Dubai SME and Kitopi have launched a three-month Founder Series under The Emirati Chef’s Table, supporting 12 Emirati chefs and culinary entrepreneurs between September and November 2026
Following the programme’s first cohort of five F&B entrepreneurs in 2025, the new series will give founders access to Kitopi’s kitchens, customer base and delivery network, alongside mentorship, content and marketing support. Selected concepts will also feature on Eatopi, giving founders the opportunity to reach customers and test their offerings.
The first batch, running from 3 September to 2 October, features Wadeema Abdalla of Saccharose Desserts; Rehab Al Ameri of Local Foundry; Abdulrahman Lootah of One Made; and Zainab Al Mousawi of To The Moon & Back.
The concepts are now available to discover and order through Eatopi. The second batch runs from 2 to 30 October, followed by the third from 2 to 30 November, with further founders to be announced ahead of each launch.
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of Dubai SME, said: “The Emirati Chef’s Table was created to give Emirati culinary entrepreneurs practical access to the expertise, platforms and market exposure needed to develop their businesses. Building on the initiative launched in 2025, this next phase expands that opportunity to 12 founders and provides them with a direct route to test their concepts and strengthen their commercial readiness.
Under the guidance of visionary leadership, Dubai’s food and beverage sector continues to grow with confidence, and partnerships such as this show how public and private collaboration keeps that momentum firmly on track. By creating practical pathways from concept development to customer exposure, Dubai SME is supporting national talent to build sustainable businesses that contribute to the growth of Dubai’s food and beverage sector, aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.”
Mohamad Ballout, CEO and Co-founder, Kitopi, said: “Some of the most exciting ideas in food are coming from homegrown entrepreneurs who understand this market and its culture. We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with Dubai SME through The Emirati Chef’s Table, giving more Emirati founders the platform, expertise and exposure to bring their concepts to life, learn directly from customers and build for long-term success.”
The Founder Series builds on The Emirati Chef’s Table, launched in 2025 to provide Emirati F&B entrepreneurs with mentorship and market exposure. The 2026 programme adds direct operational experience and customer engagement through Kitopi’s platforms and network.
Through The Emirati Chef’s Table, Dubai SME connects Emirati entrepreneurs with industry expertise, market access and private-sector partnerships to support business growth.
To learn more about The Emirati Chef’s Table, visit website.
