The Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Development, part of the Dubai Economy and Tourism sector, has announced a collaboration with Kitopi, a leading company in the food and beverage industry that focuses on local brands, to launch the “Emirati Chef’s Table” initiative aimed at mentorship in the food and beverage sector.
This collaboration seeks to empower home-based Emirati businesses, support their growth and sustainability, and cultivate talent within this vital sector, aligning with the objectives of Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to position the city as a prime hub for small and medium enterprises and Emirati entrepreneurs.
The initial cohort of the program includes five Emirati entrepreneurs in the food and beverage space, who will receive professional guidance and support for their projects from a selection of experts and specialists. This initiative will help them enhance their skills and expand their networks with prominent organizations in both the public and private sectors within the UAE. They will also have access to investment opportunities to bolster the growth and expansion of their ventures.
Moreover, their entrepreneurial journeys will be highlighted through promotional campaigns that showcase their inspiring stories and the stages of their business development, from their initial steps to reaching advanced stages in offering innovative and unique culinary creations.
Ahmad Al-Roum Mehairi, the Acting Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Small and Medium Enterprises Development, stated: “Human capital is one of the most critical elements supporting Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda. The launch of the Emirati Chef’s Table initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing national talent in alignment with market requirements. Our collaboration with Kitopi transcends traditional mentorship concepts, aiming to boost the confidence of talented Emirati chefs while providing them with valuable guidance and practical opportunities for success and growth. By showcasing their skills and narrating their stories, we aim to transform their passion into sustainable business ventures, paving the way for gifted citizens to develop and expand, ultimately contributing to the growth of Dubai’s food and beverage sector.”
Rapid Transformation
Mohammed Balout, Co-Founder and CEO of Kitopi, remarked: “Dubai is undergoing a rapid transformation to become one of the most vibrant culinary capitals globally. At Kitopi, we are committed to playing an active role in shaping this future. Through this pioneering partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative, we aim to empower Emirati entrepreneurs to leverage our expertise, infrastructure, and advanced technologies to develop distinctive local brands that can compete regionally and globally while maintaining their authentic identity.”
Growing Demand
The Emirati Chef’s Table initiative addresses the increasing demand for authentic local culinary creations, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a capital of food and culinary arts that combines creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship. The initiative will be implemented in three phases, beginning with a two-month campaign, followed by temporary activities and experiences, including a special showcase during the National Day celebrations. This will be followed by the launch of a second season with a new cohort of Emirati talents in early 2026.
The food and beverage sector is a major economic pillar in Dubai, contributing 4.1% to the GDP in the first quarter of 2025, amounting to 4.9 billion dirhams. The emirate’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, coupled with increasing global demand, is expected to yield significant growth in this sector. Approximately 12% of members of the Mohammed bin Rashid Initiative for Small and Medium Enterprises Development operate within the food and beverage industry, illustrating its importance and the eagerness of Emiratis to work in and advance this sector.
Through the launch of such initiatives, the organization continues to reaffirm its commitment to enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Dubai, supporting the goals of the D33 Economic Agenda by integrating new Emirati talents into the labor market and empowering the next generation to contribute to strategic sectors.