Latest news with #IssamKazim
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Trèsind Studio Dubai becomes first Indian restaurant with three Michelin stars
Dubai's culinary stars shone bright on Thursday night when the best, tastiest, and trendiest restaurants were awarded at the fourth edition of Michelin Guide Dubai. The biggest winners were homegrown Trèsind Studio, which became the first Indian restaurant in the world to receive three Michelin stars, and new entrant FZN by Björn Frantzén, which now also holds bragging rights to three stars — the highest recognition awarded by the body. (Currently, only about 140 restaurants across the world own this distinction.) 'Dubai's rapid transformation into a global culinary hub is testament to its diversity and excellence,' said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide. 'Dubai embraces a rich tapestry of flavours that reflect the world's gastronomic passions. With the city now home to 119 Michelin-recommended establishments, it stands as a beacon for food lovers, drawing them to experience the very best of the world's culinary traditions, all within one dynamic destination,' Poullennec added. 'It's a testament to bold innovation, extraordinary talent, and culinary distinction,' said Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). He added: 'Just as three Michelin stars signify a restaurant that is 'worth a special journey', the same applies to Dubai as a destination. From celebrated homegrown eateries to globally renowned names, this vibrant gastronomic landscape truly reflects the diversity and dynamism of a city that always aims to inspire the world.' Passion and teamwork Chef Himanshu Sahni of Tresind Studio threw air punches to celebrate its historic win and consistent (since 2022) success. He has always credited his family with being the driving force behind his success. In an earlier interview with Khaleej Times, he said that his inspiration comes from home. 'My mother is a great chef,' he said. 'I grew up watching her cook and soon I started my own journey of cooking. She has always supported my dream to become a chef and she has pushed me to better myself every step of my 14 years in the industry.' Bhupender Nath, the man behind Passion F&B, which owns and operates Tresind and its sister concerns, had dreamt of setting up a restaurant ever since his father closed down the family eatery in the Indian city of Patna after financial troubles. On Thursday night, he said he understood the power of the word 'only' and was thankful for it 'Today I understand the power of the word only,' he said. 'I understand how heavy it is and how beautiful a word it is. We are the only Indian restaurant to have three stars and what a place to have it — Dubai, where only dreams come true.' His wife, Sakshi Nath, credited the hard work of his team. 'We create a vision and move towards the vision,' she said. 'It is passion and teamwork that makes it work.' Best of both worlds FZN by Björn Frantzén, which blends modern European fine dining with Japanese influences, also holds three Michelin stars in Stockholm and Singapore. Speaking on stage while accepting the award, head chef Torsten Vildgaard said the moment felt unreal. 'I am speechless,' he said. 'We represent a strong and talented team that relocated here for the purpose of opening FZN and going all in. Thank you team.' The fusion three-star restaurant offers 'a highly sophisticated experience with an array of dishes blending Scandinavian and Asian influences that make great use of the finest luxury ingredients'. Aside from Tresind Studio and FZN by Björn Frantzén, three other restaurants received two Michelin stars; 14 restaurants clinched one star; while three restaurants were given the Michelin Green Star; 22 are now Bib Gourmand restaurants; and 78 others are Michelin-selected ones. All Dubai restaurants were selected and judged based on their cuisine style, concept, and location. Whether they are luxury fine dining restaurants or street food eateries, Michelin Guide applied the same five criteria used around the world: quality of ingredients; mastery of cooking techniques; harmony of the flavours; expression of chef's personality in the cuisine; and consistency, both over time and across the entire menu. Special awards A young 30-year-old chef, who was born and raised in Dubai, became a man of many jackets as he scooped up the young chef award and a Michelin star during the event, which came five months after opening. The chef, Abhiraj Khatwani of Manao, was described as 'one to watch' for his exceptional cooking skills. Just minutes after donning his black chef jacket, which was awarded as part of the young chef award, he took it off to wear the white chef's jacket as the head chef of Manao. He thanked Mohamed Orfali of the Orfali brothers fame for their support in helping set up the restaurant. 'Abhiraj and all the staff of Manao, they are not a team, they are family,' said Mohamed. 'We worked together, lived together, and ate together to make this dream a reality. It has been the best thing ever to see Abhiraj grow and develop the flavours. He does what he does. It is not like I tweaked something or changed something. Everything is him.' Manao serves an 11-course tasting menu comprising re-imagined Thai classics. Jamavar, an authentic Indian restaurant located in the Dubai Opera district, was praised for its goat curry, which was the deciding factor for inspectors. Culinary director and executive chef Surendar Mohan shared a heartfelt speech thanking his family for their 'unconditional support' and for 'allowing me to work seven days a week, morning and night for my passion'. Jamavar also has branches in London and Doha, where they boast a Michelin star as well. Other winners The Michelin Green Star recognition was retained by Boca, Lowe, Teible for their mindful practices. Several other special awards were also handed out during the evening. The Opening of the Year award went to Ronin for serving up a 'rather special experience' while the Service Award for offering hospitality of the highest standard was awarded to Mohamed Galal of Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. The Sommelier Award was given to Shiv Menon of Boca for 'exuding enthusiasm and pride' in his work.
