Renowned Emirati Chef Sumaya Obaid shares the story of the UAE through food.

As one of the UAE’s most celebrated cuisine on the international stage, introducing audiences worldwide

to the richness of the country’s culinary heritage while inspiring a new generation of women to follow their passions.

Her journey began at home, where countless hours spent beside her mother in the kitchen laid the foundations for everything that followed. “She didn’t just teach me recipes,” Chef Sumaya reflects. “She taught me that every dish has a story, every ingredient has a purpose, and every meal brings people together.” 

Although cooking had always been a passion, Chef Sumaya had never imagined it would become her profession. After studying culinary arts in Australia, she returned to the UAE with a renewed sense of confidence and purpose, determined to celebrate the flavours she had grown up with. Television soon became an important platform, with her work on Arabic food network Fatafeat introducing Emirati cuisine to viewers across the Middle East and beyond. 

At a time when Emirati food was still relatively unfamiliar to international audiences, the culinary ambassador in her recognised an opportunity to challenge perceptions. Some of the dishes she has since become known for include her modern twists on classic Emirati fare like madhrouba and thareed. She has also created exciting international fusion recipes, such as paella with jareesh and harees-inspired risotto. 

“I think the biggest misconception is that Emirati cuisine is limited or only served on special occasions,” she notes. “In reality, it is rich, diverse, and deeply connected to our history, identity, and traditions.” 

Chef Sumaya uses food as a way of sharing culture. Whether through television programmes, workshops, or international culinary events, she believes understanding the stories behind a dish allows people to experience far more than just flavours on a plate. 

That sense of storytelling also shapes her approach to innovation. While many chefs seek to reinvent traditional recipes, Sumaya believes authenticity should always remain at the core. 

“Innovation should never replace tradition – it should celebrate it,” she explains. “I enjoy presenting Emirati dishes in a modern way and using contemporary techniques, but I always preserve the original flavours, ingredients, and soul of the dish.” 

The balance between heritage and contemporary cooking has helped position Emirati cuisine within today’s wider global dining landscape. As one of the country’s most recognisable chefs, Sumaya has also navigated the challenges of representing both her profession and her nation. 

Success, she believes, comes from remaining authentic even as her career and fame keep evolving. “One of my biggest challenges has been staying true to myself while continuing to grow,” she shares. “Real success comes from authenticity, hard work, and never stopping the journey of learning.” 

That perspective has transformed her definition of success over the years. While personal achievement once drove her ambitions, today her biggest fulfilment comes from inspiring others and representing the UAE with pride. “The greatest success is not what people remember you for achieving, but the positive difference you leave in their lives,” Chef Sumaya asserts. 

Mentorship has also become an important part of her legacy. Through television, public appearances, and culinary workshops, Chef Sumaya seeks to inspire and urge young Emiratis – women in particular – to pursue careers that once seemed out of reach. 

“I always try to encourage young people, especially Emirati women, to believe in themselves,” she says. “Passion is important, but it must be supported by dedication, patience, and continuous learning.” 

As the UAE’s culinary landscape continues to flourish, the Emirati chef believes the country’s cuisine is entering an exciting new era, with a greater appreciation for local ingredients and traditional recipes presented with a modern approach. 

She also credits the UAE’s leadership for creating opportunities for Emirati talent to thrive internationally. That spirit of empowerment feels especially meaningful as the nation gets ready to celebrate Emirati Women’s Day this year. For Chef Sumaya, the occasion is about far more than recognising individual achievements. “It is a celebration of the vision of our leadership, who believed in Emirati women and empowered them to become true partners in building our nation,” she says. 

Chef Sumaya proudly represents a generation of Emirati women reshaping industries while remaining deeply connected to their heritage. “Today, I am proud to see Emirati women leading across every field while remaining true to their identity and values” she says. “I believe this is the true meaning of success.” 

Through every dish she creates, every audience she reaches, and every story she tells, Chef Sumaya Obaid continues to demonstrate that food can be one of the most powerful ambassadors of culture, identity, and national pride.