Egypt's Grill Setup Is Touching Down In Dubai
Apr 17, 2025
There's a certain philosophy Muhammad Aboul Abbas seems to live by: If it ain't broke, launch it into the stratosphere. Or better yet, onto a helipad. After three wildly successful years of Grill Setup redefining outdoor food culture in Egypt, Abbas is taking his fire-fuelled, meat-loving, community-building brainchild global - starting with Dubai on April 19th.
And he's not exactly easing into it.
'Dubai is only the start. We are planning to expand in Saudi, Lebanon, and across the MENA region,' Abbas tells SceneEats, already plotting future takeovers in Saudi, Lebanon, and across the MENA region. But before the region bows before the BBQ gods, Dubai gets first dibs - and they've snapped them up. Early access tickets sold out before anyone even officially said a word. Just the whiff of a sizzling brisket on a helipad had the WhatsApp groups on fire.
'We chose Helipad because this is a destination that looks like us,' Abbas tells SceneEats. 'It's an amazing starting point for our launch in Dubai.'
So what exactly is Grill Setup Dubai serving?
In three words? Food. Family. Fun.
In a few more? BBQ, bangers, booze, and beats.
Let's start with the food, shall we? This is a food magazine, after all. Think flame-grilled burgers, sticky BBQ drumsticks, fall-apart brisket, juicy chorizo sausages, and Korean flanken slices - the kind of meat that deserves its own Michelin star. For those keeping it international, there's nachos. For those keeping it shameless, there's second (and third) helpings. Food runs from 4PM to 7PM, and yes, elasticated pants are highly recommended.
But before the feast begins - cue the free-flowing open bar from 2PM to 4PM. Because what's a pre-game without a perfectly chilled cocktail - bonus points if it's (basically) free.
And if you've wrapped your meal but not your night, Grill Setup's got the soundtrack covered. The lineup blends regional and international talent, with Brazilian DJ Barbara Boeing bringing warm, sun-drenched sets; Egyptian duo Gawdat delivering their signature house grooves; and Wassim Bou Malham - Lebanese tastemaker and founder of Soul Kitchen - rounding it out with a curated mix built for long nights and late bites.
'There is still potential in the market in Dubai for day events such as these,' Abbas explains. 'It's all about food, family, and drinks. This is something new. Something totally different.'
Forget velvet ropes and bottle service. This is a different kind of Dubai experience. Grill Setup is lowkey luxury, flavour-first fun, and classy cool - a daytime escape that doesn't need to try too hard because it is that good.
So, come for the food, stay for the music, and leave with a full stomach, happy heart, and a phone gallery full of golden-hour pics of South Bay.
Grill Setup Dubai. April 19th. On a helipad. You in?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
12 hours ago
- CairoScene
Where to Find the Best Ice Cream in Egypt
An old adage suggests that we all scream for ice cream - we're here to show you which scoops are worth losing your voice over. Ice cream is the jack of all desserts—not loyal to any one vibe, but exceptional at serving them all. It thrives in Michelin-starred tasting menus and gas station freezers. In croissants, on waffles, under hot espresso shots, or next to a side of fries. It speaks every language (gelato, sorbet, soft serve, rolled, mochi), pairs with any mood (euphoric, heartbroken, hungover), and knows when to shut up and melt. There are few things as versatile, as reliable, or as deliciously unserious. So when we're screaming for ice cream - where exactly should we go? Once upon a time in Egypt a man would ride a bike to sell premium ice cream all around town. Now, we drove around ourselves to find the best ice cream for you, from boutique gelato spots to neighbourhood legends… Amorino Branches all over Egypt Ice cream in the shape of a rose. Honestly, do we even need to say more? The flavours are lush and layered, and yes, it does taste as good as it photographs. Sultana Branches all over Egypt If you know, you know — and if you don't, we can't help you. The rebrand gave it a facelift, but the core? Still elite, still creamy, still the OG. A classic that refuses to age. Dolato Branches all over Egypt For those who want ice cream in polite, melt-proof portions. Their bite-sized pops on sticks are perfect for commitment issues or Cairo's sun-induced chaos. A neat little hit of indulgence without the sticky fingers. Stavolta Branches all over Egypt There's a reason Stavolta is everyone's 'this is actually good' ice cream recommendation. Their flavours go from pistachio and mascarpone to mango and milk basbousa, and somehow they nail all of them. Texturally rich, wildly generous, and occasionally too intense (just like us). Dara's Branches all over Egypt At this point, Dara's is a household name, and everyone knows it. Whether it's a scoop drowning in molten chocolate or a cone that defies gravity, they always deliver drama. No intro needed, just bring your inner child and an extra napkin. Tabi 3 Sesostris St., Heliopolis Ever tried fried ice cream? Tabi said you deserve that chaos. It's hot on the outside, cold on the inside, and perfectly gooey Swirkies River Walk Mall, New Cairo | 231 St., Maadi Chimney cake or ice cream? Why not both? This is your solution to indecision — warm, pillowy dough hugging cold creamy scoops. A texture fever dream, and we're here for it. FortyOne Ice Cream Branches all over Egypt You come here for the sundae and stay for the sugar spiral into madness. Their layers are stacked, sauced, and unapologetically extra. Just say you need a little joy and they'll scoop it into a cup. Mandarine Koueidar Branches all over Egypt You thought you came for the basbousa, but the berry yogurt ice cream is the real mic drop. Unexpectedly elite, dangerously underrated. It's giving 'hidden gem your aunt was right about.' Taiyaki Branches all over Egypt Craving black ice cream in a fish-shaped cone? Of course you are. Taiyaki is theatrical, photogenic, and gives you soft serve with a side of 'what even is this but I love it.' Variegato Gelato Palm Hills | New Giza, Sheikh Zayed | Square One Mall, New Cairo This is how gelato should feel. Cold, creamy, quietly confident. The kind of place that doesn't shout, because it doesn't need to. KB Cake Studio Arkan | New Giza, Sheikh Zayed | Garden 8, New Giza You might go for the cakes, but the ice cream will catch you off guard. Velvety, rich, and a little too easy to finish. Honestly, it deserves its own fanbase. Moko Chocolates Branches all over Egypt Made by actual chocolatiers, so you already know their chocolate ice cream is going to hit differently. Dark, deep, and a bit intense. Like a bad habit you don't want to quit. Rigoletto Branches all over Egypt Your childhood ice cream spot is still standing strong, and still tastes like after-school freedom. No frills, no drama, just scoop-and-go joy. The loyalty is generational. Fresco Gelateria 29 El-Ismailia St., Alexandria Alexandrians don't play about their gelato, and this place proves it. No loud branding, just serious flavour and old-school charm. Go once and you'll understand the cult following.