Tourism Breaking News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
For the First Time in Dubai Two Restaurants are Awarded Three MICHELIN Stars, Trèsind Studio becomes the first Indian restaurant in the world to receive Three MICHELIN Stars
Post Views: 45 Michelin celebrated the city's culinary excellence like never before at Dubai's fourth MICHELIN Guide Ceremony, held at Address Sky View. The event revealed 119 establishments, covering over 35 cuisine types, which made it into this year's selection, showcasing the city's booming gastronomic scene. For this fourth edition, The MICHELIN Guide Dubai recognizes two new One MICHELIN Star restaurants, and two new Three MICHELIN Star restaurants, as well as five new Bib Gourmand establishments. 'Dubai's rapid transformation into a global culinary hub is testament to its diversity and excellence,' says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide.' As demonstrated by Trèsind Studio's historic achievement of earning Three MICHELIN Stars in its fourth appearance—making it the first Indian restaurant worldwide to earn the Guide's highest accolade—Dubai embraces a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect the world's gastronomic passions. With the city now home to 119 MICHELIN-recommended establishments, it stands as a beacon for food lovers, drawing them to experience the very best of the world's culinary traditions, all within one dynamic destination.' Whatever a restaurant's cuisine style, concept or location, whether they are luxury fine dining restaurants or street food eateries, the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors use the same five criteria all around the world: the quality of the ingredients; mastery of cooking techniques; the harmony of the flavors; expression of the chef's personality in the cuisine; and consistency, both over time and across the entire menu. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: 'The launch of the fourth edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai, including the naming of the city's first Three MICHELIN Starred restaurants, marks another pivotal moment in Dubai's journey as a world-class gastronomic destination, and is a testament to bold innovation, extraordinary talent and culinary distinction.' 'Just as Three MICHELIN Stars signify a restaurant that is 'worth a special journey', so the same applies to Dubai as a destination; from celebrated homegrown eateries to globally renowned names, this vibrant gastronomic landscape truly reflects the diversity and dynamism of a city that always aims to inspire the world. 'We extend our heartfelt gratitude to MICHELIN, whose dedication to excellence continues to elevate Dubai's reputation, highlighting the crucial role of restaurants in driving Dubai's destination appeal, economic growth, and global competitiveness. The people from almost 200 nationalities that live in Dubai are at the heart of the unique fabric of the city, and we congratulate all the restaurateurs, chefs and talents behind the establishments included in this year's Guide.' Two restaurants are awarded Three MICHELIN Stars Two restaurants received Three MICHELIN Stars for the first time since the destination launched in 2022, marking a historical moment in Dubai's culinary scene. This distinction highlights exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey. A new addition to the Guide, FZN by Björn Frantzén has been awarded Three MICHELIN Stars. This true destination restaurant with a stellar team is acclaimed Swedish chef Björn Frantzén's debut in the Middle East. It offers a highly sophisticated experience with an array of dishes blending Scandinavian and Asian influences that make great use of the finest luxury ingredients. Trèsind Studio is promoted to Three MICHELIN Stars in its fourth appearance in the MICHELIN Guide Dubai, making history as the first Indian restaurant in the world to earn the Guide's highest accolade. This immersive Indian concept highlights Chef Himanshu Saini's limitless levels of imagination and creativity. The tasting menu showcases traditional Indian dishes from various regions, re- imagined and superbly crafted into vibrant, eye-catching, and flavorsome creations. Two new restaurants are awarded One MICHELIN Star Jamavar's Dubai outpost joined the 2025 Dubai selection with One MICHELIN Star. Located in Dubai's Opera district, this acclaimed Indian restaurant offers perfectly balanced and harmonious dishes crafted with prime ingredients. Helmed by Dubai-born chef Abhiraj Khatwani, Thai restaurant Manāo is an ode to the cuisine closest to his heart. The new One MICHELIN