Exclusive Interview with Mohamed Rifky, Executive Chef at DREAM Dinner Show
“Mother Nature is the true artist, if you know how to work with her.” – Chef Mohamed Rifky
At DREAM Dubai, the spotlight doesn’t stop at the stage—it extends to every dish. Executive Chef Mohamed Rifky ensures the kitchen plays just as vital a role in the performance. His approach? Be part of the show, not just support it. From humble beginnings in Sri Lanka to leading one of Dubai’s most theatrical dining venues, Rifky has mastered storytelling through food.
From Peeling to Purpose: A Journey in Motion
Chef Rifky’s path began beside his mother in their Sri Lankan kitchen. Years later, a manager in Abu Dhabi noticed how carefully he prepped ingredients and told him, “You do everything with care.”
“That remark stuck with me,” Rifky says. “It showed me that even the smallest actions can carry meaning.”
Since then, each step in his career has added a new layer to his culinary mindset. While working at a fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant, he realized how food could become art. Later, his time with Alain Ducasse in Dubai taught him to value every ingredient for its purpose. These moments, stitched together, built the foundation of his current philosophy.
Designing Plates That Move With the Performance
At DREAM, the theatrical energy flows into the food. Rifky doesn’t aim to compete with the show—instead, he complements it.
“We add theatrical elements—smoke, vibrant colors, even glow-in-the-dark effects—to mirror each season’s theme.”
Moreover, he draws creative fuel from color, contrast, and emotion. Every dish contributes to the mood, the momentum, and the magic. In this way, the dining experience becomes a seamless part of the spectacle.
A World of Influence, One Story on the Plate
Having trained in Chinese, Indian, Arabic, French, and Mediterranean cuisines, Rifky speaks many culinary languages. But DREAM’s menu isn’t about fusion—it’s about harmony.
“Strong foundations in technique let me move between styles freely,” he says.
Thanks to years of discipline, he’s able to blend global touches into Mediterranean roots without losing the integrity of either. As a result, the food feels familiar yet fresh, bold yet balanced.
Staying Ahead in a City of Evolving Palates
Dubai’s culinary landscape has transformed dramatically. Rifky arrived when options were limited. Today, the city rivals top dining destinations worldwide.
“Guests here want more than great flavor. They want emotion, artistry, and meaning,” he explains.
Naturally, staying ahead requires more than creativity. It demands awareness, flexibility, and continuous learning. Rifky listens closely—to guests, to his team, and to the shifting rhythm of the industry. Still, he never strays from the core identity of DREAM, believing innovation should be guided, not random. curve.
Mentorship, Mindset & the Art of Patience
Known for his approachable leadership, Rifky trains chefs by working alongside them.
“I guide through observation and repetition. Real growth comes from persistence—not perfection.”
Instead of standing above, he stands beside. He sees mistakes as valuable lessons and believes real mentorship begins with understanding. Ultimately, his goal is to help each young chef discover their rhythm in the kitchen—and their voice.
The Dish That Says It All: Josper-Grilled Prawns
Rifky’s personal favorite? The Josper-grilled prawns. The aroma instantly transports him to childhood seaside moments in Sri Lanka.
“It’s simple yet strong. It shows who I am, where I started, and what I value.”
Charcoal-grilled and rich with flavor, the dish reflects his roots, refined by experience. More importantly, it reminds him—and his guests—that food is memory in motion.
Who says you can’t enjoy the taste of peak-season mango in the middle of winter? The Brooklyn Creamery, the UAE’s premier better-for-you ice cream brand, makes it possible with its newest innovation: the Mango Sorbet Bar.
A bright and refreshing celebration of mango, the 37-calorie Mango Sorbet Bar is crafted for health-conscious dessert lovers, mango enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a little sunshine in their day. Made with just five ingredients, the bar delivers indulgent fruity flavour without compromise.
“We wanted to bring the natural, juicy goodness of real mango to our fans all year round,” says Shivaan Ghai, Founder of The Brooklyn Creamery. “With just 37 calories, the Mango Sorbet Bar delivers bright, authentic fruit flavour in a clean, low-calorie format — without compromising on ingredients or quality.
The Mango Sorbet Bar is 100% natural, free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. Its smooth, vibrant taste mirrors the luscious sweetness of real mango, transforming a simple sorbet into a moment of tropical escape. Perfect as a post-workout treat, afternoon pick-me-up, or light dessert, it proves that indulgence can be refreshing, simple, and better for you.
The new Mango Sorbet bar is available across the UAE for AED 9 per 55ml bar, via Deliveroo, Talabat, Noon Food, and Careem.
With this launch, The Brooklyn Creamery continues to redefine indulgence, offering flavors that surprise, delight, and deliver a creamy, satisfying experience.
This festive season, celebrate Christmas with a touch of sophistication and sky-high style at OAnjo, Dubai’s elegant rooftop restaurant where Japanese culinary artistry meets the vibrant spirit of Peruvian flavours. With panoramic skyline views and a specially curated three-course festive menu, OAnjo invites guests to experience the true spirit of Christmas — refined, joyful, and unforgettable.
Guests are invited to indulge in a three-course festive menu, thoughtfully curated to showcase the elegance and balance of modern Japanese cuisine with the warmth and zest of Peru. From delicate sushi creations to exquisitely grilled dishes, each course reflects OAnjo’s signature precision and flair — an ode to Japan’s culinary philosophy of harmony, simplicity, and flavour.
Guests can choose from two festive packages designed to suit every celebration:
With panoramic views of Dubai’s glittering skyline, OAnjo provides the perfect backdrop for festive gatherings, intimate dinners, and joyful moments shared under the stars. Guests can toast to the holidays while savouring exceptional dishes and soaking in the restaurant’s stylish, serene ambiance.
Book your table today and make this Christmas one to remember — where good food, great company, and breathtaking views come together in perfect harmony.
Event Details OAnjo Restaurant, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Christmas Eve Dinner Celebration — December 24
Honeycomb Hi-Fi is turning December into a month-long celebration of international sound. The venue has announced a trio of standout DJ nights, each spotlighting deep grooves, eclectic vibes and artists who really know what they’re doing.
The series opens on Friday, 5 December, with WASS & NESTA. Known for their dynamic, rhythm-driven sets and the ability to read the room, the duo is set to ignite the dancefloor, turning the night into a serious dialogue between DJs and the crowd.
On Thursday, 11 December, the spotlight turns to a Jazz Kissa-inspired evening featuring Dan Greenpeace, Frezidante and Amir. Each brings a distinctly different musical lens, resulting in a flowy blend of jazz influences, broken beats and soulful house.
Rounding out the month is “Italian Job” on Friday, 19 December, led by LTJ and Tommy Outside. The pair will deliver a tribute to Italy’s influential electronic music with warm textures, timeless grooves and the kind of sophisticated selections that have made Italian DJs beloved around the world.
Throughout all three nights, guests can enjoy Honeycomb Hi-Fi’s Japanese-inspired menu along with its standout drinks. Music starts from 9 pm onwards, and there’s an entry fee of AED 120, which includes a complimentary drink token, while table reservations require a minimum spend of AED 350 per person from 9:30 pm.
For those unable to join the international nights, Honeycomb Hi-Fi will still be buzzing throughout the month with its local programming. Upcoming December highlights include PEPELZ on Monday, 15 December, a MONILE guest shift with Raiza Carrera on Wednesday, 17 December, and an NYE takeover with N-You-Up on Wednesday, 31 December.
Have a question? +971 56 404 0503
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