Hospitality heroes, here’s a mammoth announcement before you head into the long weekend…

Abu Dhabi’s growing status as a gastronomical hub has just received a welcome supercharge, with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) having partnered with Erth Hospitality to launch École Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio, by 20-Michelin star superchef Alain Ducasse, this December.

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Backed by the guidance of the culinary icon, and following the launch of a Dhs360 million culinary accelerator programme in early 2023, the studio will be located at Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation, and is all set to boost the culinary education landscape in the UAE.

Striking features of the studio include short, professional sessions that will be taught in a contemporary setting, with easy-to-use professional equipment. Each class will comprise a a small group of students, facilitating personal attention, as the facility powers forward in its vision to enhance the talents of everyone from budding culinary enthusiasts to established talents. It will also house a gourmet café and host corporate events.

As we unpack all the details, the features keep getting more impressive as the Ecole Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio’s curriculum will include culinary arts and pastry programmes that unravel French and international cuisine through the prized Ducasse philosophy. A multitude of key areas will be in focus, and themes such as “First Cooking Lesson – Learning to Cook Without Inhibition”, “Cooking for a Special Event”, “Healthy Cooking”, and “Famous Parisian Macarons Madness Class”, to name a few, will bring state-of-the-art education to attendees in partnership with Erth Hospitality, who bring a silver jubilee of passion and expertise in hospitality to the table.

The meticulously designed, 418-square metre space will be located at the Al Hosn site, with a generous classroom area, a fully equipped workshop show kitchen, a bespoke chef’s table and a large outdoor terrace offering stunning views of the capital’s skyline that never fail to enchant us.

This melting pot just hit a new hospitality high, and we’re very excited for December.