The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a new $100 million Culinary Investment Fund that aims to introduce iconic culinary brands to the UAE capital.
The newly launched Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund (ADCIF) will offer an incentive for world-class culinary brands to enter the emirate, and further elevate the culinary scene through co-investing with local partners and the relevant stakeholders.
The fund also aims to incentivise top chefs, highly-acclaimed restaurants, and culinary educational institutions to enter the market and make Abu Dhabi their gateway into the UAE.
In addition to supporting the entry of iconic culinary brands, the fund will also aid in building and establishing a culinary school in the region. The culinary school will assist with recruitment, training, and other staffing resources in the sector, and will offer an established core curriculum while introducing two new degree programs focused on maritime sustainability and food security.
The main requisites for successful fund applicants are brands or chefs recognised by leading awards committees and global culinary guides, with a multi-regional presence – operating in more than one country. Applicants should offer a premium casual, lifestyle, or fine dining experience, without having an existing presence in the region and would be making their debut in Abu Dhabi – with a one-year period of exclusivity to the emirate.
H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director-general for Tourism, DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund is part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the culinary scene across the emirate and create new dining experiences. There is no better time or place to bring best-in-class chefs, restaurants, and hotel brands to the capital.”
