A Unique Collaboration

Jun’s is a restaurant that blends diverse cultural influences, creating dishes with a strong narrative. Since opening, it has built a reputation for creativity. Now, it teams up with Shams El Balad, Jordan’s top restaurant, for an evening of bold flavours and inventive pairings.

Both chefs bring distinct backgrounds to the table. Chef Qais, influenced by his Palestinian-Jordanian roots, and Chef Kelvin, shaped by his Chinese-Canadian upbringing, will craft a menu that merges traditional techniques with modern interpretations. Having previously worked together at the Jordan Food Festival, they are eager to reunite in Dubai, sharing their culinary journeys with guests.

A Curated Tasting Experience

The multi-course menu, priced at AED 495 per person (food only), features an array of refined dishes. The evening begins with fresh oysters, followed by aromatic lobster. A refreshing watermelon dish provides a crisp contrast before the rich, savoury kofta. Next, guests will enjoy earthy foul, leading into scallop, which balances umami and spice. The indulgent short rib rounds off the savoury courses with deep, satisfying flavours.

A selection of sides will accompany the main dishes, adding layers of tangy, smoky, and vibrant notes. For dessert, a refreshing sago dish cleanses the palate before an assortment of petit fours provides a sweet finale.

An Unmissable Evening

This exclusive dinner offers more than just a meal—it is a celebration of culture, creativity, and fine dining. With two of the Middle East’s top chefs collaborating, guests can expect an unforgettable evening of flavour, artistry, and culinary storytelling.

Reserve your seat for this one-night-only experience and witness the fusion of two extraordinary culinary minds.

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Running until 9 February, the festival features over 450 workshops and talks covering arts, design, architecture, visual storytelling, and traditional crafts. The event supports the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, ensuring a rich cultural experience for attendees. The festival’s sessions are led by industry experts and artists, offering valuable insights and practical training. Al Shindagha Museum, the UAE’s largest heritage museum, has been transformed into a dynamic hub for creativity.

Sikka Art & Design Festival : Hands-On Artistic Workshops

The festival offers workshops tailored to various creative disciplines. Emerging City is hosting Gypsum Art, where participants explore gypsum carving techniques. The Traditional Jewellery House presents Jewellery Making: Marriyah (Necklace), providing hands-on experience in crafting traditional ornaments.

Visitors at the People and Faith House can join Henna Stencil and Prayer Bead Crafting sessions. The Traditional Crafts House introduces Spindle, a workshop on hand-weaving using traditional tools.

At House 355 – Masterpieces, creativity takes center stage with Graffiti Art: Express Yourself with Spray Paint, where participants learn graffiti fundamentals from a professional artist. House 341 – Realiity House offers Doodles & AI, transforming simple sketches into digital art using artificial intelligence. The Glitch Art session explores creative distortions inspired by digital effects.

Workshops at House 314 by Sxill Lab include Handmade Tile Making and Cheese Board Design. Meanwhile, House 326 – Sikka Platform presents sustainability-focused sessions such as Sustainability Now: Eco-Friendly Solutions and Perfume Making for Adults. At House 15, Tashkeel hosts modern printing workshops like Hand Printing on Bags and Riso Printing.

Sikka Art & Design Festival : Music, Writing, and Storytelling

At House 196 – Urban House by The Workshop DXB, singer Shilpa Ananth leads Unlocking Authenticity: The Psychology of Songwriting. The session delves into emotional and experiential influences on songwriting, helping participants refine their music composition skills.

The Merin Pavilion hosts Letters to the City: Writing Public Spaces, where attendees reflect on meaningful locations in Dubai by writing personalized messages dedicated to them.

Inspiring Talks and Creative Discussions

The festival includes Sikka Speaks, a dedicated space featuring leading creatives discussing industry trends. Highlights include:

• Creative Minds: Art Therapy for Young Explorers – Art therapist Caline Boghos guides children through therapeutic practices and imaginative play.
• Immersive Magic: Where Art, Music, and Technology Transform Experiences – A panel featuring Anna Lebedeva, Jalal Luqman, Maryam Al Obeidli, Denis Rosiev, Evgenia Romanidi, and Nicholas Mann, moderated by Elias Attallah.
• Decoding Humour: The Art of Multicultural Comedy in Dubai – Featuring comedians Shadi Jad and Saniya Abbas, moderated by Liz Baines.
• Artistic Intervention in Satwa: Tracing Urban Nostalgia – A discussion led by Khalil Abdulwahid and Karim Jabbari.
• Go Global! International Opportunities & Strategies for Dubai-Based Artists – Moderated by Sophie Mayuko, featuring Sanaz Askari, Giuseppe Moscatello, and Behrang Samadzadkan.

