Dubai Culture Launches Third Emirati Chefs Grant for Productive Families
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has initiated the third edition of the Emirati Chefs Grant, in collaboration with CDA and ICCA Dubai, to empower productive families in culinary entrepreneurship.
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in partnership with the Community Development Authority (CDA) and the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA Dubai), has launched the third edition of the Emirati Chefs Grant for Productive Families.
The programme is designed to empower productive families by enhancing their culinary and entrepreneurial capabilities, developing their skills in managing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and supporting talented individuals in the food sector. This initiative aligns with Dubai Culture's broader goal of fostering community development, celebrating the UAE's rich hospitality traditions, and elevating the global profile of Emirati cuisine, thereby reinforcing Dubai's status as a hub for the creative economy.
Programme Details and Support
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasised the programme's role in creating a supportive environment for Emirati chefs and families to refine their skills and explore innovation. The grant helps participants reimagine Emirati cuisine with contemporary interpretations while preserving its authentic flavours and cultural significance.
This edition of the programme will run from 25 July 2026 to 27 February 2027. It will provide comprehensive education and training for 10 selected participants from productive families, including Amina Abdullah Mohammed Al Abdouli and Maryam Rashid Saif Al Ghafli, through a holistic culinary arts empowerment programme.
Training sessions, led by experts from ICCA Dubai, will include practical workshops and mentoring sessions covering vital industry knowledge. Key areas of focus will be:
- Industry standards
- Innovative menu development
- Food safety and public health
- Nutrition
- Cost management
- Planning and preparation techniques
- Visual identity and branding
- Licensing requirements
Participants will also gain opportunities to engage in cultural events and build professional networks, enabling them to transform their passion into sustainable economic ventures within Dubai's vibrant cultural and creative landscape.
Questions, answered
- What organisations are collaborating on the Emirati Chefs Grant?
- The Emirati Chefs Grant for Productive Families is organised by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in collaboration with the Community Development Authority (CDA) and the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA Dubai).
- What is the duration of the third edition of the programme?
- The third edition of the Emirati Chefs Grant for Productive Families will run for approximately seven months, specifically from 25 July 2026 to 27 February 2027.
- What kind of training will participants receive?
- Participants will receive practical training workshops and mentoring sessions from ICCA Dubai experts, covering topics such as industry standards, innovative menu development, food safety, nutrition, cost management, branding, and licensing requirements.
- How many participants are supported through education and training?
- Dubai Culture will support the education and training of 10 participants from productive families, including Amina Abdullah Mohammed Al Abdouli and Maryam Rashid Saif Al Ghafli.
- What is the primary aim of the Emirati Chefs Grant?
- The grant aims to empower productive families by developing their culinary and entrepreneurial skills, enhancing their capabilities in managing small and medium-sized enterprises, and supporting individuals in refining their expertise within the culinary arts.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.
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