As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 55^th National Day, it’s time to recognise not only the country’s heritage, but also the homegrown entrepreneurs finding new ways to carry it forward. For young Emirati entrepreneur Rashid Gargash, that means looking at familiar ingredients through a contemporary lens and exploring how they can become part of the way people eat today.

Rashid’s journey began with research into food security and sustainable nutrition in the Middle East. His work examined the region’s agricultural realities, including desalination, groundwater challenges and available food resources. Along the way, dates and camel milk stood out as ingredients with deep connections to the UAE’s food heritage and potential for new applications.

Working alongside food scientists and researchers, Rashid explored how these ingredients could be developed into a nutritious, convenient product suited to contemporary lifestyles. The process eventually led to Rashtions, a UAE-made snack brand that combines dates, camel milk and ghee across a range of protein-rich snacks.

The range includes Date Original, Date Truffle, Cocoa Truffle and Brazilian Coffee Truffle, with products providing up to 20 grams of protein per 80-gram serving. They are made without added sugar, preservatives or artificial sweeteners.

“Rashtions began with a broader question about food security and how we could better understand and utilise the resources available in our region,” said Rashid Gargash, Founder of Rashtions. “Dates and camel milk have long been part of the UAE’s food story, and I wanted to explore how familiar ingredients could be approached through research and innovation to create something relevant to the way people eat today.”

For Rashid, the journey has also reinforced a wider lesson about entrepreneurship: innovation does not always mean starting from scratch. It can begin by looking more closely at what already exists, questioning how it is used and finding new ways to make it relevant. In the food sector, that means considering not only nutritional value, but also taste, convenience and whether a product fits into people’s everyday lives.

As the 55^th UAE National Day approaches, Rashid believes supporting homegrown businesses is one way consumers can contribute to the next chapter of the UAE’s entrepreneurial story. Choosing UAE-founded brands and products made in the country can help bring greater visibility to the people developing local ideas into businesses, while demonstrating that heritage and modern innovation can work together.

Rashtions is available through ADNOC and Emarat service stations, Deliveroo and Noon, as well as directly through the brand’s website, with delivery available across the UAE.

This December, the French Riviera comes to Yas Marina as La Môme makes its Abu Dhabi debut, in partnership with Sunset Hospitality Group, with an exclusive four-day takeover during race weekend. From 3 to 6 December 2026, the celebrated Cannes-born restaurant brings its signature mix of exceptional Mediterranean cuisine, Riviera glamour, and lively entertainment to the capital, creating a sophisticated yet vibrant setting for race-weekend dining and celebrations, minutes from the circuit.

With an established presence at the Monaco Grand Prix, where La Môme Monte-Carlo hosts a rooftop dining and hospitality experience overlooking the famous race circuit, the brand has a longstanding connection to the glamour and excitement of international motor racing. Now, La Môme brings that same spirit to Abu Dhabi, offering a sophisticated setting for long lunches, elegant dinners, and lively evenings.

At the table, La Môme’s approach is generous, expressive, and unmistakably Mediterranean. The menu celebrates quality ingredients and balanced flavours, with starters such as Artichoke Salad and Wagyu Carpaccio with Black Truffle, alongside a refined selection of Oysters and Caviar. Signature pastas and main courses include Tagliolini with King Prawns, Rigatoni with Truffle, and Japanese A5 Wagyu Sirloin.

In the evenings, Sounds of Riviera, a roaming live band from the French Riviera, will move through the restaurant performing French and Italian classics alongside international favourites. Daily DJ sets will move from laid-back Dolce Vita sounds to late-night house music.

Guided by L’Art de Recevoir signé La Môme, the French art of hospitality, the team ensures thoughtful, personalised service, genuine warmth, and attention to detail. Guests are made to feel equally at ease whether enjoying a leisurely afternoon at the table or celebrating late into the evening.

Daily lunch is served from 12PM to 7PM, followed by dinner from 7PM onwards. While guests can dine à la carte on Thursday, 3 December, minimum spends apply from Friday, 4 December to Sunday, 6 December:

• Indoor Dining: AED 500 per person for lunch; AED 1,000 per person for dinner | Terrace Dining: AED 650 per person for lunch; AED 1,200 per person for dinner.

With its combination of refined dining, a vibrant atmosphere, and a prime Yas Marina location, the takeover promises to be a highlight on the city’s social calendar and an essential stop for race-weekend gatherings.

Full prepayment is required to confirm reservations. Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund, while cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable. Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability and the applicable minimum spend.

