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Arabian Business
04-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
‘I have no interest in that': Viral Dubai chocolate a ‘gimmick', Bread Ahead boss says
While Dubai's chocolate-pistachio-kunafa treat is currently taking social media by storm, Bread Ahead founder Matthew Jones has dismissed the fusion of these viral flavours into other desserts as merely a 'gimmick.' Jones, who runs one of London's most popular artisan bakeries emphasised that his bakery — now expanding across the Middle East with its own hit creme brûlée doughnuts — would continue prioritising traditional methods and 'real flavours' over following trends. 'I personally have no interest in that. It is just a gimmick – we are a traditional business, so we stick with real flavours and seasonality, as well as consistency in what we do. We do not develop things for the sake of it, and just because somebody else is doing something, does not mean we also should,' Jones told Arabian Business in an exclusive interview. His comments come as the viral Dubai chocolate continues to dominate social media, with influencers and food bloggers experimenting with new ways to incorporate its signature flavours into creative confections, and were made on the sidelines of Bread Ahead's third Dubai location opening at City Centre Mirdif. Bread Ahead boss welcomes 'healthy' competition amid Middle East expansion But where does Jones' Bread Ahead fit among local, upcoming artisan bakers like bkry, Home Bakery and more? 'We are quite unique in what we do. There is such a huge market for bakery offerings right now, and it's healthy competition – so it's good, I love to see them,' he said. Nevertheless, Bread Ahead is rapidly establishing itself as a major player in the Middle East's premium baking scene, with three Dubai locations already serving its famed doughnuts. 'Dubai is such an important city, you know, it is that real crossroads between Europe, Asia and India. There are so many people who come through Dubai – it is just growing and growing. It's really seen as the hub of the Middle East,' Jones said. 'We have identified that demand for it, [Bread Ahead] is very good among the local community, and there are a lot of Emiratis who actually live in Mirdif, so we always try and get a mix of both local and expat customers.' The bakery currently operates nine locations across Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah, with plans to reach 12 locations and three bakery schools by mid-2025. 'We are looking at Abu Dhabi and Sharjah,' Jones revealed when asked about plans to expand in other Emirates. 'We will open 10 locations here for sure over the next two to three years,' he said, adding that more staff would be recruited along the way as well. Local ingredients drive success at Bread Ahead Aside from its famed doughnuts, artisan sourdough breads, and pastries, Bread Ahead incorporates local flavours such as Za'atar into its menu offerings. 'We create seasonal specials and are always developing new products, which is why we are seeing huge demand and opening more outlets,' he said. However, Jones also wants his customers to be aware of what Bread Ahead stands for. 'The education element of what we do is very important—we run bakery workshops and other initiatives as part of our mission to get people baking, to help them understand food, and to appreciate the creativity behind baking,' he concluded.
