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.
Smoki Moto marks Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, with a unique culinary experience that brings one of Korea’s most meaningful traditions to Dubai. On Monday, 16th February 2026, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, Smoki Moto invites guests to take part in a Tteock Mandu Guk Masterclass, a three-hour session centred around the symbolic New Year dish (rice cake and dumpling soup) that represents longevity, renewal and good fortune.
More than a lesson in technique, the afternoon offers insight into the customs and rituals that define Seollal, when families gather to share food and welcome a fresh start.
The experience begins with an introduction to the significance of Tteock Mandu Guk, the rice cake and dumpling soup customarily eaten to mark the New Year. Guests will then watch a chef-led demonstration on creating a clean, balanced broth before stepping into the kitchen. There, they will prepare elements such as egg garnishing (jidan), classic toppings and signature Korean dumpling-folding techniques. Each guest will go on to cook their own bowl of soup, with guidance on timing, seasoning and final assembly to bring the dish together beautifully.
The session concludes with a traditional Seollal dining moment, where guests enjoy their Tteock Mandu Guk, alongside Korean side dishes such as seasonal namul and house-made kimchi, the perfect way to honour the spirit of the holiday.
Seollal Masterclass: Tteock Mandu Guk
What: Cultural cooking masterclass led by Smoki Moto’s Korean chefs When: Monday, 16th February 2026 Where: Smoki Moto, Palm West Beach Time: 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Ramadan in the UAE is all about putting the phone down and gathering around a table overflowing with family, friends, and food. This year, homegrown favourite for more than three decades, Mister Baker is bringing that feeling to life with its 2026 Ramadan campaign, “Together at the Table,” offering treats priced from AED 16 to 199. The collection isn’t just about sweet indulgence, it’s about celebrating the little ways we say, “I’m glad you’re here.” From neighbourhood Iftars to late-night Suhoors, Mister Baker makes sure nobody arrives empty-handed.
The Standout Stars
Designed to dazzle both your Instagram feed and your taste buds:
Moon Cakes
Showstoppers: Two stunning cakes that double as edible art, perfect for your Majlis centrepiece.
Milk Cakes – The Crowd-Pleasers: A trio of Milk Cakes (Vanilla, Saffron, and Rose) that feel like a warm hug in a bowl
Cheesecakes – The Modern Twist: Date & Speculoos Cheesecakes, and the Saffron Cheesecake, which give traditional flavours a contemporary glow-up.
Mini Cupcakes – The Gift-Giver’s Dream: Mini cupcakes to make corporate gifting or hosting feel effortless.
From a solo indulgence to a table full of treats for friends, family, or colleagues, there’s a flavour for everyone.
At Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, romance is woven into the rhythm of the island itself, unfolding gently from the first blush of sunrise to the soft glow of moonlight. This Valentine’s season, the boutique Maldivian hideaway invites couples to rediscover connection through a collection of immersive experiences crafted exclusively for lovers. Whether beginning the day with a serene lagoon breakfast at dawn or ending it beneath a starlit sky, every moment is designed to honour intimacy, celebrate togetherness and transform ordinary hours into unforgettable memories.
Sunrise lagoon breakfast is a must have experience to commence your day in an unparalleled setting. The Sunrise Lagoon Breakfast features an inimitable breakfast layout delivered directly to the water, a setting where you can bask in the healing warmth of the first sunrays and the flawless sound of the waves. This experience is designed for couples who wish to savor an intimate and visually stunning start to their day.
As the Maldivian sun dips below the horizon, retreat into the Tranquility Package, curated exclusively for couples seeking intimate rejuvenation. This ultimate indulgence unfolds in one of the resort’s picturesque outdoor cabanas during the serene golden hour. The intimate ritual initiates with a warm, traditional Foot bath Ritual to melt away stress. Guests then choose a full-body treatment, either a soothing Balinese Massage or an invigorating Asian Blend Massage, complemented by a relaxing Fancy Foot Massage.
The close of day marks the start of an exclusive date night. Our brand signature experience Cinema by the Moonlight transforms the evening into a romantic, tailor-made event. Couples can choose from floating cinema on a “dhoni”, Sunset cruise with movie and dinner with magical settings, blending cinematic romance with Maldivian luxury. This showcases the magic of the Maldivian night sky and offers a choice of personalised settings and menus, making it one of the most intimate ways for couples to spend another romantic evening.
In addition, this Valentine’s Day, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef transforms into a sanctuary of Coastal Blush. Explore our Valentine’s Collection, a series of bespoke moments designed to ignite the senses. From a Floating Breakfast to the tropical flair of our Sip of Love cocktails, every detail is crafted for connection. Rejuvenate with our dedicated Valentine’s Spa Rituals, indulge in a private Lagoon Feast, or lose yourself in a Starlit Movie Night. Throughout February, experience a timeless celebration of your unique love story.
Each intimate experience is curated for couples seeking calm, harmony and stillness with every detail designed to deepen the magic of your escape and reconnect at Sun Siyam Vilu Reef.
Have a question? +971 56 404 0503
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