Star establishment serves an 11-course tasting menu comprised of re-imagined Thai classics with a twist, with flavors staying true to the cuisines vibrant and authentic roots. There are now fourteen restaurants in the MICHELIN Guide Dubai with One MICHELIN Star, a distinction that highlights high-quality cooking, worth a stop. Five new restaurants receive a Bib Gourmand In addition to the MICHELIN Stars, 5 new restaurants are added to the Bib Gourmand category. Named after Bibendum, the official name of the Michelin Man, the Bib Gourmand recognition goes to restaurants that offer great quality, great value cooking. The five restaurants are: • DUO Gastrobar-Creek Harbour: This second branch offers an appealing, well-priced menu with an array of unfussy, refined comfort food. • Harummanis: This Malay grill eatery takes influences from numerous neighboring countries and boasts perfectly spiced and balanced flavors. • Hawkerboi: A relaxed restaurant highlighting the subtleties of the street foods of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Myanmar, perfect for sharing. • Khadak: Get a taste of India's street food at this contemporary and vibrant Indian brasserie offering sharing plates that are full of flavor. • Sufret Maryam: Chef Salam Dakkak's second venture offers a selection of refined Levantine dishes, which are generous in flavor and size. MICHELIN Special Awards With its Special Awards, the MICHELIN Guide aims to highlight and celebrate the amazing diversity of the roles within the hospitality industry, as well as its most talented and inspiring professionals. The Opening of the Year Award for 2025 is awarded to the restaurant Ronin. Located in the FIVE LUXE JBR Hotel, this beautifully conceptualized spot evokes fantastical pan-Asian decor, complemented by a superb selection of produce and bold flavors, creating an immensely enjoyable contemporary Japanese dining experience. The Sommelier Award is presented to Shiv Menon of Boca restaurant. His passion for wine and drinks is evident in every conversation, without condescension. His list supports the restaurant's sustainable ethos, featuring symbols that highlight environmental and community benefits. He organizes tastings to share his knowledge and love for the subject. The Service Award presented by RAK Porcelain goes to the team at Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. Despite its large operation and busy atmosphere, this restaurant is far from a tourist trap. The team runs it with pride and passion, aiming to please every guest. Early arrivals enjoy Arabic coffee outside, while inside, servers guide diners through the menu. The heartfelt goodbye is as meaningful as the welcome. The Young Chef Award goes to 30-year-old Chef Abhiraj Khatwani, who helms the kitchen at Thai restaurant Manāo, a recipient of a MICHELIN Star in this year's Guide (newly awarded One MICHELIN Star). He earns this award thanks to his experience in Thailand, for the enthusiasm he shows to his home city, and through his authentic, skillfully balanced dishes. Finally, the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony celebrated the remarkable selection of restaurants for the year 2025. This year's distinctions and awards have highlighted the exceptional talent, dedication, and innovation within the culinary world in Dubai. From sustainable gastronomy to authentic and skillfully crafted dishes, the honorees have set new standards and inspired others. Their passion and commitment to excellence have truly made this year's selection outstanding. We look forward to witnessing continued success and contributions to the culinary arts in next year's selection. The MICHELIN Guide Dubai selection 2025 at a glance: • 2 restaurants with Three MICHELIN Stars (1 Promotion, 1 New) • 3 restaurants with Two MICHELIN Stars • 14 restaurants with One MICHELIN Star (2 new) • 3 restaurants with a MICHELIN Green Star • 22 Bib Gourmand restaurants (5 new) • 78 MICHELIN selected restaurants (15 new) A replay of The MICHELIN Guide Ceremony and other highlights are available on the official MICHELIN Guide Middle East Facebook page and the MICHELIN Guide Global YouTube channel. The full selection of The MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2025 is available on the MICHELIN Guide website and on the MICHELIN Guide app, available free of charge on iOS and Android. The MICHELIN Guide is a benchmark in gastronomy. Now, it's setting a new standard for hotels. Visit the MICHELIN Guide's official website, or download the MICHELIN Guide mobile app (iOS and Android), to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel.
