Athar is a new all-day Emirati restaurant opening at Chef’s Society in Mirdif City Centre.
The concept celebrates UAE heritage and the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The menu will showcase traditional Emirati cuisine and recipes passed down through generations.
Athar is set to bring UAE heritage, hospitality and a contemporary Emirati restaurant to Dubai.
Dubai’s dining scene continues to embrace the UAE’s culinary heritage, with a growing number of restaurants putting Emirati cuisine, hospitality and traditions at the center. Joining this movement is Athar, a new all-day Emirati dining and specialty coffee restaurant at Chef’s Society, Mirdif City Centre in Dubai.
Rooted in the Arabic word athar, meaning an imprint, the concept explores how heritage can continue to shape contemporary Emirati life. The restaurant is inspired by the enduring influence of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Father of the Nation, whose legacy continues to shape the UAE and resonate across generations. At Athar, this influence is reflected through the values of community, hospitality, connection, and cultural identity associated with his legacy.
Athar takes inspiration from one of the most familiar settings in Emirati life: the home. It looks back to the family table, where generations gathered over food, and the majlis, where guests were welcomed and conversations unfolded over cups of Arabic coffee.
Architectural details also draw from traditional Emirati homes and communal spaces. Among them is the dekka, a bench traditionally found outside old Emirati houses. More than a functional feature, the dekka served as a natural gathering point for neighbours, friends and passersby, making it a fitting symbol of community and Emirati hospitality.
Food sits at the centre of Athar’s identity, with the menu designed to showcase the depth and diversity of Emirati cuisine. The offering draws from different sides of Emirati food culture, bringing together dishes associated with majlis gatherings, family occasions and celebrations, alongside everyday recipes, passed down through generations.
The experience extends beyond the kitchen, with specialty coffee and Emirati coffee playing an important role in Athar’s identity. In Emirati culture, coffee is a symbol of welcome and hospitality. At Athar, it forms part of the wider experience, connecting one of the UAE’s social traditions with the contemporary cafe culture of Dubai.
An official opening date has yet to be announced. Once it opens, Athar is set to add a new destination for those looking to discover traditional Emirati cuisine in a contemporary setting, while offering a space where food, coffee, architecture and hospitality merge.
Where: Athar, Chef’s Society, Mirdiff City Centre, Dubai
Contact: @athar_.uae