CairoScene
2 days ago
- CairoScene
SPOTLIGHT: Saudi Bags Label Dania Shinkar Delivers Playful Luxury
Dania Shinkar's bags don't just hold your essentials - they also hold attention. The Brand Sculptural, playful, and precise, Dania Shinkar's bags sit somewhere between accessory and object. With Saudi roots, Italian production, and an Irish HQ, the label is geographically unbound - but its identity is distinct. The Design Language Bold curves, clever details, and a measured dose of drama define the collection. The Mini Gaga and Mila bags, with their spherical handles, could easily pass as modern sculpture. The Dana bag plays with perspective, using a double-frame illusion to trick the eye - a quiet design sleight of hand that happens to be Shinkar's personal favourite. The Mila, slouchy and jewelled, has all the presence of a protagonist. Dania Shinkar in Three Words 'Contemporary, nostalgic, and sustainable,' says Dania Shinkar, founder and creative director. The Founder Shinkar holds both a BA and MA from the London College of Fashion. Her interest in design was sparked early, watching her mother dress for special occasions. 'I was fascinated by how she paired her accessories and curated every detail of her look,' she says. That early instinct matured into a design philosophy rooted in experimentation. 'There are no rules in fashion' is the lesson she carried from London, and it shows. Her work leans into texture, form, and silhouette - unafraid of unexpected embellishments or vintage references. The Muse Saudi culture is central to Shinkar's design lens. She draws inspiration from Jeddah's Al Balad district, the coral reefs of the Red Sea, and antique jewellery. 'Architecture informs my shapes, while art influences my use of colour,' she tells SceneStyled. Her bags may echo heritage, but their execution is unmistakably contemporary - thanks to the precision of Italian artisans, whom she calls the 'undisputed masters of leather goods.' 'I love revisiting classic silhouettes and giving them new context,' she adds. Her reimaginings of the '90s baguette and hobo bag offer a quiet nod to nostalgia, made current through detail and structure. The Craft Shinkar's work is detail-driven, right down to her choice of materials. She combines silky satin and structured Italian leather with crystal embellishments and vintage-inspired hardware. Everything is intentional: the curved handles, the metal closures, the colour palette that moves from caramel neutrals to pastel blush to deep, metallic red. Even her sustainability practices feel specific. She uses ethically sourced leather and eco-conscious acetate, repurposing leftover scraps into sleek cardholders. The Process 'Playful luxury' is how she frames her work - serious craftsmanship with room for joy. Ideas come quickly. 'Sometimes I see a design so clearly, I have to sketch it on the spot,' she says. From there, it's about refining proportions, prototyping with 3D paper models, and iterating until the final product holds. 'I'm always thinking about the person who'll carry it - how it feels in their hands, how it fits into their life.' If she had to imagine her bags on anyone, it would be Carrie Bradshaw. And if you're styling one? 'Let the bag lead,' she says. Whether worn against head-to-toe neutrals or thrown over something oversized and undone, the goal is to give it room to speak. The Verdict Dania Shinkar's bags don't shout - but they don't need to. With a language of their own, they balance nostalgia and modernity, fun and form. They look just as at home at a gallery opening as they do on a brunch banquette - or simply sitting still on a side table, catching the light.
CairoScene
2 days ago
- CairoScene
Ralph Lauren's Café Lands in Riyadh Serving Style & Signature Brews
Ralph Lauren's first Saudi café in KAFD blends New York charm, signature brews, and exclusive merch. Riyadh's café culture just got a stylish boost as Ralph's Coffee, the luxury café by iconic American designer Ralph Lauren, opens its first brick-and-mortar location in King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). After last year's pop-up coffee truck teaser, the new space blends New York charm with Saudi sophistication - featuring the brand's signature green-and-white palette, vintage décor, and a giant teddy bear that's selfie-ready. Guests can enjoy Ralph's signature brews, both hot and cold, including the bold Ralph's Roast, alongside classic American desserts like New York cheesecake, chocolate chip cookies, and the Ralph's Brownie. To please both your taste buds and your eye, every dessert comes on custom Ralph's Coffee china. The Riyadh café also doubles as a retail hub, offering exclusive branded merchandise - think mugs, tote bags, hats, and even dog bowls. Partnering with Al Moajil Hospitality, this launch marks Ralph Lauren's growing presence in the region, joining over 20 global Ralph's Coffee locations.