What's On
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
23 gorgeous cafes to have the perfect girly dates in Dubai
Girls just wanna have fun (in cafes in Dubai)… Cyndi Lauper knew. She knew us well. Dressing to the nines and chit-chatting away the time with your gal pals in cafes in Dubai is a vital part of the hot girl summer experience. Well, here, it may not be summer just yet, but there is indeed no dearth of gorgeous, gorgeous cafes in Dubai to stage your girly dates. You have all the tools, now go forth and live your best life. Here are 23 beautiful cafes in Dubai. The Good Moon The Good Moon is a brand new addition to Al Wasl's collection of cafes in Dubai, and is a tranquil oasis serving up an all-day menu, specialty coffee and matcha, and food you'll keep coming back for. Everything is white and cream and beige – rust red chairs and a buttery, glowing 3D fixture of a moon offer a visual break. It's a pleasant deception, with both aesthetics and worthwhile fare. The Good Moon, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, daily, 5pm to 2am, Tel: (0) 4 266 8733, @thegoodmoondxb Lune Lounge As minimalist as it gets, Lune Lounge is a stunning stone space that will transport you into a zone of calm and serenity. The all-white cafe has the perfect vantage point for a gorgeous view of the Burj Khalifa and even has a terrace for you to enjoy this glorious weather that's come upon us. Lune Lounge, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, daily, 3pm to 2am, Tel: (0) 4 223 9544, @lunedubai bkry You can't have missed the fame of this Alserkal Avenue spot – bkry is a baking and non-alcoholic cocktail lover's dream. From gorgeous croissants to a fully-fledged menu – with incredible mixed drinks to enjoy, bkry is your new home for watching bakers work away at their craft while you enjoy the minimalist vibes. Everything is sourced locally, and the flour is even made in the bakery itself, so you know you're getting it good and fresh. bkry, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, open 8am to 10pm daily, @ Milk Bakery Pastries, pastries and more pastries – this is the ethos of Milk Bakery and we're not complaining. Located in Wasl 51, this spot is uber popular, serving up amazing sweet treats, coffees, smoothies and more. It's got that typical Dubai-esque barebones look, so the aesthetics are there. They also have sourdough and breakfast foods, so all your dates are sorted. Milk Bakery, Wasl 51, daily, 9am to 2am, Tel: (0) 4 344 5444, @ Sleek, chic and utterly classy Flamingo Room located in Jumeirah Al Naseem is the perfect spot to head to if you're after a beautiful venue that serves up delicious dishes. One of the best parts? They're licensed, which turns your breakfast into a champagne and orange juice kind of affair. Flamingo Room, Jumeirah Al Naseem, open daily, Mon to Sun 12pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 1am, Tel: (0) 4 244 7278, @flamingoroomae Namelaka Hidden in Dubai Hills Mall, this originally Ukranian cafe is the gorgeously pink cafe Namelaka. Serving up pretty and pink interiors alongside deliciously decadent cakes and pretty in pink drinks. But don't worry because they also offer up an extensive menu of breakfast items and more. Namelaka, Dubai Hills Mall, near Entrance 4, @ Tania's She's back! And now also serving up alcohol – tea-quila anyone? Tania's (not just a teahouse) has officially opened her doors again this time the Dubai Hills outpost is a little bit more muted. Still serving pink, teas, and delicious food, you can head over and enjoy the same Instagrammable and wonderful experience but with a kick. Tania's, Dubai Hills Estate, Business Park 3, open 8am to 11pm, @taniasteahouse Bounty Beets Something is always happening at this girly Instagrammers paradise. There are daily breakfast deals, as well as a healthy ladies' night, and a mid-week happy hour that gets you two-for-one on healthy cocktails. Bonus: There's a lush terrace in the garden where you can bring along your four-legged friends. Bounty Beets, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina – Dubai, 8am to 7pm daily. Tel: (04) 511 7373 , Brunch and Cake Beautiful interiors, picturesque views and a tasty menu of all-day eats – all this at Brunch and Cake. There are now three branches in Dubai: The Pointe, Al Wasl and Jumeirah