MEAT MANIA JAPAN, the acclaimed culinary concept produced by Japanese music superstar EXILE SHOKICHI, makes its Dubai debut on the 9th of January 2026 for a one-day-only event at KEN by Kamatsuda, located in The Dubai EDITION. Celebrating the artistry of Japanese Wagyu, the experience invites guests to savour authentic premium beef prepared by Chef Ken Kamatsuda, paired with seasonal seafood in an intimate omakase-style setting.

Originally created in Japan under the theme “The Relay of Life,” MEAT MANIA JAPAN spotlights exceptional Japanese Wagyu—its superior quality, signature marbling, and the craftsmanship of the producers behind it. While Wagyu is now enjoyed worldwide, only a select few chefs can unlock its true aroma, texture, and umami. Chef Kamatsuda is among those masters, renowned for his precise technique and deep respect for ingredients.

EXILE SHOKICHI, vocalist of EXILE and EXILE THE SECOND, is also a devoted gastronome. He produces his own branded beef, Hachimasa Beef, and operates the meat-focused restaurant Yagien Ballpark in Hokkaido. Launched in 2024, MEAT MANIA JAPAN has since expanded internationally, with Dubai marking its first Middle East appearance in January 2026.

Japanese Cultural Performances & Premium Sake

Beyond the Wagyu experience, the event features immersive Japanese culture and entertainment. Rather than a generic showcase, we are inviting carefully selected Japanese artists to deliver a fresh, contemporary Japan experience to our guests.
In addition, guests can enjoy tastings of premium Japanese sake making its Dubai debut. Together, these elements create a multi-sensory evening—flavour, sight, and sound—celebrating the spirit of modern Japan.

Hosted at KEN by Kamatsuda, MEAT MANIA JAPAN in Dubai offers a rare opportunity to experience Wagyu in its purest form—refined, authentic, and deeply flavourful—where music, food, and culture come together in perfect harmony.

Couqley confirms the continuation of its French Brasserie at Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay, reaffirming the strong and ongoing partnership between Couqley, Pullman, and the Accor Group. Now entering its fourth year at the hotel, the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to quality, consistency, and delivering a dining experience that resonates with both hotel guests and the wider Business Bay community.

Over more than 16 years since its founding in Lebanon and 10 years in the UAE, Couqley has established itself as a casual, affordable French dining institution. The brand’s DNA is rooted in honest cooking, accessible pricing, and a welcoming atmosphere, offering classic French food without formality, and quality without pretension. This balance has made Couqley a reliable neighborhood favorite for everyday lunches, relaxed dinners, and long-standing regulars.

“Couqley has always been about making classic French food approachable,” says Chef Alexis Couquelet, Co-Founder and Group Executive Chef.
“It’s generous, comforting food, fairly priced, in a place where people feel at ease. That philosophy has guided us from day one and remains at the heart of everything we do.”

At Pullman Dubai Downtown, the concept naturally evolved into a more upscale brasserie expression of the brand, shaped by the scale and architecture of space, while remaining true to Couqley’s bistro soul. The result is a vibrant, energetic setting that combines the warmth of the brand with a refined city-brasserie atmosphere.

Building on this strong foundation, Couqley is now preparing for its next phase of growth, with confirmed expansion plans across the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, alongside wider GCC ambitions.

“Our focus is long-term brand building,” says Ali Daoud, Co-Founder and CEO of Couqley. “Growth matters only when it respects the identity, affordability, and guest experience that have defined Couqley for more than 16 years. We will continue to expand carefully, staying true to what makes the brand special.”

This Christmas Eve, The Permit Room is turning December 24th into the city’s most exciting festive showdown. Guests can experience a fun-fuelled game night extravaganza and stand a chance to win upto AED 1000 and a luxury staycation at a premium resort in the UAE.

What are you waiting for? Step into a vibrant, house-party-inspired celebration packed with interactive games, lively contests, and unforgettable festive vibes: perfect for Dubai’s trend-loving crowd. Guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks starting from AED 99. Time: 8PM Onwards. 

The Christmas Drunch menu includes delicious tapas style veg and non-veg options with draught beer to awaken the Santa spirit in you and maybe even help you score those exciting prizes!

Looking for a New Year’s Eve that’s cozy and crafted with soulful music vibes: experience at The Permit Room!

Settle into a relaxed sofa-style dining setup at The Permit Room, bring your friends, and groove to music that perfectly matches your vibe because this year, your countdown deserves to feel effortless.

Ring in the New Year with Dubai’s Favourite Asees Arshad — as featured by Khaleej Times!
Get ready for a night of Sufi, pop, and soulful tunes as Asees Arshad takes over The Permit Room with an unforgettable live performance.

Time: 9PM to 1 AM on 31st December 2025

The New Year Menu includes a range of fusionised indulgences like Mercedes Chaat, Chola Kulcha Doughnut, Idli French Fries with Ghee Puri, Truffle Mushroom Kulcha, and classic Paneer Tikka, while non-vegetarian flavours shine through Peri Peri Chicken Tikka, Chicken Nihari Momo, Jamavri Mutton Seek, and Amritsari Fish Fry, with seafood lovers treated to perfectly grilled Tandoori Prawns. For comfort cravings, the Fateer & Pasta lineup offers Chicken Tikka Fateer, Exotic Veg Fateer, and a rich Pink Sauce Pasta.

End your feast with desserts like rich Tiramisu and warm Gulab Jamun with Ice Cream.