

Chef Faisal Naser is an Emirati chef, entrepreneur and founder of Lento, an artisanal street-food and community restaurant . With over 17 years of multi-cuisine experience, Faisal blends heritage, creativity, bold flavour and modern technique in his cooking. He has led collaborations with international chefs, directed high-profile cultural events, and consulted on new restaurant concepts across the GCC. A two-time Chef of the Year award winner, Faisal is passionate about sustainability, rustic cooking, street food and reimagining Emirati flavors in contemporary contexts.