Kamal Nammah, the Executive Chef at Royal M Abu Dhabi, part of the Jivan Hotels & Resorts group, considers his work in the United Arab Emirates an exceptional opportunity. In an interview with 'Emirates Today', Nammah stated that the rich cultural diversity of the UAE, owing to its location between the East and West and its openness to many cultures from around the world, has provided him with a unique opportunity to explore various schools of cooking and techniques that blend tradition with modernity. This has helped him refine his professional skills and expand his creative horizons in the kitchen. He noted that he learned how to blend international techniques with the spirit of local cuisine while preserving the identity and authentic flavor of each dish. Nammah explained that during his time working and residing in the country, he got to know traditional Emirati cuisine up close, learning to prepare its most prominent dishes with mastery and attention to detail. Among these dishes is Harees, which reflects simplicity and depth in one, as well as Uzzi, which is served on special occasions and embodies hospitality, Thareed, which is linked to the history of Emirati society and is an important part of the local table, in addition to Ghoosh and Luqaimat, which also hold a special place on Emirati tables. He affirmed that through his experience in the UAE, he realized that all these recipes are not just meals, but each dish carries within it a story and heritage that express the identity and values of society. And because the holy month of Ramadan holds a special place in the UAE, Chef Kamal Nammah gained a deeper understanding of Emirati customs related to the kitchen during this time. He witnessed the importance of collective Iftar tables that strengthen family and community bonds, and learned about initiatives to distribute meals to the needy as a practical embodiment of the values of solidarity and compassion. He pointed out that what makes the month of Ramadan unique in the UAE is the great attention paid by individuals in the community to preparing traditional dishes during this blessed month, not just as meals, but as part of a social ritual that enhances the spirit of participation and celebrates cultural heritage in its finest form. Kamal Nammah: • What makes Ramadan in the UAE special is the great attention from the community to preparing traditional dishes. • Through my experience in the UAE, I realized that every dish carries a story and heritage that express the identity and values of society. In the 'Year of the Family' and during the month of Ramadan, we celebrate the culture and heritage of the UAE as a source of inspiration for those whom the community has embraced, influenced, and who have become part of one big family united by the land of goodness... the land of the Emirates. The UAE, by virtue of its geographical location, has formed a civilizational bridge between the East and the West, and a center for the meeting of cultures and traditions, especially in the arts of cooking and the use of spices and flavors. Therefore, it always leaves a deep impression on everyone who has lived and worked there. UAE society is characterized by its diversity, with over 200 nationalities living in peace and tolerance, presenting a unique model of tolerance and respect for the culture of others.
