99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant is entering a new stage of growth with the appointment of Chef Thinus van der Westhuizen as Culinary Director for 99 International, alongside the arrival of two new senior chefs, Pedro Banzuzi and Timothy Edwards, strengthening its UAE operations as the brand prepares for further global expansion.
Chef Thinus van der Westhuizen, previously Culinary Director for the UAE, has been promoted to Culinary Director for 99 International. In his expanded role, he will oversee culinary direction across all locations, ensuring consistency in the brand’s signature Japanese fine dining experience, omakase structure, and ingredient-led approach.
His appointment comes as 99 Sushi continues to build on its reputation for precision-driven Japanese cuisine and has held a MICHELIN Star at its Four Seasons Abu Dhabi location for three consecutive years.
99 Sushi Abu Dhabi welcomes Executive Chef Pedro Banzuzi, who brings experience from Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants across Europe and the Middle East. Most recently Head Chef at Taiko Dubai, Sofitel The Obelisk, he contributed to multiple accolades including World Luxury Restaurant Awards 2025 wins and a Gault & Millau UAE rating of 12/20. His background spans Japanese and European fine dining with a focus on technical execution and modern fusion cuisine.
In Dubai, Chef Timothy Edwards joins as Chef de Cuisine. With over nine years of international experience across Japan, South Africa and the UAE, his career includes roles at The WB™ Abu Dhabi Hotel, The Potluck Club (Luke Dale Roberts Group), Highway Shukudo in Okinawa, and The Commodore Hotel. His experience covers Japanese stations, kitchen leadership and high-volume luxury dining environments.
Global expansion plans
The leadership appointments come as 99 Sushi accelerates its international expansion. Upcoming openings include:
- Budapest launch in April 2026
- London Mayfair flagship opening in May 2026
- Tanjun by 99 at Time Out Market Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi in September 2026
These openings mark the brand’s entry into Central Europe and the UK, alongside continued growth in the UAE.
