The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has partnered with regional F&B player Kitopi to launch The Emirati Chef’s Table. This new sector-specific mentorship initiative is designed to nurture and empower homegrown culinary talent, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
A Strategic Push for Culinary Talent
The Emirati Chef’s Table initiative provides a comprehensive support system for emerging Emirati chefs. An inaugural cohort of five F&B entrepreneurs will receive expert mentorship and guidance from specialists and professionals in the industry, equipping them with the skills and networking opportunities needed to scale their businesses. The program will be supported by a major marketing campaign designed to share the creative journey and inspiration behind each chef.
From Mentorship to Market
A key feature of the initiative is its direct path to market exposure. The signature dishes created by the participating chefs will be launched exclusively on Kitopi’s Eatopi menu, providing a tangible business opportunity and bridging the gap between mentorship and real-world commercial success. The program is set to run in three phases, including a two-month campaign, pop-up activations, and a second season with a new cohort of chefs planned for early 2026.
Leadership Vision
Leaders from both organizations emphasized the program’s strategic importance. Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, stated, “This collaboration with Kitopi goes beyond mentorship; it’s about giving our talented Emirati chefs the confidence, guidance, and tangible growth opportunity to succeed. This is about creating pathways for national talent to thrive.”
Mohamad Ballout, Co-founder & CEO of Kitopi, added, “Dubai is fast becoming one of the world’s most dynamic food capitals, and we see it as our mission at Kitopi to help shape that future. Through this first-of-its-kind partnership with Dubai SME, we’re empowering Emirati founders with the scale, expertise, and technology to grow distinctive homegrown brands.”
Strengthening Dubai’s F&B Ecosystem
The food and beverage sector is a significant pillar of Dubai’s economy, contributing 4.1% of the city’s GDP (AED 4.9 billion) in the first quarter of 2025. Reflecting this strength, approximately 12% of Dubai SME’s members operate within the F&B space. Initiatives like The Emirati Chef’s Table are crucial for integrating new Emirati talent into this key sector and fostering the next generation of culinary entrepreneurs.
About Dubai SME
As a subsidiary of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai SME is dedicated to supporting the growth of the small and medium enterprise sector. It aims to drive Emirati entrepreneurship by providing comprehensive support to members throughout their business journey, enabling SMEs to increase their contribution to Dubai’s economy and promoting innovation and leadership.
About Kitopi
Founded in Dubai in 2018, Kitopi is one of the largest regional F&B players focused on homegrown brands. Operating over 200 outlets across five markets including the UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, Kitopi partners with and creates food experiences. With a team of over 6,000, it also runs a global Customer Experience Center in Dubai and Amman, and an Engineering Hub in Krakow, Poland.
Source: Zawya
