Speakers

I am the Director & CEO, of the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA Dubai), an international award-winning and world-class culinary training center established in the year 2005. I have been passionate about Technical Vocational Training (TVET) programs and believe the world is moving faster than ever towards this specialized education & training system that focuses on distinct Knowledge & skill sets for the quality execution of work at hand. Since the establishment of ICCA Dubai, I have been persistently working to redefine TVET in Culinary Arts, to make it application focussed & outcome-driven, and relevant to the emerging needs of the industry. To make a difference, I am also dedicated to Giving Back; the ICCA Dubai Culinary Scholarship Program, the Annual One Million Dirhams Continuing Education Award For UAE Young Industry Chefs, set up in 2015, is a first-of-its-kind CSR initiative that has thus far transformed the lives of over 125 talented but underprivileged young chefs in the industry by providing them an opportunity to complete an international qualification in Culinary Arts for their professional growth and career opportunities the world over. I have also continually nurtured a socially conscious outlook that has led me to ardently support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Lately, I have also been pursuing the future of the ecosystem around food, the Foodverse, where I am venturing into the realm of applying emerging technologies to transcend geographical boundaries to harness the potential of people and brands in food. Along the way, I have been honoured with several awards: Included in the Caterer Middle East ‘Power 50 List’(2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019); honoured with the Pro Chef ‘Training Champion in the year 2014'; bestowed with the Dubai Knowledge Park & Dubai International Academic City ‘Year of Giving-2017,’ Award; and the Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards ‘Young Chef Supporter of the Year 2017; awarded the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Gulfhost Innovation Awards - For Outstanding Contribution; recognition for supporting Dubai Municipality School Initiative 2018, awarded the World Culinary Awards "Middle East's Best Culinary Training Institution 2023". I feel that it is my passion for excellence, innovative approach, and single-minded focus on the application, along with the support of a dynamic team, have led ICCA Dubai to its current prominent position and for success in life, I advocate the epitomes of Passion, Perseverance, Performance, Perfection, and Patience, that are strongly ingrained within the teams at the ICCA and Foodverse. Before my life supporting TVET in Culinary Arts, I have successfully spearheaded a diverse range of projects and businesses.