Get All Access for $5/mo

Dubai Department Of Economy And Tourism's First Ever Kitchen Incubator To Help Turn The UAE Into A Global Gastronomy Hub The Co-Kitchen will provide an opportunity for F&B startups and investors to expand in this sector, experiment with new ideas.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Dubai SME
Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO, Dubai SME

The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), a Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) agency, has launched the Co-Kitchen, the first kitchen incubator under the umbrella of the Dubai Business Incubator Network (DBIN).

The Co-Kitchen is a part of DBIN's overall mission that enables member companies from the GCC to access Dubai SME's services, including five-year exemptions from licensing fees for Emirati members and citizens of the GCC who have 100% ownership of their companies. Accredited by Dubai SME, The Co-Kitchen incubator will also be supported by the Hamdan Innovation Incubator (HI2), an initiative by Dubai SME to foster locally-driven businesses run by Emirati entrepreneurs.

"We are happy and excited to be launching the first accredited kitchen incubator through Dubai SME, which presents a wonderful opportunity to develop entrepreneurs seeking to operate in the Emirate's F&B sector by providing the first shared kitchen," said Shehzad Afzal Bhatti, founder of The Co-Kitchen. "We are also grateful to Dubai SME's team for their support and vision in developing entrepreneurs across all sectors of the Emirate."

Shehzad Afzal Bhatti, Founder, The Co-Kitchen. Source: The Co-Kitchen

The incubator will offer a low-cost platform to launch projects without the need for large investments, a flexible exit strategy, community support via a network of suppliers and entrepreneurs, access to shared kitchens with flexible timings, and consultations that address every stage of the process from production stage and business strategy to marketing and sales.

With Dubai already home to over 13,000 F&B enterprises, including cafés and local and international restaurants and fine dining destinations, the launch of The Co-Kitchen also aligns with DET's vision to promote the Emirate as a global gastronomy hub.

"The adoption of the first kitchen incubator to be part of the Dubai Business Incubator Network is an innovative initiative that enriches the network and expands the sectors it targets as part of our strategy to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Dubai, inspired by the guidance of our visionary leadership to position Dubai as a leading destination for business, investment and tourism," said Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO of Dubai SME. "Dubai has continuously focused on developing the F&B sector, and Dubai SME will continue to facilitate entrepreneurs to leverage this growing sector by proving a range of services from legal to technical support and marketing expertise, financial and accounting services, in addition to employment and training, as part of the support provided by the accredited network of business incubators in Dubai."

Related: Dubai Future District Fund Launches Venture Fellows Program To Empower The Next Generation Of Emirati Investors And Entrepreneurs
Growth Strategies

Bidding For Success: Dr. Kevin Khalili, CEO, Falcons

UAE-based Falcons is pioneering the future of luxury collectibles, with CEO Dr. Kevin Khalili at the helm of carrying out this mission.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle She Started in a High School Locker Room Hit Multimillion-Dollar Revenue — and Taylor Swift Is a Fan: 'Invest in Yourself'

Elena Bonvicini, now 25, was inspired to start her side hustle during a 2016 visit to her grandparents in Wisconsin.

Leadership

How Entrepreneurs Can Unlock Hidden Potential for Success

You can achieve both business success and personal fulfillment by embracing your "shadow." Here's what that means.

Growing a Business

At 24, She Was Fired From Her Advertising Job. Then an 'Incredibly Important' Mindset Helped Her Build a Multimillion-Dollar Business.

Melissa Ben-Ishay's brother Brian Bushell encouraged her to follow her passion — and it led to major success.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Thought Leaders

How to Keep a Virtual Audience Captivated

I got trolled, and learned an important lesson in taking public speaking from the stage to the screen.