H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has long championed the emirate's hospitality industry. His restaurant visits — often shared by the venues themselves on social media — instantly become some of the most coveted endorsements in Dubai's fiercely competitive dining scene. Here are the establishments Sheikh Mohammed has been spotted at.
Cipriani Dolci (NEW)
In April 2024, Sheikh Mohammed chose Cipriani Dolci's Jumeirah branch on Al Wasl Road for a sunset visit, where he was seen enjoying the restaurant's famous vanilla meringue. The Italian dining icon has since become one of the most talked-about royal-approved spots in the city.
bkry (NEW)
The experimental bakespace bkry at Alserkal Avenue received a significant boost when Sheikh Mohammed paid a visit in 2024. The venue noted on its Instagram account that the royal's visit was itself an award — a sentiment shared widely across Dubai's F&B community.
Alaya
In September 2022, Sheikh Mohammed dined at Alaya, Chef Izu Ani's acclaimed restaurant that sits at the intersection of Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. The venue shared a video of the Sheikh shaking hands with Chef Izu Ani, a moment that underscored the restaurant's prestige.
Atlantis The Royal
Sheikh Mohammed has been seen at Atlantis The Royal's all-day dining restaurant, Gastronomy, enjoying the landmark property's celebrated hospitality.
Armani Hotel Dubai
During Ramadan, Sheikh Mohammed was reported to have taken iftar at the Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa — one of Dubai's most iconic dining addresses.
The Arts Club, DIFC
Sheikh Mohammed took dinner at Rōhen, the high-end Nikkei restaurant inside The Arts Club in DIFC, adding another prestigious address to his list of dining destinations.
CÉ LA VI
The rooftop restaurant and bar CÉ LA VI received a royal visit from Sheikh Mohammed, further cementing its reputation as one of Dubai's most aspirational dining experiences.
Caia Bamboo
The boho pop-up dining concept near Flamingo Lake attracted Sheikh Mohammed shortly after it opened, with the venue's social media presence quickly gaining traction off the back of the royal visit.
Farzi Cafe
A favourite for modern Indian cuisine, Farzi Cafe has reportedly welcomed Sheikh Mohammed and his entourage on several occasions over the years, including a notable visit in November 2017.
Gaia
The upscale Grecian restaurant Gaia in Dubai has drawn multiple members of the royal family, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. Known for its fresh Mediterranean produce and elegant setting, Gaia has become a fixture on the royal dining circuit.
Hidden, Al Maha
This unique desert dining concept at Al Maha Desert Resort was patronised by Sheikh Mohammed, with the venue's popularity peaking during cooler months when outdoor dining in the desert is at its finest.
Sadeem Marmoom
The desert destination Sadeem at Marmoom shared the royal visit on its Instagram story, a move that amplified the venue's profile significantly within the Dubai dining community.
Shanghai Me, DIFC
Inspired by 1930s Shanghai, this Asia-fusion restaurant at DIFC welcomed Sheikh Mohammed in 2019. The restaurant's blend of nostalgia and contemporary Asian cuisine clearly resonated with the royal palate.
Seafood Market, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel
Sheikh Mohammed has been spotted at the Seafood Market at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel, drawn by its reputation for serving the freshest seafood in an interactive market-style setting.
SushiSamba, The Palm
SushiSamba on the Palm — known for its breathtaking views and inventive Japanese-Brazilian menu — is among the more recent additions to Sheikh Mohammed's list of visited Dubai restaurants.