Zawya
13-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai shines at Asia Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025 – showcasing diverse yachting destination proposition
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism's participation at event in Hong Kong highlighted the importance of collaboration, with the efforts of key partners amplifying Dubai's global yachting appeal Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has concluded a highly successful participation at the Asia Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025, welcoming strong interest from the maritime industry and solidifying its position as a leader in sector knowledge sharing. Held from 7-8 May in Hong Kong, the annual event brought together global yachting industry experts and organisations and served as a pivotal platform for showcasing Dubai as a superyacht destination. DET's participation, spearheading a delegation from the city, aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai's position as a leading global destination for business and leisure. Dubai welcomed widespread international attention during the summit with conversations around its continued development of marinas and infrastructure, visa packages tailored to yacht tourists, and its streamlined regulatory frameworks discussed with global stakeholders and future partners. The event emphasised Dubai's collaborative spirit, with partners amplifying the city's presence through interactive displays and targeted engagements. Invited to share industry expertise, His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), participated in an engaging panel, which discussed the necessary steps to build a yachting destination, highlighting regulations, infrastructure development and marketing strategies. This synergy not only highlighted Dubai's position as a yachting destination, which has been driven by public-private sector collaborations, but also paved the way for exploring new opportunities in maritime tourism. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: 'Our participation at the Asia Pacific Superyacht Summit reflects the continued strategic growth of the yachting segment in Dubai, driven by our visionary leadership, and underscores the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. With the dedicated support of our stakeholders and partners, we are advancing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, ensuring that the city remains at the forefront of the world's widely recommended yachting destinations through continuous development of marinas and facilities, including the ongoing expansion of Nakheel Marinas Dubai Islands and Mina Rashid. This international event provided us an opportunity to engage with maritime specialists, highlight Dubai's strategic location, and underscore the success of collaborative approaches that have propelled our growth in the sector. We were also able to showcase the city's world-class yachting facilities, as well as set the stage for future innovations and partnerships that will propel us further as a leading destination and the best city to visit, live and work in.' Dubai's presence at the Asia Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025 was a clear demonstration of the city's ongoing commitment to attracting global visitors through a targeted approach that focuses on multi-sector growth. The participation follows the success of hosting the most recent Gulf Superyacht Summit in Dubai, and DET's planned support for the upcoming edition in the UAE in December, as well as the annual Dubai International Boat Show, the world's most exciting maritime lifestyle event held at Dubai Harbour. DET remains dedicated to collaborating with stakeholders across the public and private sectors and building on the current momentum, further enhancing Dubai's appeal as a must-visit yachting destination. About Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world's leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city's economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate's economy and consolidate its position among the top three global cities over the next decade. Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai's diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai's vision to become the world's best city to visit, live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall. DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai's business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. DET's portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).
