The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has launched the book 'Recipes from the Emirati Kitchen' to celebrate the local food culture and highlight the talents and skills of Emirati chefs in the culinary arts. This aligns with the Authority's mission and responsibilities to showcase Emirati cuisine and enhance its presence on the global map.
This publication is part of 'Dubai Culture's' support for the 'Wulfa' season, an initiative aimed at strengthening family bonds and celebrating Emirati community and cultural occasions, which helps to revive local cultural heritage and instill the original values of contemplation, solidarity, and blessing.
The book, prepared in collaboration with the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA), features 30 carefully selected recipes inspired by Emirati cuisine, known for its rich ingredients and diverse traditional dishes prepared during Emirati community events as well as daily meals. The recipes include a variety of meat, poultry, and seafood dishes, as well as pastries, desserts, and beverages. Each recipe is a blend of memories, recounting stories that originated in family kitchens and around shared dining tables, reflecting the richness of Emirati cuisine.
The publication showcases the creations of a select group of Emirati chefs: Aisha Adel Al Khouri, Aliya Al Ali, Asail Mohammed Al Marzouki, Ohoud Al Zarouni, Fatima Hassan Al Zaabi, Hamda Adel Al Khouri, Hoda Omar Al Ghafli, Khawla Omar Al Ghafli, Mitha Omar Al Ghafli, Mire Jasim Al Zaabi, Mohammed Al Banna, Naima Al Mulla, Noura Al Awadi, Suwaila Salem Al Jalf, Shatha Sultan Al Hosni. They presented distinctive Emirati dishes that evoke memories of their family kitchens, where they learned these inherited recipes passed down through generations, still prepared using their authentic traditional methods.
Executive Director of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at 'Dubai Culture', Shaima Rashid Al Suwaidi, stated that the book 'Recipes from the Emirati Kitchen' represents a qualitative step in documenting food heritage and celebrating the traditions of Emirati cuisine and its authentic recipes. She said: 'Food is part of our local memory; through it, Emirati chefs express the richness of the local cuisine and the diversity of its flavors and styles, which serve as a bridge between generations, while also reflecting the values of generosity, giving, and hospitality that characterize our society.' She confirmed that the new publication embodies 'Dubai Culture's' commitment to supporting local talents, documenting stories related to food culture, and preserving them for future generations as an essential component of our cultural identity.
'The publication embodies the creations of a select group of Emirati chefs, who presented Emirati dishes that evoke their memories of family kitchens, where they learned these inherited recipes through generations.'