A Collaborative Effort

The festival is organized in partnership with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Emirates Council for Rural Development. This collaborative effort ensures a world-class platform for artists, designers, and cultural enthusiasts.

With an extensive lineup of workshops, talks, and exhibitions, Sikka Art & Design Festival 2025 continues to establish Dubai as a leading creative and cultural hub.

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“This strategic partnership aligns with Dubai’s vision to amplify its media presence on a global scale,” said H.E. Mohamed Al Mulla. He underscored the importance of empowering content creators whose works echo local culture and languages, asserting that the media industry plays a pivotal role in nurturing these narratives.

As part of the agreement, Dubai Studios will sponsor the International Emmy World Television Festival and the prestigious International Emmy Awards Gala in New York in 2025.

Furthermore, it will host semi-final judging events for the International Emmy Awards competition in Dubai each year, highlighting the UAE’s growing influence in the global television sector.

“We are delighted to welcome Dubai Studios as a sponsor of the International Academy,” commented Bruce L. Paisner. “We look forward to bringing the global television community together in Dubai for Academy Day.” This event will serve as a vital platform for networking and collaboration among industry professionals.

In addition to these initiatives, Dubai Studios plans to organize an exclusive invite-only “Academy Day in Dubai” for International Academy members, with the date to be confirmed shortly. This four-day event aims to shine a spotlight on the region’s culture and media landscape, offering participants a deeper understanding of local business models and cultural institutions. By facilitating cross-border cooperation, this partnership is set to enhance the cultural tapestry of the international entertainment industry, further establishing Dubai as a pivotal hub for media and creativity.

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Developed in partnership with global digital consultancy Monstarlab, the Digital Creative Economy 2024 white paper by d3 and Dubai Media City compiles feedback from engagements with more than 20 leaders and a survey of 400 UAE- and internationally-based design and media professionals to provide a holistic overview of growth opportunities in the global digital creative economy.

The white paper’s launch comes as Dubai reaffirms its position as the global capital of the creative economy, ranking first on the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Index for project inflows and job opportunities in the cultural and creative industries in 2023, according to the fDi Markets report by the Financial Times. 

The global digital creative economy is expected to note compounding growth of 11% each year to reach a valuation of AED 27 trillion by 2030, according to an innovative market sizing model built by Monstarlab that reflects the average combined sizes of the global design and media markets as well as verticals defined by global and UAE standards, including books, audio-visual media, culture and heritage, visual arts, fashion, and product design. 

The white paper’s findings come at a pivotal time for creative industries as the advent of generative AI breaks new ground in production processes to transform existing business models. Developed by d3 and Dubai Media City, two of TECOM Group’s 10 sector-specific business districts across Dubai, the paper explores how the accelerated trajectory of emerging technologies is influencing skills and services ranging from fashion design and architecture through to visual arts, advertising, and events. 

“There has been a seismic shift in how content is produced, distributed, and monetised over the past decade, and the rapid pace of this convergence demands tomorrow’s talent is armed with the necessary skills and training to unlock its full potential,” said Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of Dubai Media City, at TECOM Group. 

“AI, Web3, and virtual reality are swiftly pushing the horizon of what’s possible for the future of media, but this tech-driven landscape demands a deep, holistic understanding of the implications of these new tools. Strategic support, be it through Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ or Dubai Media’s vision to champion homegrown content creation, is crucial to nurturing such innovation-led creativity, and Dubai Media City is committed to enhancing the local media sector’s value chain by contributing to these programmes. It’s an exciting era for content creators as technology redefines every facet of our lives, and our white paper provides a blueprint for a new breed of creative innovators to chart their future success.”

“The creative industries are an undeniable springboard for economic growth,” said Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), at TECOM Group. “Strategic support in our city, too, is geared towards helping to unlock the potential of the creative sector. This is apparent in the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, which aims to raise the GDP contribution of creative industries to 5% by next year.

“Strategic initiatives, targeted development and pro-business policies, and a diverse, multicultural population are cultivating an outstanding global creative community, which has been instrumental to Dubai’s status as a UNESCO City of Design and driving FDI in the creative sector. To build upon Dubai’s flourishing contribution to the global design sector, we must continue to look forward and prepare for the next priorities courageously, collaboratively, and innovatively. This white paper demonstrates our deep commitment at d3 to championing this vital conversation and ensuring an even stronger future that is informed, favourable and progressive for all our creative stakeholders.” 

