13 min
Today we celebrate and honor the exceptional, beautiful and achieved Emirati women on Emirati Women's Day 2024. While women are at the foundation of a successfully thriving society and while contributions are a woman's daily bread, into the sustainability and progress of her country, business and home- on August the 28th, we shed a special light in recognition of the accomplishments, in honoring of the sacrifices, passion and love and in cheering on the creativity and originality of select Emirati female pioneers.
Let's have a look at these 11 female Emirati-owned and led businesses whose backbone are visionary entrepreneurs with an unwavering willpower.
Asma Restaurant - Nahla Al Wali & her sisters Nadia & Nehad
Asma Restaurant is owned by three Emirati sisters (Nahla Al Wali & her sisters Nadia & Nehad) whose passion and love for food was passed on from their mother; “Asma”. Asma restaurant brings to you a unique Middle Eastern experience influenced by the rich flavours of the Middle East presented in contemporary approach. Asma will excite the taste buds by placing a contemporary twist on Middle Eastern cuisine, bringing the rich flavours of Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt and Syria to food lovers, inspired by the region’s rich ingredients. With culinary traditions steeped in history, fresh ingredients, flavoursome spices and cooking techniques passed down through generations, Asma restaurant brings together the old and the new, playing testament to the unique cultures that inspired the Emirati sisters during their childhoods. Using only the finest and freshest ingredients, Asma excites the unique Dubaian palette that brings back the memories of a home-cooked meals to locals and expats alike. The Emirati female chefs that are pushing Dubai's gastronomic scene further, onwards and upwards!
Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Contact: (04) 394 0646
Cinema Akil - Butheina Kazim
Butheina Kazim is the founder of Cinema Akil, the first arthouse cinema to open in Dubai and the Gulf region. She studied in New York before working in TV and radio across the UAE. This independent arthouse cinema theatre is one of the crowning glories of artsy Alserkal Avenue, which showcases directors and filmmakers across the decades. Cinema Akil aims to create awareness and interest in film and the cinematic arts. With their Rent-A-Cinema concept, you can host your event with the highest cinematic experience, comfy sofas, incredible surround sound and delicious food from their chai diner. Thank you Butheina for your cinematic contribution to Dubai, the UAE and the region.
Location: Alserkal Avenue, Warehouse 68 17th St, Al Quoz, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
Contact: 056 995 1225
Culinary Boutique Restaurant - Hessa Al Qassim
Emarati Entrepreneur and a member in the Dubai Woman's Association, Hessa Al Qassim has initially ventured into the business field through the fashion & interior design industry whereby she created a strong set of connections. Yet, her aim towards entrepreneurship had changed and shifted towards a philanthropic perspective. She strived to give back & share her knowledge with her surrounding community hence, in 2008 she became a leading partner in Top Chef Cooking Studio and portrayed my passion for food through interactive cooking classes. Taking this venture to a new level, she opened her Culinary Boutique & Cafe which comprises of a modern twist in culinary arts both in the cooking and cafe services. Her goal is for the Culinary Boutique to become a regional hub and think-tank within the Middle East. Visit now to try a culinary experience like no other in Dubai, catered to gourmet cuisine lovers and culinary enthusiasts. We salute your brilliance!
Location: Villa #56 - D94 - Dubai
Contact: (04) 345 0023
Fifth Flavor - Aisha & Noor Alabbasi
Emirati sisters Aisha and Noor Alabbasi are the culinary and business brains behind Fifth Flavor. This pan-Asian eatery is inspired by traditional cuisines, but be ready to experience a mix of different flavours from Laksa Noodles to Falafel Baos. A previous favourite at Ripe Market, Fifth Flavor now has a permanent space at Wasl Square, where hungry diners can relax, hang out and enjoy delicious eats. The space has been thoughtfully designed with sustainable materials to show that good design can be planet-friendly. Try the chicken katsu with spicy Korean Gochujang red chilli paste and 'chicken floss', or the braised beef option that's complemented with dill pickles, crispy kale and housemade Japanese tonkatsu sauce. There's also other delicious bites, including its bestselling 'Fifth' tacos, lemongrass chicken in Thai dressing and seared wagyu 9+ with rice and bok choy that make every first-time taster a devoted new regular. Don't forget to check out Fifth Flavor's selection of specials, too, for seasonal surprises that will have you coming back for seconds. Thank you for the delicious flavors and eco-sustainable initiative!
Location: Square Wasl Square, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Wasl, Al Safa 1, Dubai
Contact: (04) 298 4383
Grind Coffee and Roastery House - Deem Albassam & Amal Al Marri
Female F&B powerhouses Deem Albassam and Amal Al Marri, who are also the brains behind SALT, brought to life the Grind Coffee & Roastery House. Deem Albassam is an experienced food entrepreneur with a degree in Marketing from the American University in Dubai and a passion for culinary creations. Amal Al Marri is a designer and event creator who pursued her interest in the restaurant business in 2013 after graduating from Zayed University with an Interior Design degree. Together, they are constantly motivated to advance, influence and shape the culinary landscape. Let's talk about their brand Grind; Grind is a homegrown coffee concept focused on signature drinks that mix dessert with high quality coffee and uses local beans that are micro-roasted daily, crafting only the best specialty retail beans. Supporting people's daily grind and hustle in the city, Grind fills a gap that Salt costumers needed, serving cups of coffee with a great passion for innovation. We salute you ladies, your passion is contagious!
