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.
Times Square Center will mark Eid Al Fitr with a three-day family experience from 20–22 March 2026, running 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM daily, featuring the beloved mascot Mr. Kind.
Under the theme “LOVE EID – A Day of Caring, Sharing & Fun!”, the event invites families to experience a lively programme of interactive shows, creative workshops, and engaging activities designed to entertain children while sharing positive messages around kindness, courage, and friendship.
Young visitors will also receive a complimentary Mr. Kind’s Book of Missions, packed with activities, badge stickers, and access to a library of transformational songs and missions that extend the fun beyond the event.
Event schedule
Mr. Kind Village Workshop (Creativity corner) : 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Ground Floor
Mr. Kind Show + Meet & Greet: 4:15 – 5:00 PM & 6:00–6:45 PM | Ground Floor
Mr. Kind Parade: 5:15 PM – 5:35 PM | Roaming throughout the Mall
With music, performances, and interactive experiences throughout the day, Times Square Center aims to provide a friendly space for families to connect and share meaningful moments together.
At Times Square Center, the safety and wellbeing of our community remain a priority. We encourage everyone to follow any guidance or protocols issued by the relevant authorities.
This Ramadan, bkry unveils an exclusive collaboration with Australia’s cult-favourite Brooki Bakehouse by introducing the bkry Brooki Crookie. Priced at AED 39 per piece, this special edition pastry will be available daily until the end of Ramadan in limited quantities exclusively at the bkry pop-up in Marsa Boulevard.
Thoughtfully developed as a celebration of shared creativity and experimental baking, the collaboration brings together bkry’s artisanal approach with Brooki Bakehouse’s globally renowned flavours. Designed to be enjoyed as a moment of indulgence after sunset, the Crookie reflects both brands’ craftsmanship, curiosity, and comfort-led baking.
At the heart of the collaboration is the Crookie: a buttery, flaky croissant filled and topped with wholewheat brown-butter cookie dough, and enveloped with Tanzanian milk chocolate. Baked until golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft, gooey centre, the Crookie offers a layered textural experience that combines richness with subtlety.
To mark the official launch, bkry Founder and Head Chef Kameel and Brooki Bakehouse Founder Brooke Bellamy will be present at Marsa Boulevard on Saturday, 28 February at 8:00 PM, celebrating the partnership and their shared passion for innovative baking.
Founded by Brooke Bellamy, Brooki Bakehouse is an Australian-born bakery known for its indulgent, cult-favourite baked goods and playful approach to classic flavours. What began in Brisbane has grown into a globally recognised brand with a loyal international following, driven by Brooke’s distinctive style and community-led storytelling. Celebrated for bold flavours, generous textures, and modern comfort baking, Brooki Bakehouse brings a globally relevant perspective to the collaboration, making it a natural partner for bkry’s experimental, craft-led approach.
Available throughout Ramadan at bkry’s Marsa Boulevard pop-up, the bkry x Brooki collaboration reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to meaningful partnerships and thoughtful experimentation – bringing together global influence and local craftsmanship in moments designed to be shared and savoured, setting the tone for a collaboration everyone has been waiting for.
The Biltmore Villas Dubai unveils a limited-time Exclusive Private Villa Staycation, inviting guests to indulge in a rare blend of seclusion, sophistication, and resort-style living within one of Dubai’s most prestigious luxury villa resorts.
Conceived for discerning guests who appreciate privacy and understated luxury, the fully serviced villas offer the spaciousness of a private residence complemented by the attentive service and refined amenities of a world-class resort. Each villa is appointed with a private temperature-controlled swimming pool, an in-villa cinema, and secure underground parking with direct access to the residence, all set within a gated enclave with round-the-clock security.
Guests booking during the promotional period will enjoy a curated collection of premium benefits:
25% off the Best Available Rate
AED 1,000 daily resort credit
Underground secure parking
Complimentary 60-minute daily padel session
Complimentary daily fitness classes
Complimentary daily laundry service
The experience offers an elegant urban retreat where privacy, generous living space, and personalized hospitality come together to create an exceptional staycation in the heart of Dubai.
Have a question? +971 56 404 0503
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