Park, all of which boast that signature decor and a menu of dishes that include the Breakkie pizza, pulled beef benny and Nutella French toast. Brunch and Cake, Wasl 51; The Pointe; and Jumeirah Park, opening times vary. Tel: ( 800) 4726362, Boston Lane This quirky coffee shop in Al Quoz was designed with Melbourne's coffee culture in mind (it's owned by Australians too, naturally). It's got an awesome Aussie-inspired menu, but we definitely recommend trying one of the ingredient-packed toasties for that warm fuzzy tummy feeling. There's an opportunity to shop too, as the cafe doubles up as a boutique. Boston Lane Cafe, 25 4 B Street, Al Quoz, Dubai, 8am to 7pm, Tel: (0)5 4 449 2131, La Nena Looking for somewhere to get your caffeine fix this weekend? You may have already seen this stunning café on your Instagram feed… Tucked away in Al Quoz, La Nena is a Spanish café and concept store, with coffee, delectable snacks, and gorgeous homeware pieces to buy such as cups, plates, and candles. What's more? It's dog-friendly so bring along your four-legged friends! La Nena, Al Marabea St, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai. Tuesday to Sunday, 7am to 6pm, @lenenacoffee Comptoir 102 This stunning location has the perfect combination – cool brands and labels curated within the concept store and an organic cafe on site. The ethos is all about healthy, nourishing dishes that are packed with nutrition, and as such the plant-based menu changes daily according to what's available and in season. Shop all morning and relax all afternoon. It's perfect. Comptoir 102, 102 Beach Rd, Jumeirah 1, 8am to 8pm daily. Tel: ( 04) 385 4555 , EL&N Head to this pretty cafe for a late-morning breakfast with the girls and enjoy everything that EL&N has to offer. Their breakfast menu is endless, with sweet and savoury options as well as their famously beautiful and, like the rest of the cafe, very Instagram-worthy beverages. It's a think pink haven through and through. EL&N, Gate Village, DIFC, open daily from 9am to midnight, Tel: (0)4 770 0222, @elan_cafe Forever Rose Forever Rose is a 2D-everything hotspot at Boxpark. The entirety of the cafe – from the exterior to the tables, chairs and plates – is done in 2D monochrome styling. Even the air conditioning vents look like they belong. At the cafe, you can find an array of delectable delicacies and meals – and like everything else in the cafe, they look amazing. Forever Rose Cafe, Al Wasl Road, Boxpark, Jumeirah, 8am to 12am Mon to Thurs, 8am to 1am Fri to Sun, Tel: ( 04) 548 4210, @foreverrosecafe L'Occitane Café Not only is the French beauty brand's stunning spot perfect for a sweet treat for two from the patisserie, it also offers the most in cafes in Dubai for the skincare enthusiast. Treat yourself to a complimentary facial or hand massage and discover the store's latest skincare launches while tucking into French favourites such as crepes, French onion soup, steak frites, and French pizza. L'Occitane Café, City Walk, daily, 9am to 11.30pm. Tel: (0) 4 346 1825, @loccitanecaf Saya Brasserie Saya Brasserie is every Instagrammer's dream, with plush pink-paradise interiors and a picture-perfect setting. Flowers and plants adorn every part of the space, from the walls to the tables and even the light shades. Pull up one of the baby pink shell-shaped chairs grouped around white tables, and settle in. There are also cool iced drinks served in metallic-tinted glasses and speciality coffees served in cute milk jars with a helping of baked brownies. Saya Brasserie is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and, as well as the original cafe in City Walk, there's also an outpost at The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah and a pop-up at Nakheel Mall. Saya Brasserie, across various locations, @ XVA Café This cafe serves up exquisite vegetarian and vegan food, featuring a full menu of plant-based main courses, salads, soups and desserts. The interiors of XVA Café reflect the place it's housed in – the XVA Art Hotel. Spread across three shaded courtyards, it speaks to the café romantic's heart, and what's not to like about Middle Eastern-inspired grub. XVA Café, XVA Art Hotel, Al Fahidi, daily 7am to 9pm, Tel: (0)4 353 5383, Eugène Eugène This gorgeous greenhouse inspired brasserie is not quite a cafe, but it is beautiful