As global creative talent taps into the transformative potential of generative AI to automate, optimise, or innovate its work, the white paper explores how the trend is helping the ‘creator economy’ reshape content generation and enabling customer-centricity in commercial applications. More than 42% of design and 46% of media professionals surveyed for the white paper expect advanced emerging technologies and the adoption of AI solutions to impact their field of expertise in the coming years. 

The study also explores the UAE’s role as a contributor to the global creative industry, particularly as the fastest mover within the GCC to grow and digitise its creative economy. The majority of design (83%) and media (77%) of professionals surveyed for the white paper agree Dubai and the UAE provide well-developed infrastructure to enable creative excellence.

Benchmarking Dubai against global design capitals like Milan and London as well as media centres such as Manchester and Los Angeles, d3’s and Dubai Media City’s white paper finds Dubai has established itself as a global player through key levers nurturing the digital creative economy, including talent, government support, innovation, and infrastructure. 

Events like Dubai Fashion Week, co-founded in February 2023 by d3 and the Arab Fashion Council, have firmly established the city’s position on the global creativity landscape. Strategic visions like Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, and Dubai’s Universal Blueprint for AI (DUB.AI) – as well as the establishment of the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, the first of its kind in the GCC – are accelerating the integration of AI across all facets of Dubai’s diversified economy. 

Furthermore, initiatives like ‘We the UAE 2031’ and the UAE Cabinet’s decision to implement a CEO for AI across ministries and federal entities are fostering an environment conducive to developing and strengthening the local value chain for future-focused creativity. 

Click here to download your copy of the Digital Creative Economy 2024 white paper presented by Dubai Design District (d3) and Dubai Media City. 

The white paper’s launch follows the announcement of an expansion plan for d3, which enhances the creative economy by elevating local, regional, and international designers, creating synergies between global ecosystems to inspire, connect, and grow creatives at all stages of their journey with a dedicated industry ecosystem that features flexible offices, coworking spaces, in5 Design – the dedicated industry vertical of TECOM Group’s start-up incubator in5 – and a packed calendar that turns d3 from an address for businesses to a living, breathing ecosystem. 

In August 2024, TECOM Group commenced the development of six Grade-A office buildings within Phase 2 of d3 as the destination remains a sought-after address for customers across the design, fashion, and creative sectors, including Chopard, Zaha Hadid Architects, Chalhoub Group, and Burberry.

Its sister destination Dubai Media City is the cradle of the UAE and the region’s creative economy and provides a platform for high-quality media and content production as the regional address of industry giants like CNN, Thomson Reuters and OSN. Alongside Dubai Production City, which is home to in5 Media – TECOM Group’s dedicated vertical for the media industry under the in5 umbrella – and Dubai Studio City, the destination creates an integrated media ecosystem that is home to more than 3,500 customers and over 38,000 creative professionals.

Dubai Design District (d3) and Dubai Media City are among TECOM Group’s portfolio of 10 business districts, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Industrial City, and Dubai Science Park.

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Q.1. What does Blacklane hope to achieve with the series and what are the future plans with the series?

‘In The Blacklane’ produced by Blacklane ME is an engaging content series that weaves a rich mosaic of stories featuring entrepreneurs and influential personalities who have made significant strides in Dubai.

Filmed in the comfort of Blacklane’s all-electric Mercedes EQS vehicle and presented by Salama Mohammed, one of Forbes’ Top Women Entrepreneurs and founder of Peacefull skincare, this series offers exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the lives and careers of Dubai’s business and cultural icons. It features renowned figures like Joey Ghazal, Amna Al Qubaisi, Freek, Ameni Esseibi, and world-renowned artist and humanitarian Sacha Jafri, and aims to inspire with their stories of perseverance and success, highlighting Dubai as a hub for innovation and achievement.

With nearly 13 million views across 5 episodes, we plan to continue the series, and potentially add a sub-series that will spotlight UAE based trailblazers within a specific industry, further spotlighting Dubai’s cultural and entrepreneurial landscape.

Q.2. “In the Blacklane” takes place in the Mercedes EQS vehicle, a state-of-the-art electric car. What does Blacklane think of the future of the electric car chauffeur service?