Location: Al Khawaneej Walk, Al Khawaneej, Al Khawaneej 1, Dubai
Contact: 056 525 1493
Mitts and Trays - Amna Al Hashemi
Chef Amna Al Hashemi believes that food is only as good as its surrounding environment! Here's the interesting story; tasting the delicious food at Mitts & Trays one would think founder Patron Chef Amna always had a passion and desire for the culinary arts. But Chef Amna didn’t discover the joy for baking the usual way one would expect- in her childhood family kitchen. It wasn’t until she attended the International Centre for Culinary Arts, and started truly learning not just about baking, but about nutrition, that she began to develop her vision for Mitts and Trays. Working alongside a team of chefs with modern European and traditional French pastry techniques, she has designed a true showstopper of a menu for Mitts and Trays. Working to one shared foodie vision, Chef Amna and her chef have created a range of dishes that blends both traditional and modern styles, and balances beautiful flavours and textures with a focus on health and nutrition. We appreciate your vision and innovation Chef!
Location: Dubai Hills Mall/ Bluewater Island
Contact: (04) 457 0406/ (04) 223 6808
Peacefull - Salama Mohamed
This is the award-winning skincare range by Emirati influencer and social media personality Salama Mohamed. Peacefull's story starts with Salama's personal journey of self-love. Blessed with vitiligo, Salama searched for clean, effective & results-driven skincare products that will nourish & replenish her natural skin tone and suit her skin type. The path to creating, formulating and launching Peacefull was a labor of love, brought forth from the discovery that Salama was not alone in her search for inclusive, efficient, friendly skincare. Salama spent years learning about the healing powers of active ingredients & experimenting with formulations for product developments that apply to the region, for the region & for every gender. People-powered, market-tailored & backed by Korean science & technology, Peacefull has garnered countless avid followers, thanks to its approach of tailoring formulas to the specific market's needs. Promoting inclusivity & representation, Peacefull has proved its ultimate mission in providing skincare that makes people feel at home in their own skin. The world needs self-care provided by experts of your esteemed likes!
To order: peacefull.com
She Burger - Shaikha Eissa Lutfi
Shaikha Eissa Lutfi is the brand founder of She Burger. It all started from a very humble beginning from her Home kitchen. One evening a couple of years ago, her older brother, Faisal, and his friends turned up and asked her to cook for them. She made burgers. Every time they came back, they asked for more, so she started experimenting with various fillings and flavors. Her brother and his friends persuaded her to post pictures of her creations on Instagram, and the enthusiasm they generated persuaded her to launch her delivery business of Burgers from Home. Emirati home-grown brand She Burger has come a long way, became a rage on Instagram and is also thinking beyond She Burger, possibly launch something totally opposite of a burger brand – may be tap into the healthy food space. Dreamers and achievers like you give young ladies hope to pursue their goals!
Location: Dar Wasal Mall, Al Wasl, Dubai
Contact: (04) 333 3258
The Hundred Wellness Centre - Asma Hilal Lootah
The Hundred Wellness Centre began with one woman’s passion for Pilates. When the founder, local Emirati Asma Hilal Lootah, discovered how empowering, uplifting — even life-changing — it could be, she was inspired to bring the practice to her home country. In 2008, Asma opened a Pilates studio and named it The Hundred, after one of the first Pilates exercises she learned, which prepares the body and mind for transformation. What began as a modest studio in Dubai’s Healthcare City has grown and evolved over time into a beautiful, state-of-the-art Wellness Centre in Jumeirah 1. Built from the ground up with a custom-design, the new centre opened to the public in 2014. The Hundred is now a holistic healthy lifestyle destination with a uniquely welcoming atmosphere and strong community spirit. Bringing together a wide range of health and wellbeing experts under one roof, we offer everything from classes, therapies and life coaching, to events, organic markets and even an incredible café. Congratulations Asma on making your dream come true!
Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai
Contact: (04) 344 7333
Vanilla Sukkar Café - Kaltham Kenaid & Fatma Saifan
Emirati mother-daughter duo Dr Kaltham Kenaid and Fatma Saifan created the UAE's first Emirati sourdough bakery together. Vanilla Sukkar Cafe, nestled in Jumeirah, is a cosy spot where you can indulge in cookies, cakes, savoury danishes, focaccia, and more—all free from commercial yeast. With its homely ambience filled with books and plants, it’s a must-visit for pastry lovers. The menu at Vanilla Sukkar Cafe offers a variety of dishes for breakfast and brunch/lunch including egg dishes, sourdough pancakes, gluten-free oats porridge, salads, sandwiches and other light bites. And naturally bakes and sweet treats. There are ample vegetarian options and the dishes were inspired by Fatma and Kaltham’s nostalgic favourites plus their discoveries whilst travelling! What a true inspiration you are for Emirati mothers and daughters out there, a real role model to live up to!
Location: Umm Al Sheif, Dubai
Contact: (04) 422 8843
VIBE Café - Noora Salem
Location: The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel, Crescent Rd, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
Contact: (04) 524 7777
19 min
