Dubai Backs Home-Based Food Entrepreneurs With Chef Grant

Ten home-based Emirati entrepreneurs have begun a new culinary training programme in Dubai as part of the third edition of the Emirati Chefs Grant, an initiative designed to help productive families turn their culinary skills into sustainable businesses.

Organised by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in partnership with the Community Development Authority (CDA), the programme forms part of the Dubai Cultural Grant. Practical workshops and mentoring are being delivered by the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA Dubai) from July 25th, 2026 through February 27th, 2027.

The grant combines professional culinary training with entrepreneurship, covering areas including industry standards, menu development, food safety, nutrition, cost management, branding and licensing. Participants will also have opportunities to showcase their work at cultural, artistic and entertainment events across Dubai while building professional networks.

According to Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, the programme is intended to help participants reinterpret Emirati cuisine through contemporary approaches while preserving its traditional character, enabling them to develop ventures that reflect Emirati identity and contribute to Dubai's cultural and creative economy.

The initiative also supports the Community Development Authority's efforts to increase the economic and social participation of home-based entrepreneurs in line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33.