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Dubai's new J1 beach to open soon: What food lovers will find at this destination

The soon-to-open beachfront destination is all set to solidify Dubai's status as the food capital of the world

Picture this: your feet in the warm sand as you indulge in exquisite culinary delights from the finest restaurants, all while enjoying live entertainment that sets the perfect mood. Rejuvenating under the open skies, you find yourself surrounded by stunning blue waters and sandy shores, with seamless beach access and swimming pools at your fingertips. As the much-anticipated J1 Beach nears its launch, it's promising to be the go-to spot for some fun in the sun.

However, beyond the fun and frolic, J1 Beach will also play a pivotal role in solidifying Dubai's status as a global gastronomy hub. By attracting renowned chefs and innovative culinary concepts, the beachside destination will not only enhance the city’s diverse food landscape but also showcase Dubai's commitment to elevating its culinary scene on the global stage.

Moreover, its strategic location in Jumeirah 1 will also serve as a unique selling point, allowing it to capture an area that currently lacks the vibrant, luxury beach atmosphere found in locales such as West Palm and Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Ahead of the big launch, we take a look at how the luxury dining offerings at J1 Beach will elevate Dubai’s status as the culinary capital of the world.

A new era of luxury dining

J1 Beach will feature 13 high-quality international brands hailing from the French Riviera, Tulum, New York, Miami, London, and Paris, many of which are making their debut in the region. “We are focused on creating a true landmark destination that will become increasingly successful year after year, not just locally but also internationally,” Shahram Shamsaee, CEO, Merex Investment, tells Khaleej Times.

“The concept, from inception to idea generation, was never intended as a short-term solution. It is all about a long-term vision for the area, aiming to significantly enhance it in alignment with Dubai's landscape,” he adds.

With live entertainment, easy beach access and luxury beachfront dining experiences, including world-class restaurant groups like Bâoli, Kaimana Beach, and African Queen Dubai in the lineup, J1 Beach will not only elevate the city's dining scene but also showcase its continuous commitment to luxury and innovation in the F&B sector.

Blending tradition with innovation

Riccardo Giraudi, CEO of Giraudi Group, the visionary behind African Queen Dubai, is optimistic about the city’s culinary journey. “Dubai has evolved tremendously over the past few years, with an explosion of diverse culinary offerings. The city's commitment to becoming a global gastronomy hub is evident in its rich tapestry of restaurants and food experiences that rival other global cities,” he says.

African Queen Dubai is set to offer a unique dining experience that marries the rich heritage of its origins and the elegance of the French Riviera with the vibrant energy of Dubai’s modern culinary scene. “Our vision for African Queen in Dubai is to blend the timeless elegance and rich history of our origins with the vibrant and innovative culinary scene of Dubai. We emphasise quality and consistency, using locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices,” says Giraudi.

This approach aligns perfectly with the current and emerging trends in gastronomy, including sustainability, local sourcing, and the fusion of traditional techniques with modern flavours.

Giraudi's focus on nurturing creativity within his teams is key to maintaining the restaurant's innovative edge. “We encourage our team to experiment and bring their unique ideas to the table. Regular workshops, brainstorming, and fostering open communication are key strategies,” he shares, ensuring that African Queen Dubai will continue to push the boundaries of luxury dining at J1 Beach.

A multicultural culinary experience

Scott Messiah, Director of Operations, and Omar Basiony, Executive Chef at Bâoli, see Dubai as a strong contender on the global culinary stage, even as the city continues to mature. “We see this with the expansion of global concepts and the rise of homegrown concepts too. This has also brought the attention of global chefs relocating here,” Messiah adds, pointing to the city’s rapid growth and international recognition.

As a result, Bâoli will offer a diverse dining experience that speaks to Dubai’s multicultural demographic. Their menu is a carefully curated blend of global culinary traditions, designed to cater to the city’s diverse population while maintaining a luxurious and immersive experience.

“The cuisine at Bâoli is anchored by a strong backbone of technique and tradition, a cornerstone of French cuisine, innovating with our selection of flavours and ingredients and incorporating an Asian touch to the execution,” says Basiony.

Messiah and Basiony believe that fostering innovation in the kitchen is crucial for the restaurant’s success. “The culinary trade has always been one of mentorship. Through this mentorship, we create a structure that is stronger than just a restaurant,” they share.

Island flavours meet Dubai’s delights

For Nikhil Mehra, COO of Royal Orchid Hospitality, Dubai is already a leader in global gastronomy, with the potential to set culinary trends worldwide. “The inclusion of Dubai restaurants on the global culinary stage, such as in the World's 50 Best and Michelin guides, is a clear indication that we are competing and will soon lead global culinary trends,” he says.

Kaimana Beach aims to introduce a fresh perspective to Dubai’s dining scene by focusing on island flavours and sustainable practices. “We believe that bringing a sprinkle of island flavours to our Polynesian and Far East Asian-inspired menu will offer a unique addition to the Dubai culinary scene,” Mehra says. By sourcing sustainable ingredients and prioritising local produce, Kaimana Beach will highlight the global trend towards sustainability while offering a distinctive, tropical twist to the city’s culinary offerings.

Mehra also emphasises the importance of continuous learning and exposure to global culinary trends for his team. “We encourage key members of our culinary team to travel with us and experience unique concepts, ensuring they stay up to date with industry advancements. Fresh and forward-thinking is at the heart of all culinary innovation.”

As J1 Beach prepares to open its doors, the presence of these distinguished restaurant groups signals a new era for Dubai’s luxury dining scene. With African Queen Dubai, Bâoli, Kaimana Beach, and other luxurious dining experiences each offering their unique concepts and commitment to innovation, J1 Beach will undoubtedly solidify the city’s status as the global food capital.

somya@khaleejtimes.com

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