Leading local and international brands, together with some of Dubai’s most respected chefs, have come together to support the people at the heart of the hospitality sector through ‘Family Meal’. Led by The Art of Hosting (TAOH) in collaboration with Equiti Group, Sole, Jack Daniel’s,Essentially, Moloobhoy & Brown, Plus1 Communications, Freedom Studio,and food supply partner Aramtec, the initiative reflects a unified, community-driven effort.
Following its first successful meal distribution on 10th April, the initiative will continue across two further Fridays, 17th and 24th April, with a total of 1,500 gourmet meal boxes prepared and delivered to support staff across the hospitality sector. Each box includes a main course, side dish, dessert and beverages, with fresh juices provided by Essentially,thoughtfully curated to deliver a high-quality, chef-led dining experience.
At its core, the initiative responds to ongoing challenges within the sector, supporting individuals across the entire hospitality ecosystem, from bartenders, waiters, chefs and baristas to hostesses, supervisors and back-of-house teams. By delivering meals directly to those affected, Family Meal reinforces a message of support from within the industry itself.
All meals are prepared centrally at Aramtec’s kitchen facility in Al Quoz, where participating chefs collaborate with the TAOH team to develop and execute their menus. From there, distribution is managed through TAOH’s fleet of catering vans, supported by volunteers, ensuring meals reach communities across Satwa, Bur Dubai, Deira, Karama and Sharjah.
Participating chefs include Chef Milan Jurkovic (21grams) bringing Balkan heritage into a contemporary, sustainability-led culinary style; Chef Hadrien Villedieu (Chez Wham), with a career shaped alongside globally renowned chefs and now leading collaborative dining experiences through his “Coolabs” series; Chef Ahmad Halawa, a former advertising professional now hosting Levantine dining experiences; Chef Elias Kandalaft (TAOH), founder of award-winning catering company Pinch Gourmet and co-founder of The Art of Hosting; Chef Earl Roland (TAOH), drawing on experience across Michelin-starred kitchens and international restaurant openings; Chef Robert Jhan (Aramtec), a Chef de Cuisine with 16+ years’ experience in high-volume kitchen operations; Chef Sultan & Kinda Chatila (Eleven Green) having transitioned from a Fortune 500 leadership role to co-found a purpose-driven food concept; and Chef Shaw Lash (Lila Taqueria) focused on authentic Mexican cuisine rooted in traditional techniques and heritage ingredients. Alongside additional culinary talent, each bringing their expertise to create meals that reflect both quality and care.
Kiah Khan, CEO of The Art of Hosting, said: “As a catering and events company, we didn’t want to sit on the sidelines. Our hospitality community is struggling, and we feel a responsibility to give back. That’s what has led us to create Family Meal, bringing together local chefs and corporate partners who wanted to give back and support the industry. Together, we’re showing up for our community when it matters most. This is hospitality with a purpose.”
Rajat Malhotra, Partner, Sole, commented: “Hospitality got hit first and it got hit hard. We’re grateful for the opportunity to step up, with our industry partners, to support some of our brothers and sisters who make this city a better place to live. We’re all in this together.”
Sara Kayan, Head of People at Equiti Group, shared: “At Equiti, we believe giving back is not just a responsibility, but a reflection of our shared humanity. Through Family Meal, we are honoured to support individuals across Dubai with dignity, care, and compassion, helping to uplift lives and foster a deeper sense of connection, inclusion, and resilience within our community.”
“For chefs, cooking has always been about more than food — it’s how we express care. When the people who make this industry run are struggling, the kitchen is the only answer we know. Every plate we’ll prepare through this initiative carries that same intention: to nourish, to show up, and to remind our community that they’re not forgotten,” added Elias Kandalaft, Chef and co-founder of The Art of Hosting.
Each meal box is branded with Family Meal and partner logos, serving as a visible reminder of the collective effort behind the initiative. By bringing together leading brands, culinary talent and volunteers, Family Meal demonstrates how the hospitality industry can unite in times of need, not only to serve, but to support its own.
Individuals are invited to further support the initiative by paying forward a meal for a hospitality worker, with each meal box priced at AED 45. To participate or learn more, please contact info@theartofhosting.me
The post Leading Local And Global Brands Unite To Launch ‘Family Meal’ In Support Of The UAE’s Hospitality Sector first appeared on UAE Today Blog.
