The Emirati Chef’s Table: Kitopi Partners with Dubai SME to Mentor Local Chefs

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has announced The Emirati Chef’s Table, a mentorship initiative developed in collaboration with Kitopi, the Dubai-based tech-powered, multi-brand restaurant operator. The program is designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the food and beverage (F&B) sector while supporting the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position Dubai as one of the fastest-growing global business hubs.

The first cohort of the initiative will include five Emirati F&B entrepreneurs who will receive mentorship, operational support, and access to industry networks through Kitopi’s expertise. The program will also include a marketing campaign to highlight each participant’s creative journey, from concept development to execution. Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, emphasized that the initiative aims to translate passion into viable business opportunities, ensuring local talent can thrive in a competitive and fast-evolving industry.

Kitopi co-founder and CEO Mohamad Ballout noted that the collaboration underscores Dubai’s emergence as a global food capital and reflects Kitopi’s mission to help local brands grow regionally and internationally. The initiative will roll out in three phases—beginning with a two-month campaign, followed by pop-ups and activations around the UAE’s Eid Al Etihad celebrations, and culminating in a second season in early 2026. By bridging mentorship, exposure, and technology, the Emirati Chef’s Table aims to strengthen Dubai’s F&B ecosystem and expand the global presence of Emirati culinary brands.

sources: Entrepreneur Middle East

Ç.P.