At Blacklane, we are committed to pioneering sustainable luxury travel and are proud to be at the forefront of this transformative change. In the UAE, we operate an all-electric first-class fleet of Mercedes EQS vehicles. This choice was made not only to meet the growing market demand for sustainable chauffeur services but also because the EQS combines state-of-the-art electric technology with the luxurious comfort our guests expect.

The Mercedes EQS is a pinnacle of eco-friendly innovation that delivers a superior guest experience. Renowned for its dynamic performance and luxurious amenities, it allows us to reduce our carbon footprint significantly while ensuring that our services remain first-class. Features such as in-car WIFI, noise cancellation, ventilated massage seats, spacious interiors, and cutting-edge HEPA filteration systems ensure that each journey is a sublime experience. Furthermore, its impressive range and fast-charging capabilities mean minimal downtime, allowing us to serve more clients efficiently and sustainably.

Looking forward, we see the adoption of electric vehicles not as a fleeting trend but as a permanent evolution in luxury travel. By 2025, we aim to ensure that 50% of our rides globally are electric. This commitment demonstrates that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist seamlessly, setting a standard we believe the entire industry will eventually adopt.

Q.3. Has the series managed to get some exclusive insights into the lives of the personalities that have been featured in the Blacklane?

The main purpose of this series was not just to spotlight the successes and learnings of these individuals but also to highlight their unique personalities and characters. With the ‘In the Blacklane’ series, I believe we have successfully accomplished just that. Each episode begins with a quick-fire round of light-hearted and fun questions before diving deeper into their earliest memories, celebrated triumphs, challenges faced, and the driving forces behind their success.

By uncovering pivotal moments in their careers and lives through fun and heartwarming questions, the series offers an intimate glimpse into the real life of these extraordinary individuals, providing an understanding of their journeys and making the series both engaging and informative.

Q.4. What does Blacklane aim to achieve with ‘In the Blacklane’ over the next few years?

Firstly, it is important for us as a brand to be seen as more than just a service provider but also as one that deeply values the city and its residents. Through this content series, we are breaking industry boundaries by creating value-driven content rather than service-oriented material.

By going beyond traditional branding and showcasing the stories and achievements of remarkable individuals in Dubai, we aim to create a more relatable and engaging connection with our audience, highlighting the values of our brand and its deep connection to the vibrant city. This personal touch adds depth to our brand identity and allows us to connect with our audience on a more meaningful level. We are exploring the possibility of potentially extending the reach of this content series to international metropolises where Blacklane operates like London, Miami, and New York, mirroring the success we’ve achieved in Dubai and connecting with global audiences through relatable, inspiring content that highlights the values of our brand

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This annual festival plays an important role in promoting Arabian horse racing on a global scale, celebrating and preserving the sport’s rich heritage and traditions. The event will showcase high-profile races and distinguished participants, including the Société Hippique Française (SHF), demonstrating their expertise and the exceptional excellence of the French equestrian sector.

Société Hippique Française – SHF : A Highlight of Tradition and Excellence
The Société Hippique Française, established in 1865 and accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture, is a pivotal association in the realm of sport and leisure horse and pony breeding. SHF plays a vital role in organizing events that unite stakeholders in the production, enhancement, and marketing of young horses and ponies. Their participation in the Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival further emphasizes the event’s prestige and highlights the significance of French equine expertise on an international stage.

Excellence of French Genetic Heritage
SHF is renowned for its superior equine genetic heritage, breeding distinguished breeds such as the French Saddle Horse, Anglo-Arab, Arabian, and French Riding Pony. At the festival, SHF will showcase these purebred horses, demonstrating French expertise in selection and care. French horses, known for their beauty and performance, are a testament to meticulous breeding traditions that combine carefully selected lineages and advanced breeding techniques, earning them an international reputation. This event provides SHF with an opportunity to display how their breeding meets the high standards demanded by Emirati and regional buyers.

With over 33,000 breeders and owners of mares in 2022, the equine sector is essential in France, generating 66,000 primary activity jobs nationwide. The French equine industry’s prowess was further demonstrated when the French team won the world championship title in 2023 with 100% French horses.

