Emirates Reporter meets the UAE’s youngest qualified Emirati twin chefs, Abdulrahman and Maitha Alhashmi, who are redefining how Emirati cuisine is experienced by a new generation. From preserving heritage and authenticity to presenting local flavors through a contemporary, global lens, the duo speak about their culinary journey, their collaboration with The Coffee Club, and the creative dynamic that drives them both in and out of the kitchen. Their story is one of culture, innovation and pride—showcasing how Emirati cuisine can evolve while staying true to its roots. Here is the full interview.
ER- As the youngest qualified Emirati chefs in the UAE, how do you see your role in shaping the future of Emirati cuisine both locally and internationally?
TWIN CHEFS- We see our role as storytellers and ambassadors of Emirati cuisine. Being young allows us to bridge generations respecting traditional flavours while presenting them in a way that speaks to today’s global audience. Locally, our responsibility is to preserve authenticity and cultural identity; internationally, it’s about showcasing Emirati cuisine as refined, versatile, and worthy of its place on the world stage. We want Emirati food to be recognised not only for its richness and heritage, but also for its innovation, historical roots and depth.
ER- Tell us more about your collaboration with The Coffee Club, and what your brand has in common with this famous Australian brand?
TWIN CHEFS- Our collaboration with The Coffee Club is grounded in a shared belief in community, quality and genuine hospitality. Known as a meeting place for everyday moments that matter, The Coffee Club brings people together through consistent experiences that feel relaxed, welcoming and elevated. This partnership gave us the perfect platform to introduce Emirati flavours in a way that feels approachable and contemporary, while staying true to The Coffee Club’s international identity and proudly Australian roots.
ER- How did you come up with this curated menu?
TWIN CHEFS- The menu was curated by identifying flavour bridges between Emirati cuisine and The Coffee Club’s relaxed Australian café style. For the savoury dishes, we reimagined some of our signature creations using Emirati spices and ingredients while keeping them familiar and comforting. For dessert, we introduced three Emirati-inspired gelato flavours — Saffron, Hibiscus and Karak — drawing on nostalgic tastes and reimagined to surprise and delight The Coffee Club guests.
ER- How have your personal journeys influenced your approach to modern Emirati cooking?
TWIN CHEFS- Starting our culinary journey at a young age gave us exposure to both traditional home cooking and professional international kitchens. That contrast shaped our approach: one of us leans deeply into heritage, flavours, and storytelling, while the other focuses on technique, structure, and presentation. Together, our experiences allow us to modernise Emirati cuisine without losing its soul.
ER- What does it mean to you to redefine traditional Emirati flavours for the new generation while focusing on authenticity?
TWIN CHEFS- Redefining doesn’t mean replacing but it means refining and being creative in the way we present it. For us, authenticity starts with understanding the origin of each ingredient and flavour. We then translate those elements into dishes that resonate with younger audiences. It’s about keeping the essence together while evolving the presentation, so the next generation feels proud, connected, and excited about their culinary heritage.
ER-. As a young and creative duo, how do your individual strengths complement each other in the kitchen and during concept development?
TWIN CHEFS- Our strengths are different but perfectly balanced and we do complement each other. One of us is highly conceptual and focused on creativity, flavour combinations, and brand storytelling, while the other is detail-oriented, ensuring precision, technique, and execution. During concept development, this dynamic allows ideas to flow freely while staying grounded and feasible in a professional kitchen environment with some disagreement arguments from time to time………actually most of the time.
ER- Creatively, who has an upper edge most of the time and how do you resolve differences in the kitchen, if any?
TWIN CHEFS- Creativity naturally goes back and forth between us, depending on the project. When differences arise, we test and the dish decides, not ego. Open communication and mutual respect are key, but as siblings we often fight anyway – sometimes we argue for the sake of arguing! However, Chef Abdulrahman, being the activist learner between us, usually jumps into the solutioning mode whilst I, as Chef Maitha focuses on the application pragmatics. Being twins helps, we understand each other instinctively and know that the result is always stronger and most important when both perspectives are included.
ER- What message or inspiration would you like to share with young Emiratis who aspire to pursue a career in the culinary arts?
TWIN CHEFS- We want young Emiratis to know that culinary arts are not just a passion, but it could be a powerful career path. Start early, stay curious, respect your culture, and never feel limited by age. Emirati cuisine has a strong voice, and the future belongs to those who are willing to learn, innovate, and represent it with pride on a global level.
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