Emirati Chefs Grant Programme Ends Inaugural Edition As Dubai Culture Announces Second

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has completed the first Emirati Chefs Grant and confirmed a second edition. The initiative develops Emirati talent in culinary arts, while supporting Dubai’s cultural and creative sectors and promoting traditional hospitality. Participants receive professional training with the International Centre for Culinary Arts in Dubai, known as ICCA Dubai, and gain recognised diplomas.

The programme focuses on preserving Emirati food heritage and presenting it in a contemporary, global context. It highlights regional flavours while encouraging experimentation with Arab and international cuisines. Through structured training and mentoring, the grant helps emerging chefs build technical skills and practical kitchen experience, supporting future careers in restaurants, catering, and broader food culture projects.

The first edition of the Emirati Chefs Grant runs for three months in cooperation with ICCA Dubai. Participants attend intensive training workshops led by ICCA Dubai experts and complete a sequence of specialised culinary modules. On successful completion, six Emirati chefs receive diplomas in culinary arts, confirming their skills and study hours in a professional setting.

During the first edition, the six chefs study both basic and advanced cooking methods. They work with modern kitchen equipment to prepare appetisers, main dishes, baked items, and desserts. The curriculum also covers menu development, hospitality etiquette, and food presentation, along with food safety, public health, healthy nutrition, and financial planning for professional kitchens.

Emirati Chefs Grant second edition

Alongside closing the inaugural cycle, Dubai Culture confirms the second edition of the Emirati Chefs Grant. This phase launches in November 2025 and is dedicated to ten Emirati women chefs. Participants will again study at ICCA Dubai and work towards a Diploma in Culinary Arts, following a similar structured and accredited programme.

Emirati Chefs Grant cultural vision

Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, explains the wider vision behind the initiative. "Through this grant, the Authority seeks to provide a unique platform that supports creative Emirati chefs, opens new horizons before them, and encourages them to unleash their ideas and pursue innovative projects. It also enables them to explore new concepts that enrich their knowledge and motivate them to advance in their professional journeys in the fields of culinary arts and food culture, contributing to the growth of Dubai’s cultural and creative industries."

Al Suwaidi links the chefs’ work to the identity of the UAE and Dubai’s hospitality traditions. She said, "Food is an integral part of our authentic culture. Through it, local talent expresses the richness of Emirati cuisine and showcases our community's identity, traditions, values, and spirit of generosity. This is clearly reflected in the original and innovative dishes they create."

ICCA Dubai plays a central role as training partner, offering technical guidance and facilities for both editions. "Being homegrown in the UAE for the world means carrying a unique responsibility," said Sunjeh Raja, Director & CEO of ICCA Dubai. "At ICCA, we take great pride in training a new generation of Emirati chefs and refining their skills, while keeping them rooted in their cultural identity and culinary heritage."

The Emirati Chefs Grant demonstrates how Dubai Culture and ICCA Dubai work together to support national chefs while preserving local food traditions. By offering recognised diplomas and focused training, the programme helps participants build careers in culinary arts and strengthens the visibility of Emirati cuisine in Dubai, the wider UAE, and international gastronomy.

With inputs from WAM