French Breeding Excellence and Endurance at SHF’s Grand Events
The Société Hippique Française organizes two major events that offer exceptional opportunities for breeders, owners, riders, and buyers to engage with the vibrant equine sector:

The Grand Week of Fontainebleau: From August 22 to September 1, this event features 1,850 horses (mainly French Saddle Horse “Selle Français”) aged 2 to 7 years competing in breeding, show jumping, and hunter style competitions. It is a cornerstone event that showcases the finest young horses and ponies, offering a unique platform for networking and collaboration. With the approach of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, this event gains additional significance, serving as a prelude to the equestrian events at the Olympics, highlighting France’s dedication to equine excellence on the world stage.

The Grand Endurance Week in Lignières-en-Berry: Held from October 11 to 13, this event gathers young arabian and anglo-arabian horses from the French Equestrian Society. It highlights the endurance and versatility of these horses, reflecting the meticulous breeding and training traditions upheld by SHF. This event also aligns with the upcoming Olympic spirit, showcasing the stamina and resilience required in competitive equestrian sports.

These events are very important moments in the equine calendar, fostering a vibrant community and offering unparalleled opportunities for engagement.

Unique Expertise for the Emirati Market
SHF highlights its expertise in breeding, training, and enhancement by engaging with the Emirati equine market, fostering stronger ties between the French equine sector and the UAE. The Gulf countries, particularly the UAE, play a significant role in this sector through the purchase of purebred French horses, renowned for their endurance, elegance, and performance. SHF’s long tradition and globally recognized expertise in selecting lineages and providing high-quality care are instrumental in meeting the needs of the Emirati market.

The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival in France underscores the deep cultural exchange between the UAE and France, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance the global appeal of Arabian horse racing. SHF is honored to participate in the event, showcasing French expertise in equine breeding and highlighting the importance of international cooperation in the equestrian world.

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1. La Petite Maison

Located in DIFC, La Petite Maison is a must-visit for those who love French Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is famous for its light, healthy, and flavorful dishes. Signature offerings like the warm prawns with olive oil, and the salt-baked sea bass showcase the simplicity and elegance of French cooking.

2. Zuma

Zuma, situated in the heart of DIFC, offers a contemporary twist on Japanese izakaya dining. With a menu that features fresh sushi, sashimi, and robata grill dishes, Zuma combines traditional Japanese flavors with a modern touch. The black cod marinated in miso and the spicy beef tenderloin are must-tries.

3. Nobu

At Atlantis, The Palm, Nobu brings a fusion of traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients. This globally acclaimed restaurant by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is known for its innovative dishes like black cod yuzu miso and yellowtail jalapeno. The chic ambiance and impeccable service make it a favorite among gourmands.

4. Pierchic

For a romantic gourmet dining experience over the waters of the Arabian Gulf, Pierchic at Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, is unparalleled. This overwater restaurant specializes in seafood and offers stunning views of the Burj Al Arab. Signature dishes include the seafood risotto and the king crab legs, which are prepared with utmost precision and care.

5. Thiptara

Located at The Palace Downtown, Thiptara offers exquisite Thai cuisine with a magical view of the Dubai Fountain. The restaurant’s name means ‘Magic at the Water,’ and it lives up to it with dishes like the delicious green curry and the perfectly spiced tom yum goong. The romantic setting and authentic flavors make Thiptara a top choice for fine dining.

6. Coya

Coya, at Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach, brings a vibrant Peruvian dining experience to Dubai. The menu is rich with ceviches, tiraditos, and anticuchos. The restaurant also features a Pisco Bar and a live DJ, making it a lively spot for both dining and socializing.

7. Armani/Ristorante

Located in the iconic Burj Khalifa, Armani/Ristorante is a haven for lovers of Italian cuisine. The restaurant, curated by Giorgio Armani, offers a menu that blends traditional Italian flavors with contemporary techniques. Dishes like the truffle risotto and the slow-cooked lamb are highlights, paired with an extensive selection of fine wines.

8. STAY by Yannick Alléno

At One&Only The Palm, STAY by Yannick Alléno offers a unique dining experience that combines French culinary heritage with innovative techniques. Chef Yannick Alléno’s menu features signature dishes like the black truffle tarte fine and the chocolate soufflé, each crafted to perfection.

Conclusion

Dubai’s gourmet dining scene is a testament to the city’s dedication to culinary excellence. Whether you’re in the mood for French elegance, Japanese precision, or Peruvian vibrancy, Dubai has a restaurant that will satisfy your palate. These top-rated establishments not only offer exquisite food but also provide an exceptional dining experience that reflects the city’s luxury and charm. For foodies, Dubai is a destination that promises endless culinary delights and unforgettable meals.

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