Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s training initiative doubles from 23 to 46 the number of hotel establishments certified to offer authentic Emirati dishes

Twenty-three additional hotels in the emirate can now offer authentic Emirati dishes after the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) successful completion of the second edition of its popular Emirati Cuisine Programme.

In total, chefs from the 23 Abu Dhabi hotels took part in the second phase of the culinary training programme, adding to the 23 hotels already enrolled. These 46 hotels are now fully certified to include authentic Emirati dishes on menus in their restaurants. The programme saw chefs from around the world enjoy virtual masterclasses on the preparation of traditional Emirati cuisine.

Emirati Chef Khulood Atiq, who leads the programme, said: “Emirati cuisine is an integral part of our culture, so we are very pleased that the Emirati Cuisine Programme has proved so popular and has reached out to double the number of hotel establishments. As we see the successful training results among the chefs during both phases, we are seeing a shift in the local offering of Emirati cuisine across Abu Dhabi. One of the programme's main objectives has been to bring authentic Emirati dining into the Abu Dhabi experience for visitors and residents alike. The more participants we could reach, the more Emirati dishes we would see on the menu around the emirate.”

The Emirati Cuisine programme was launched in 2020 by DCT Abu Dhabi as part of a strategy to change the culinary landscape by putting Emirati cuisine at the forefront of the dining experience. In the virtual training sessions conducted by Chef Atiq, international chefs were educated about traditional recipes and tips on ingredient sourcing and cooking methods, with the aim of making the dishes staple offerings in the emirate.

Under the guidance of Chef Atiq, the chefs created Emirati dishes rich in aromatic flavours and unique tastes such as thareed, harees, machboos, balaleet, madrooba, and luqaimat. These dishes and more are now available on menus of certified hotel restaurants for residents and visitors to enjoy.

The second edition of the programme in September 2021 saw the participation of hotels including Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villa, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi, Ayla Grand Hotel, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, City Seasons Hotel Al Ain, Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi and Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island.

DCT Abu Dhabi will be looking to host further phases of the programme as part of its continued efforts to raise awareness about Emirati cuisine.

For more information on the Emirati Cuisine Programme and the participating hotels, please visit visitabudhabi.ae/campaign/emirati-cuisine.