Christmas dinner without the hours in the kitchen? Yes, please! From perfectly roasted turkeys with all the traditional trimmings to indulgent festive sides and delicious desserts, some of Abu Dhabi’s finest hotels and restaurants are taking care of the cooking this Christmas. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or planning a cosy celebration at home, these festive turkey takeaway offers make it easy to serve up a memorable Christmas feast without the fuss. Here’s our pick of the best turkey takeaways in Abu Dhabi for Christmas 2026.

Hawksbill Restaurant Festive Turkey Takeaway

Bring Christmas home with Hawksbill Restaurant’s Festive Turkey Takeaway, freshly prepared for an easy festive gathering around the table. Whether planning Christmas lunch with the family, hosting friends over the festive period, or simply leaving the cooking to someone else this year, the takeaway brings together everything needed for a classic Christmas feast.

A whole roast turkey comes with a selection of traditional seasonal sides and all the trimmings, ready to collect and serve at home.

Price: AED 599 (serves 6 to 8). AED 35 per additional side. Member discounts apply. Advance booking is required.

When: Saturday, 21 November 2026 to Thursday, 31st December 2026, 12pm – 11pm

For more info, call +971 56 660 8780 or email fnb.sbgc@viyagolf.com

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Festive Turkey Takeaway

Bring The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal to the Christmas table with a festive turkey prepared by the hotel’s culinary team and ready to enjoy at home. The whole roasted turkey comes with traditional stuffing, rich gravy, and roasted root vegetables, leaving more time to spend around the table with family and friends.

Available from Monday, 21 December 2026, to Saturday, 2 January 2027, orders should be placed at least 48 hours in advance.

Price: AED 750 per turkey hamper (serves 6 to 8)

When: Monday, 21 December 2026, to Sunday, 2 January 2027. Orders must be placed 48 hours in advance
For reservations, call +971 2 818 8203 or email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com

Villa Sèléne Festive Turkey Takeaway

Take care of Christmas lunch with Villa Sèléne at Yas Links Abu Dhabi’s Festive Turkey Takeaway. Prepared by the culinary team and ready for collection, the whole roast turkey comes with a selection of classic festive sides and accompaniments, leaving little more to do than gather family and friends around the table and enjoy it together.

Price: AED 599 (serves 6 to 8); AED 35 per additional side. Member discounts apply. Advance booking is required

When: Saturday, 21 November 2026 to Thursday, 31 December 2026, 12pm – 11pm

For more info, call +971 54 990 4246 or email villa.selene@viyagolf.com

Roots Bar & Kitchen Festive Turkey Takeaway

Bring the festive feast home with Roots Bar & Kitchen’s Festive Turkey Takeaway, made for Christmas gatherings with family and friends. Serving approximately six to eight guests, the package includes a generous 5-6 kg whole roast turkey, freshly prepared and ready for collection, alongside all the classic trimmings.

The turkey comes with chestnut stuffing, seasonal vegetables, roasted carrots and potatoes, cranberry sauce, and turkey gravy for a traditional Christmas spread at home. For a little extra around the table, additional sides can be added to the order, including herb and bread stuffing, bread sauce, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and more.

Price: AED 599 (serves 6 to 8); AED 35 per additional side. Member discounts apply. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance
When: Monday, 21 November 2026 to Thursday, 31 December 2026, 12pm – 10pm
For more info, call +971 50 757 4808 or email dining.yagcc@viyagolf.com

InterContinental Abu Dhabi Festive Turkey Takeaway
Take the stress out of Christmas entertaining with a traditional festive turkey, freshly prepared by the culinary team at InterContinental Abu Dhabi. Available to order from either the hotel or residences, the generous whole roasted turkey (5–7kg) comes with all the classic accompaniments, including traditional bread stuffing, roasted baby potatoes, buttered seasonal vegetables, rich turkey gravy, and cranberry sauce. For a sweet finish, guests can add a pumpkin cheesecake, apple cinnamon pie or pecan and caramel tart, each serving approximately five to six people.

Price: AED 550 per whole roasted turkey (5–7kg) and accompaniments; optional desserts: Pumpkin Cheesecake AED 200, Apple Cinnamon Pie AED 180, Pecan & Caramel Tart AED 230. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance.
When: Thursday, 26 November 2026, to Friday, 25 December 2026.
For InterContinental Abu Dhabi Hotel turkey takeaways, order and collect from Piano Lounge; for InterContinental Residences Abu Dhabi turkey takeaways, order and collect from Bistro 81. For more information or bookings call Piano Lounge +971 56 409 4980 or Bistro 81 +971 50 391 5271