Muna Almansoori: The Trailblazing Emirati Chef Who’s Redefining Culinary Excellence
Muna Almansoori, an Emirati chef, is a name that has become synonymous with culinary excellence, both in the UAE and around the globe. Born in Bain Al Jessrain, Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi, Muna’s journey into the culinary world is one of resilience, determination, and a deep desire to represent Emirati cuisine on the global stage. From prestigious kitchens to international competitions, Muna has not only made her mark but has also helped shine a light on Emirati women in the hospitality industry.
A Culinary Education Rooted in Global Standards
Muna’s culinary path began with formal education, a necessary foundation for her future success. In 2015, she graduated with diplomas in Culinary Arts and Hospitality from McQueens University, UK, and the American University in Culinary and Hospitality Sciences. This solid educational background was just the beginning of what would become a trailblazing career in the culinary world.
“Cooking is an art,” Muna says, reflecting on her education and early career. “But it also requires discipline, just like any other professional field. I knew I had to approach it with the same seriousness as other university degrees, such as engineering or medicine.”
Her formal training helped Muna break into the competitive world of high-end hotels and restaurants. In 2015, she started her career at the Hilton Al Hamra Hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, quickly advancing to important roles. By 2021, Muna became the Head Chef at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel in Abu Dhabi, where she continues to lead the team today.
Empowering Emirati Women Through Culinary Arts
Muna’s rise in the culinary industry wasn’t without its challenges. At the start of her career, societal perceptions of women in the culinary world were difficult to navigate. In particular, there was a misconception that women, especially Emiratis, shouldn’t pursue cooking as a career. However, Muna was determined to prove that Emirati women could not only work in the hospitality industry but excel in it.
“I was part of the first group of Emirati women to enter the tourism sector, and we faced many challenges,” she recalls. “But I was determined to show that we could bring our own unique touch to the world of cooking and hospitality.”
Muna has always been passionate about showcasing the strength and resilience of Emirati women. She has used her platform to organize cooking competitions, participate in television programs, and engage in press publications. By doing so, Muna continues to inspire other Emirati women to pursue their passions, be it in cooking, hospitality, or any other field.
A Champion of Emirati Cuisine on the Global Stage
One of Muna’s most significant contributions has been her role in promoting Emirati cuisine on the global stage. She has worked tirelessly to elevate the flavors of her homeland, advocating for the unique tastes and ingredients of Emirati dishes to be recognized worldwide.
“Emirati cuisine is like no other,” Muna explains. “It’s rich in flavors, heritage, and culture. Our ingredients like dates, saffron, ghee, and black lemon powder are now being adopted internationally, and it’s exciting to see the world take notice.”
Her journey in bringing Emirati food to the world stage took another step forward when she participated in the Expo 2020 Dubai, where she highlighted Emirati cuisine at the Asian Pavilion in collaboration with the UAE University. Muna’s involvement in the prestigious event was a key moment in raising global awareness of Emirati culinary traditions.
Additionally, she has been a prominent figure in organizing cooking competitions, such as at the Al Dhafra Festival and Zayed Heritage Festival. These events serve as platforms for Muna to showcase traditional Emirati recipes while incorporating modern twists that appeal to a global audience.
Pushing Boundaries in Culinary Education
As someone who has seen the rise of Emirati cuisine globally, Muna is equally passionate about the importance of culinary education. She strongly believes that culinary programs should be given the same status as other university degrees like engineering or medicine. For Muna, providing young Emirati chefs with the necessary skills and training is essential for the continued growth of Emirati cuisine.
“I want to see a culinary academy set up at a public university in the UAE,” she says. “It’s time that culinary arts are viewed as a respected academic discipline, and I am committed to making that happen.”
Through her own experiences and the guidance of mentors such as Chef Ayoub, Muna has learned that true excellence in the kitchen comes from continuous learning. She regularly participates in culinary seminars and self-development courses, constantly honing her craft and transferring her knowledge to younger chefs.
A Resilient Advocate for Sustainable Practices
As global trends shift towards sustainability, Muna has made it a point to incorporate eco-friendly practices into her culinary work. She recognizes that the culinary world must adapt to modern environmental standards and has actively pursued initiatives in her kitchen to reduce waste and replace plastic materials with more sustainable alternatives.
“We’ve made it a point to grow our own ingredients at the hotel,” she shares. “It’s something that not only enhances the quality of our dishes but also promotes a healthier, more sustainable way of working.”
Her involvement in sustainability and technology in the culinary world goes hand-in-hand with her belief that chefs must always evolve and adapt to new challenges. Muna’s awareness of food trends and sustainability ensures that her work remains relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
Breaking Stereotypes and Inspiring the Next Generation
Muna’s dedication to breaking stereotypes is exemplified in a particular moment that has stayed with her over the years. A German tourist once questioned why an Emirati woman like Muna was working in a hotel kitchen, believing that Emiratis were too privileged to take on such roles. Muna’s gracious response and the ensuing conversation left a lasting impact on both the tourist and her own perspective.
“That experience showed me how important it is to be an ambassador for my country,” she reflects. “By embracing our culture and heritage while excelling in our work, we can change the way the world views Emiratis.”
Muna continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of Emirati cuisine, particularly through her mentorship of aspiring chefs. She regularly participates in events like the Career Lab Emirati Hospitality Program, which seeks to employ Emirati youth in the tourism and hospitality sectors. As an advocate for Emirati faces in the hospitality industry, Muna has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of such programs.
Looking Ahead: Muna’s Future Vision
Muna’s journey is far from over. As she continues to lead as Head Chef at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel and expand her reach globally, Muna is focused on the future of Emirati cuisine and hospitality.
Her long-term goal is to create a culinary academy that would provide high-quality education to aspiring chefs in the UAE. She envisions a future where culinary arts are celebrated and respected on the same level as other academic disciplines.
“The future is bright for Emirati cuisine,” Muna says. “We’re not only keeping our traditions alive, but we’re also sharing them with the world in new, innovative ways. I’m excited to be a part of that journey.”
With her unwavering passion and commitment to excellence, Muna Almansoori continues to redefine the culinary world, one Emirati dish at a time.
Final Thoughts: An Ambassador for Emirati Hospitality
Muna Almansoori’s dedication to promoting Emirati cuisine and hospitality has solidified her position as a leader in the culinary world. She continues to break barriers, redefine expectations, and inspire the next generation of chefs.
Her message is simple: “Embrace your roots, pursue excellence, and never stop learning. The world is your kitchen.”
As Muna continues her mission to share the flavors of her homeland with the world, one dish at a time, she remains a beacon of inspiration for Emirati women and chefs everywhere.
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