indeed. Located in Kempinski, Mall of the Emirates, it features all-glass walls, ceiling and foliage for days, drawing inspiration from market halls and clean, green spaces. If you and your gal pals like French fare, you need to visit here. Eugène Eugène, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, daily 12pm to 11.30pm, Tel: (0)4 379 8963, @eugeneeugenedubai Love Vibe Cafe We love a female-owned business, especially one that appreciates the need for healthy food that tastes as good as it looks. This is the ultimate place for you to kick back and hang with your favourite gal pals, all pink and pretty, and highly Instagram worthy. Vibe Cafe, Gate Avenue, DIFC, open Mon to Sun 8am to 10pm, Tel: (800) 8423, @vibeuae La Petite Ani At the helm of La Petite Ani, you will find the mastermind chef Izu. Little sister to La Maison Ani by Chef Izu, this cafe in DIFC is a tastefully pink cafe that sings all things Barbie. La Petite Ani, Gate Avenue, DIFC, daily, 9am to 10pm, Tel: (0)4 52 176 7013, @lapetiteanibychefizu Coffee and Roses This stunning cafe is draped in gorgeous pink roses – also very Instagram worthy. They serve delicious coffee all sorts of cafe and dinner fare. Pasta, pizza, pastry – it's all there. Coffee and Roses, B1 Mall, Al Barsha daily, 9am to 12am, Tel: (0) 4 240 0014, @ Café Society This chic spot in Dubai Marina not only is stunning, with velvet elements and plush seating, but also offers a 50 per cent discount to ladies on Mondays on the entire menu. Catching up with the gang and paying less? Sounds lime a win to us. Café Society, Dubai Marina, daily, 9am to 11pm, Tel: (0) 4 318 377, @cafesocietydxb To The Moon and Back This quirky hidden café is a female-owned homegrown gem among the cafes in Dubai. The Emirati entrepreneur was inspired by the cool coffee culture in Melbourne and the beans are sourced from a Melbourne-based roastery called Five Senses. Just a short walk away from the beach, the cafe has a courtyard with a water fountain and birds chirping – pure bliss. To the Moon and Back, Al Athar Street, Dubai, daily, 8am to 3pm, 7pm to 2am, @ Images: Supplied
FACT
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Majlis The Rage returns to Abu Dhabi with a Ramadan pop-up
Ramadan in the UAE is a whole other vibe. The entire region comes alive with illuminated streets, night markets, and a sense of togetherness that makes this Holy Month special. And if you're in Abu Dhabi, one event you won't want to miss is The Rage, which returns to the capital with an all-new Majlis experience. Taking place at Al Maryah Island's South Plaza from 13 to 16 March, Majlis The Rage promises to be a Ramadan gathering, filled with entertainment, food and cultural experiences. Think of it as a night market, where delicious bites, live performances, and activities come together under one roof. View this post on Instagram A post shared by THE RAGE (@therageuae) While the full details of what's in store for Majlis The Rage haven't been revealed yet, if past editions are anything to go by, you can expect a blend of music, art, fashion and shopping experiences. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a place to unwind, this Ramadan exhibition is a must-visit. For those unversed, The Rage Festival is one of Abu Dhabi's most popular family-friendly entertainment events. Last year, it took place at Umm Al Emarat Park, drawing in thousands of visitors. And if the previous editions are anything to go by, we can expect Majlis The Rage to offer a similar, exciting lineup of activities and experiences. While the retailers are still under wraps, we do know that bkry, Dubai's popular artisan bakery, will make its Abu Dhabi debut at the event. The 'experimental bakespace', which has been visited by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will be serving their pastries, baked goods, desserts, coffee, and much more. Expect exclusive saffron milk cakes and pistachio milk cakes made especially for the Holy Month. Whether you're there for the food, the entertainment, or just the vibes, it's going to be an unforgettable experience. Entry to Majlis The Rage is free, but you'll need to register online to secure your spot. Taking place from 7.30pm until 2.30am, this is one event you don't want to miss. See you there! GO: Follow @therageuae on Instagram for more information.
