Behind the Counter: Abu Dhabi’s Food Visionaries Gather to Share Their Stories

There is something rather illuminating about stepping away from the polished dining room and into the room where ideas are born. The energy shifts. The conversation deepens. This is precisely the thinking behind an evening being hosted by Marmellata in partnership with HUB71, where the city’s most thoughtful restaurateurs and café operators will gather to speak candidly about the business of building something meaningful in Abu Dhabi’s food scene.

The event, part of AD Careers, brings together a curated group of people whose names have become synonymous with some of the capital’s most cherished establishments. Rather than focusing on the finished plate or the carefully composed atmosphere, the conversation will turn to the foundations: the decisions made, the obstacles overcome, the wisdom earned through years of careful stewardship. These are the narratives that rarely make it into reviews or social media posts, yet they carry profound value for anyone considering a career in food and beverage, or simply curious about the mechanics of hospitality.

The format invites genuine dialogue. Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions, the ones they have perhaps been considering for some time, and receive thoughtful responses from people who have navigated the complexities of establishing and maintaining a restaurant or café with integrity and vision.

The evening runs from 6:00 to 9:30 PM on Monday, 9 November, at HUB71 x WeWork on the 15th floor of Al Khatem Tower on Al Maryah Island. Registration is handled via QR code, and visitors will need to bring an Emirates ID for building access.

For those working in the industry, contemplating entry into it, or simply fascinated by the minds and hearts that shape where we eat and gather, this represents a rare opportunity to engage with the people whose vision has contributed so meaningfully to Abu Dhabi’s evolving food culture.

Imagery courtesy of Marmellata.