Founded in 2015 by three Syrian brothers — Mohammad, Wassim, and Omar, Orfali Bros Bistro began as a cooking school before transforming into a globally celebrated restaurant in 2021.

The bistro seamlessly blends global culinary techniques with traditional Middle Eastern staples, operating out of a striking two-story open kitchen.

Emphasizing a freedom of cooking philosophy, the menu features inventive dishes like the Umami Eclair and Steak bel Karaz.[1] Their dedication to culinary excellence earned them the prestigious title of Best Restaurant in the Middle East & North Africa.

Co-founded in 2014 by Amal Al Marri and Deem Albassam, Salt began its journey as a humble food truck parked on Kite Beach.

The founders aimed to bring people together to enjoy a simpler lifestyle and disconnect from demanding daily routines.

What started as a grassroots movement with long lines quickly evolved into a formidable lifestyle chain and cultural phenomenon across the UAE.

Today, Salt is famous for its premium sliders and serves as a vibrant community hub that champions authentic, casual dining.

Nightjar Coffee Roasters was founded by Leon Surynt, a Kiwi counterculture devotee who moved to Dubai in 2008.

After three years in the making, the flagship industrial roastery opened its doors in Alserkal Avenue, quickly becoming a central hub for the city's coffee enthusiasts.

The brand supplies direct-trade coffee to many of Dubai's most well-known cafes and operates multiple eatery concepts. Renowned as the city's Sultans of Sling, Nightjar serves award-winning breakfasts alongside creative libations like nitro cold brew on tap.

Founded in 2016 in Dubai, Mirzam Chocolate Makers operates a transparent bean-to-bar chocolate factory inspired by the historical Spice Route. The brand's name comes from a star historically used by Spice Route traders to navigate their journeys. Visitors can witness the entire artisanal production process through a glass wall, ensuring zero artificial additives are used. Mirzam achieved global recognition in 2017 when it became the first Emirati-owned chocolate company to win awards from the London-based Academy of Chocolate.

Founded in 2013 by Flo Moser and Mike Taylor, Amongst Few began from conversations about creating a premium streetwear brand that reflects local culture without sacrificing quality.

The brand officially launched in September 2014 and has since paved the way for a streetwear movement in the Middle East. Operating out of a stunning 5,000 square foot repurposed villa on Al Wasl Road, their flagship location is a multidisciplinary cultural hub.

It uniquely integrates a retail space, a cafe serving fair-trade Ethiopian coffee, a barbershop, and a private recording studio.

Hind Al Oud was established in 2001 by Mohamed Hilal, who boldly left his career as a pilot to pursue his deep passion for perfumery. The brand represents the finest of Arabian perfumery, inspired by ancient oud-blending techniques that have shaped Arabic culture for centuries. Achieving rapid success, it was awarded Best Traditional Niche Fragrances by the Dubai Economic Department in 2004. Today, Hind Al Oud is celebrated as a premier luxury fragrance house, utilizing rare ingredients to craft scents that evoke deep emotional connections and success.

Founded in 2020 by Dominic Nowell-Barnes, The Giving Movement is a Dubai-based sustainable fashion brand that has redefined purpose-driven commerce.[5] Producing eco-friendly activewear and streetwear locally in the UAE, the brand embeds philanthropy directly into its business model.[5] For every item sold, $4 is donated to charity, appealing strongly to a socially aware demographic.[5] With a philosophy that small acts multiply to transform the world, the brand leverages high-impact digital marketing to build a massive global community focused on ethical impact.

Helmed by founder and Chief Soul Kitchen Officer Stasha, 21grams is an award-winning urban Balkan bistro that serves as a warm neighborhood gathering space.[6] The restaurant was born from a genuine desire to offer an edible piece of the founder's heritage, inspired by the diverse ethnicities and cultures of the Balkan Peninsula.[6] Operating out of Meyan Mall, it serves honest, handmade pastries and family recipes, including its signature phyllo pies and breakfast pitta.[6, 7] 21grams is celebrated for delivering experiences that honor community, culture, and slow living.[6]

Project Chaiwala is a homegrown ode to the decades-old chai culture of the UAE, inspired by the vibrant street tea markets of Delhi and Souq Dubai.[8] Founded to elevate the traditional street-side tea experience, the brand achieved massive success purely through word-of-mouth, TikTok virality, and deep cultural storytelling.[9, 8] Operating prominently from its flagship location in Warehouse 68 at Alserkal Avenue, the cafe has turned its venues into casual, highly authentic community meetup spots.[9, 10]

Founded in 2018 by Butheina Kazim, Cinema Akil stands proudly as the first independent arthouse cinema in the GCC. Operating out of Warehouse 68 in Alserkal Avenue, the venue champions alternative, geographically diverse films that are rarely screened in commercial multiplexes. With its plush retro sofa seating and adjacent chai diner, the space functions as a deep cultural hub for cinephiles.[11, 12] The cinema frequently hosts regional festivals, such as the Reel Palestine Film Festival, to raise awareness for the cinematic arts.[12, 13]

Located in Alserkal Avenue and Sheikha Fatima Park, Crank is a premier boutique fitness studio offering high-intensity indoor cycling, boot camp, and strength training. The founders invested their energy into creating a space where members can free their minds, challenge themselves, and become part of a fiercely loyal community. The studio transcends traditional workouts by integrating state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, creating an immersive, nightclub-like experience. Crank is celebrated for its energetic instructors who push participants to redefine their physical thresholds.

Founded by Emirati entrepreneurs Anas Bukhash, Harith Bukhash, and Hala Kazim, Chalk is a contemporary unisex hair salon located in the heart of Alserkal Avenue.[14, 15] Envisioned as a creative hub for rebels and style disruptors, the salon empowers individuals to express their unique identity. The venue masterfully balances luxury aesthetics with cultural sensitivities by offering dedicated private areas exclusively for Hijabi women.[15] Adding to its allure are exclusive fashion pop-ups, the signature #chalkbooth, and an iconic ice cream vending machine.[15]

Founded in 2018 by three Emirati foodies, including Dr. Hamad Mansoor Al Awar (known as Dr. High), High Joint began as a passionate hole-in-the-wall project in Al Manara. Driven by a deep love for premium ingredients and culinary subcultures, the brand reversed the paradigm by exporting a homegrown Dubai burger concept to the wider region, including Riyadh. The founders utilize a scientific approach to craft macro-calculated burgers, pushing the boundaries of what everyday casual dining can achieve.

Founded in 2017 by Chef Salam Daqqaq, Bait Maryam is a deeply personal restaurant named in honor of her departed mother, Maryam. Serving authentic Levantine dishes, the eatery is designed to be a refuge for expats, offering a comforting taste of home. The venue is adorned with vintage Levantine trinkets and Maryam's personal items, reflecting incredible warmth and hospitality. The restaurant's heartfelt execution earned it a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and Chef Salam was crowned the Best Female Chef in MENA for 2023.

Chef Neha Mishra, entirely self-taught, began her culinary journey by hosting an intimate, invite-only ramen supper club named 'A Story of Food'. Her relentless pursuit of noodle perfection led to the 2021 opening of Kinoya, a globally celebrated ramen and izakaya restaurant. Earning the One To Watch award by MENA's 50 Best, the venue features an open kitchen and a discreet speakeasy listening bar.[16, 11] Kinoya's massive success culminated in a prestigious expansion to Harrods in London in 2023.