Emirates Woman
05-03-2025
- Business
- Emirates Woman
The genius behind bkry on changing the f&b landscape in Dubai
Life by Sarah Joseph 51 seconds ago Co-founder Abdalla Ibrahim Almulla shares his journey as an Emirati entrepreneur and driving force behind 'Behind the Cup' (BTC). The concept focuses on his love for equestrian culture through coffee shops such as Hoof, bkry, theHUT and ARCHERS. What inspired you to launch Behind the Cup – tell us more. Behind the Cup was born out of a desire to celebrate stories—the stories of coffee, community, and culture. For me, coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a craft that connects people. I wanted to create a platform where coffee lovers could not only indulge in premium brews but also feel the passion and craftsmanship behind every cup. Inspired by my love for equestrianism, a sport that demands discipline and dedication, I envisioned a space that mirrors these values while elevating the coffee experience. You turned your for business, coffee, and equestrian culture into a thriving enterprise – tell us more. Both coffee and equestrian culture share an elegance that comes from passion, patience, and precision. At Behind the Cup, we weave these worlds together by creating spaces that are refined yet approachable. The journey from one café in Muweilah to multiple ventures across the UAE is a testament to how authenticity resonates. Each sip of coffee or moment spent in our cafés reflects the same spirit of excellence I've always admired in horses—graceful, powerful, and inspiring. Bkry has been a popular space since day one – what sets it apart? bkry is more than a bakery – it's an artisanal experience. From the moment you step in, the aroma of freshly baked pastries invites you into a world of craftsmanship. What truly sets bkry apart is the harmony of flavor and innovation. Whether it's the pecan salted caramel croissant or our signature sourdough, each creation is a blend of artistry and quality. We're not just serving food; we're serving moments to savor. Do you incorporate locally sourced or sustainable ingredients in your products? Absolutely. We are committed to sustainability and supporting local producers whenever possible. For example, at bkry, we've partnered with UK Wild Farmed Flour for our upcoming range, emphasizing regenerative agriculture. Our coffee sourcing is equally intentional—we work with farmers who share our passion for sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring every cup tells a meaningful story. How do you maintain quality and consistency as the brands grow? Consistency is rooted in our team's dedication to the craft. From baristas to bakers, we invest in training and knowledge-sharing to ensure every product meets our standards. We also collaborate with the best – whether it's working with expert roasters or sourcing premium ingredients. Growth is exciting, but we've made a promise to never let it compromise quality, and we honor that by staying true to our values. 'Tranquility comes from embracing the present.' Do you collaborate with other brands or chefs in Dubai? If so, how has that Impacted your business? Collaboration is a cornerstone of creativity. Partnering with local chefs, brands, and even artists allows us to push boundaries and create unique experiences. For instance, our partnerships have led to exclusive menus, pop-up events, and even limited-edition products. These collaborations not only enrich our brand but also strengthen our connection with the community. What's your approach to staying calm as an entrepreneur? Staying calm is about perspective. Equestrianism has taught me the importance of balance – there will always be challenges, but staying grounded is key. I make it a point to step away and recharge, whether it's spending time with family, connecting with nature, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. In those moments, I find clarity and focus. What advice would you give to your younger-self? Dream big but stay patient. Great things take time, and every setback is a setup for growth. I'd also remind myself to listen more – whether it's to mentors, team members, or even customers. The best ideas often come from unexpected places. What's next in the pipeline for the brand? We're constantly evolving. This year, we're focusing on opening our franchisee brand, Maxzi – Good Food Shop, in Aljada, Sharjah – a space that blends exceptional dining experience. It's an exciting step forward in expanding our footprint and sharing our values with a wider audience. For bkry, we have ambitious expansion plans in the works, bringing our artisanal creations to new locations and elevating the pastry experience for even more communities. We're also exploring new culinary concepts and creative collaborations to surprise and delight our community. The journey ahead is full of growth and innovation, and we can't wait to share it with everyone. How do you stay tranquil during testing times? Tranquility comes from embracing the present. In testing times, I remind myself of why I started – passion and purpose are powerful motivators. I also rely on my team; knowing I'm surrounded by talented, dedicated individuals gives me peace of mind. And of course, a perfectly brewed coffee never hurts – it's my daily ritual of calm amidst the chaos. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram March's – The Resilience Issue – Download Now Images: Supplied
