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Partners
Dear Members, Friends, and Partners, Welcome to the December issue of Gulf Gourmet.
This year brought many events, collaborations, and opportunities for our Guild to grow. Through competitions, we observed how chefs inspire each other with their skill, heart, and curiosity.
We have been working hard, and have an exciting announcement for next year. We look forward to hosting a larger and more dynamic Salon Culinaire in Dubai, with expanded exhibitions, more culinary showcases, and, for the first time, a focus on sommeliers. The turnout is expected to be huge, and the development work is already underway. If you would like to learn more about the next edition of Salon Culinaire 2026, please reach out
to us. Your involvement and curiosity are always welcome.
December is a moment to catch our breath. Suddenly, we are looking back at a whole year and wondering how it went by so fast. This month has a way of nudging us to ask What did this year teach me? What did I give? What did I learn? And who did I become along the way?
In the culinary world, these questions matter. Our craft is fast, demanding, and endlessly creative. Food teaches us to pay attention. To be curious. And as the UAE comes alive with festivals, celebrations, and some of the biggest events of the season, we see that learning happens all around us.
This issue centers on learning and sharing. Chef Fabrizio opens with a beautiful message about curiosity and the courage to ask questions. Growth begins with an ember of What if?
Our cover story features Chef Arivukkarasan Ravikkumar, Executive Chef of Erth Abu Dhabi. From childhood dreams of bringing people together through food to earning a Michelin star,
his story shows how passion, heritage, innovation, and authenticity can lead a chef toward his highest potential.
Then there is the incredible story of Chef Fay Abreo. Calm, confident, and inspiring. From a finance graduate to the President of the Emirates Culinary Guild Young Chefs Club, she has carved her own path with heart and vision. And now, she is welcoming her first child while continuing to guide the next generation of chefs.
You will also meet one of our most inspiring young talents, Chef Dhewneka, only 19. He arrived in the UAE with no formal training and stepped into the creative world of culinary arts with an open mind and a willingness to grow.
Our op-eds this month look back at the year from different angles, industry techniques, negotiations, food-waste management, and the lessons from experts who help us understand the bigger picture of where the F&B world is heading and what role we play in it.
We invite you to explore past issues https://issuu.com/gulfgourmetmagazine and https://www.emiratesculinaryguild.net to stay updated on events and news.
If you have not already, follow us on social media to see what chefs around the world are creating, and perhaps connect with someone who inspires you. As always, if there is something you would like to see in a future issue, send us an email. Let us know what matters to you, what stories you want told, and what lessons you have learned along the way.
If you have any questions about the events, please reach out to us at emiratesculinaryguild@gmail.com A heartfelt thank you to every member, corporate partner, supporter, and friend of the Emirates Culinary Guild who has contributed to our initiatives and competitions this year.
Before the year ends, take a moment for yourself. Think about what you learned, what you accomplished, and what you left behind. Did you follow through on something you promised yourself? Did you do something meaningful for others? Did you build a new skill? Think about your accomplishments as well; they do not always have to be monumental. Even the seemingly minor victories can add up to a meaningful year.
If you find yourself feeling a bit overwhelmed or wishing you had done more, take a moment to breathe deeply. The year ahead will provide new direction and opportunities. It is waiting, and you deserve to enter it with clarity, kindness, and purpose.
Culinary Regards,
Alan Orreal
