The Middle East’s women in food and beverage (F&B) are no longer just part of the story—they are writing it. We spotlight 10 women who are revolutionizing the region’s F&B industry, showcasing its culinary prowess with their innovative leadership and impact. These women, chefs, businesswomen, entrepreneurs, and leaders, exemplify why the Middle East is one of the most exciting places in the world for culinary innovation.
Diana Rysbaeva: Restauranteur and Founder, Shi, Moli by Shi, Jixiang
Diana Rysbaeva, the founder and CEO of SHI Investment Company, has made her mark in Dubai’s high-end dining scene with successful ventures like SHI Restaurant and MOLI by SHI. With a diverse background in history, business management, economics, and politics, Rysbaeva offers a refined Chinese dining experience through MOLI by SHI, located in Dubai Hills Business Park. Her dedication to sustainability and innovation is setting new standards in the industry.
Dona Murad: Founder, Librae
Bahraini F&B entrepreneur Dona Murad, along with her husband Andre Gerschel, has expanded the Librae bakery brand globally. After launching concepts in the Middle East and the UK, Murad pivoted into the bakery business during the pandemic, taking Bahraini culture worldwide with her ventures.
Eva Halasa: Founder, Three by Eva
TV host Eva Halasa, with her two daughters, launched Three by Eva, a home-grown restaurant serving elevated Middle Eastern cuisine in Jumeirah. Their mission to champion Jordanian cuisine and inspire more women in leadership roles in F&B has made a significant impact on Dubai’s dining scene.
Gabrielle F. Mather: Founder and CEO, Restaurant Secrets Inc
Gabrielle Mather, CEO & founder of Restaurant Secrets Inc, Cornerstone 61 Consultancy, and 1640 Bistronomy, stands at the forefront of restaurant consulting across the GCC. With over 400 successful concepts under her belt, Mather’s strategic acumen and visionary leadership continue to drive innovation and excellence in the industry.
Jenny Segalowitz: Owner, Mukbang Korean Show
Raised in the slums of the Philippines, Jenny Segalowitz overcame adversity to establish Mukbang Shows Restaurant in Abu Dhabi, a destination for Korean barbecue and seafood lovers. Her resilient work ethic and appreciation for food’s value have propelled her entrepreneurial success.
Iman Nazemi: Founder, Kishmish
Iman Nazemi, head chef and founder of Afghan restaurant Kishmish, has revived her establishment after COVID-19 challenges, capturing guests’ hearts with her intuitive cooking and creativity. Her journey inspires other women in the industry to realize their ambitions without formal culinary training.
Julia Ruaud: CEO, NOHM Hospitality
Julia Ruaud, CEO of NOHM Hospitality, has charted an impressive course in the hospitality industry. From her beginnings in Cannes to her leadership in Dubai, Ruaud’s hands-on approach and strategic collaborations with renowned brands continue to expand NOHM Hospitality’s international portfolio.
Kim Thompson: Founder & Managing Director, RAW Coffee Company
Kim Thompson, founder and managing director of RAW Coffee Company, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the UAE’s coffee scene. Her commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and gender equity has set a benchmark for ethical business practices in the industry.
Lily Hoa Nguyen: Founder & CEO, Vietnamese Foodies
Lily Hoa Nguyen, starting her culinary journey at five, identified a gap in Dubai’s market for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Since opening the first Vietnamese Foodies in 2018, Nguyen has expanded to eight locations by 2024, maintaining high quality and bringing pho and banh mi to the forefront of Dubai’s casual dining scene.
Lisa Knight and New Co-founders, Café Isan
Chef New and partner Lisa Knight have successfully expanded Café Isan from a home cooking venture to a multi-location restaurant in Dubai. Their customer-centric approach and passion for traditional Thai cuisine have earned them multiple awards and a significant following.
The influence of these women, along with many others, highlights the growing role of female leaders in the Middle East’s F&B industry. They are not only shaping the culinary landscape but also inspiring countless others with their dedication, creativity, and innovation.
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