The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has announced a strategic partnership with on-demand delivery platform talabat. The collaboration, unveiled at the World Governments Summit, introduces ‘The Emirati Chef’s Table Plus powered by talabat grow,’ an initiative designed to accelerate the growth of local culinary ventures.
This new program expands on the foundation of The Emirati Chef’s Table, which has focused on identifying and mentoring Emirati chefs. By integrating the ‘talabat grow’ platform, the initiative now offers a structured, long-term pathway to help Emirati-owned restaurants scale sustainably within Dubai’s highly competitive food and hospitality sector.
Fostering Local Talent Under D33
The launch of Emirati Chef’s Table Plus directly supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the city’s economy by 2033. By empowering local entrepreneurs and developing talent in the F&B sector, the initiative reinforces Dubai’s ambition to become a leading global business hub for SMEs and homegrown champions. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, and Toon Gyssels, CEO of talabat, during the summit.
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, said: “The Emirati Chef’s Table initiative was designed to identify and nurture national culinary talent by connecting creativity with real market opportunity. The Emirati Chef’s Table Plus builds on this foundation by introducing a structured growth pathway that focuses on commercial readiness, operational strength, and long-term sustainability.”
He added, “Through this strategic partnership with talabat, we are enabling Emirati-owned restaurants to scale with confidence, strengthen their competitiveness, and play a lasting role in Dubai’s food and hospitality ecosystem.”
A Structured Pathway to Growth
The 12-month program is set to support a curated group of high-potential, locally owned Emirati restaurants. It will commence with an intensive six-week bootcamp, followed by continuous advisory and performance optimisation support delivered through talabat grow, the platform’s small business enablement arm.
The core of the program is training-led, with a sharp focus on operational excellence, data-driven decision-making, and the effective use of digital tools. Participating businesses will receive enhanced visibility, structured commercial support, and dedicated guidance to strengthen their long-term resilience and growth trajectory.
Toon Gyssels, CEO at talabat, commented: “Small, locally owned restaurants are a vital part of Dubai’s food landscape and SME economy. Through Emirati Chef’s Table Plus, we are working alongside Dubai SME to move beyond short-term exposure and focus on long-term capability building – supporting Emirati restaurant owners with the tools, insights, and confidence needed to grow in an increasingly competitive environment.”
About Emirati Chef’s Table Plus
Emirati Chef’s Table Plus, powered by talabat grow, is a strategic initiative by Dubai SME and talabat aimed at empowering Emirati-owned restaurants. Building on the success of the original Emirati Chef’s Table, the program provides a comprehensive 12-month growth pathway that includes intensive training, tailored commercial support, and dedicated mentorship. Its primary goal is to help local culinary entrepreneurs scale their businesses sustainably, enhance their operational capabilities, and strengthen their position within Dubai’s dynamic F&B ecosystem, in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Source: Zawya
