Dubai – Qahwa World
A coalition of local and international brands, alongside leading Dubai-based chefs, has launched “Family Meal”, an initiative aimed at supporting workers across the UAE’s hospitality sector.
The programme is led by The Art of Hosting (TAOH) in partnership with Equiti Group, Sole, Jack Daniel’s, Essentially, Moloobhoy & Brown, Plus 1 Communications, Freedom Studio and food supply partner Aramtec. It reflects a coordinated industry effort to provide direct support to hospitality staff facing ongoing challenges.
Following its first distribution on April 10, the initiative will continue on April 17 and April 24, with a total of 1,500 chef-prepared meal boxes to be delivered. Each box includes a main course, side dish, dessert and beverages, with fresh juices supplied by Essentially. The meals are designed to offer a high-quality, chef-led dining experience.
The initiative targets workers across the hospitality ecosystem, including bartenders, waiters, chefs, baristas, hostesses, supervisors and back-of-house teams. By delivering meals directly to recipients, Family Meal aims to reinforce a message of solidarity within the industry.
All meals are prepared at Aramtec’s central kitchen facility in Al Quoz, where participating chefs collaborate with the TAOH team on menu development and execution. Distribution is managed through TAOH’s catering fleet, supported by volunteers, reaching communities across Satwa, Bur Dubai, Deira, Karama and Sharjah.
Participating chefs include Milan Jurkovic (21grams), Hadrien Villedieu (Chez Wham), Ahmad Halawa, Elias Kandalaft (TAOH), Earl Roland (TAOH), Robert Jhan (Aramtec), Sultan and Kinda Chatila (Eleven Green), and Shaw Lash (Lila Taqueria), alongside additional contributors. Each brings distinct culinary expertise, reflecting a diverse range of cuisines and approaches.
Kiah Khan, chief executive of The Art of Hosting, said the initiative was created in response to the pressures facing the sector. “Our hospitality community is struggling, and we felt a responsibility to act. Family Meal brings together chefs and partners to support the industry and demonstrate that we stand together,” she said.
Rajat Malhotra, partner at Sole, said: “Hospitality was among the hardest hit sectors. We are grateful for the opportunity to support those who contribute to making this city what it is.”
Sara Kayan, head of people at Equiti Group, added that the initiative reflects a broader commitment to social responsibility. “Through Family Meal, we aim to support individuals with dignity and contribute to a stronger sense of community and resilience,” she said.
Elias Kandalaft, chef and co-founder of The Art of Hosting, said the initiative highlights the role of food in expressing care. “For chefs, cooking has always been about more than food. It is how we support our community, especially in challenging times,” he said.
Each meal box carries Family Meal and partner branding, underscoring the collective nature of the effort. The initiative also invites public participation, with individuals able to sponsor a meal for AED 45.
For more information or to contribute, contact [email protected].