Hi Dubai
13-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Showcases Global Maritime Ambitions at Asia Pacific Superyacht Summit
Dubai has reaffirmed its rising status in the global yachting world following a standout participation at the Asia Pacific Superyacht Summit 2025, held from 7–8 May in Hong Kong. Led by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the delegation attracted significant interest from maritime leaders, spotlighting the emirate's ambitions in superyacht tourism. The summit brought together leading voices in the yachting industry, offering Dubai a high-profile platform to promote its expanding marina infrastructure, streamlined regulations, and bespoke visa packages tailored to yacht visitors. The presence aligned with the city's broader goals under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to position Dubai as a top-tier hub for both business and leisure. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), joined a key panel discussion on building competitive yachting destinations. He highlighted Dubai's focus on regulatory clarity, infrastructure investment, and public-private collaboration as cornerstones of its growth in the sector. DET's participation was bolstered by interactive showcases and joint initiatives with partners, reflecting a unified effort to strengthen Dubai's appeal. Projects like the expansion of Nakheel Marinas Dubai Islands and Mina Rashid were also brought into focus as symbols of Dubai's long-term vision. Kazim noted that Dubai's participation underscored its commitment to sustainable growth in maritime tourism, reinforcing its global connectivity, advanced facilities, and reputation as a preferred destination to visit, live, and work. The summit not only highlighted Dubai's momentum in the superyacht space but also laid the groundwork for future international partnerships and investments in maritime tourism. News Source: Emirates News Agency
The National
02-05-2025
- Business
- The National
ATM 2025: Dubai must 'take the lead' on cryptocurrency payments at hotels, tourism chief says
Dubai is well-placed to take the lead on accepting cryptocurrency payments at its hotels and other tourist establishments to help attract more international visitors, its tourism chief said. The move would be a 'great' opportunity for the travel and tourism sector, provided it is well regulated, especially as Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority already has frameworks in place for cryptocurrencies, Issam Kazim, chief executive of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, told The National. 'If there is any place that should be taking the lead on this, it should be us,' he said at the Arabian Travel Market event. 'When it comes to being innovative and forward-looking, we don't like to say no to any opportunity that is realistic, we'd like to study it … we have experts in Dubai that we can sit with and understand the pros and cons and how we can launch it and mitigate any potential risks.' With more travellers and businesses adopting cryptocurrency for travel payments, Dubai is open to facilitate the use of digital currencies. 'If it could be a potential limiting factor to some, then I'd rather remove barriers,' Mr Kazim said. 'We'll make sure that we're mitigating all the risk and scrutinising it as much as possible but with an open mind and willingness to adapt and accept it if all the boxes are ticked.' A handful of hotels in Dubai are already accepting digital currency payments. Palazzo Versace has partnered with Binance to accept payments in cryptocurrencies such as BNB, Bitcoin, and Ethereum for room stays, dining, spa experiences, meetings and events. Similarly, the Manor by JA, located in Al Furjan, has introduced a crypto-to-crypto payment gateway managed by Binance. Dubai expects to exceed last year's annual international visitor numbers by 3 per cent as it intensifies marketing campaigns abroad to promote the emirate, Mr Kazim said. It attracted 18.7 million international tourists in 2024 − up 9 per cent annually. 'A good, safe assessment would be to keep pace with the growth that we've seen in Q1, that would be a comfortable, realistic target to push towards,' Mr Kazim said. Dubai recorded a 3 per cent annual increase in international visitor numbers to 5.31 million in the first three months of 2025, according to government data. Western Europe was its biggest source market with 1.15 million visitors, accounting for 22 per cent of the overall share. Dubai, home to long-haul giant Emirates airline and the world's busiest international airport, is also shifting its focus from being a transfer hub and single-visit destination. The emirate is seeking to attract more repeat visitors by introducing a five-year multi-entry tourist visa, doubling the number of hotel beds in the last decade and adding more airline capacity. The number of international visitors making return trips to the city within a year currently stands at 25 per cent of the total and that rate is expected to continue in 2025, Mr Kazim said. 'Today we're looking to make them residents of Dubai to work here, live here and retire here,' he said.
