Dubai foodies planning their next culinary adventure can simply take a leaf out of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's book. The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai is known for his impeccable taste, having dined and supported some of the best restaurants the UAE has to offer. Proving, yet again, that he has a finger on the pulse of the food scene, he was spotted at Ce La Vi on Sunday, 16 February.
The renowned Singaporean import's opening in Dubai has been one of the most highly-anticipated in the city – due in part to its headquarters in Marina Bay Sands being featured in Crazy Rich Asians. The restaurant, which opened in Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai, features a restaurant, lounge, 360-degree wrap-around terrace and an infinity pool.
Upon his visit, the restaurant posted a picture on their Instagram page. "It is a great honour to welcome Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of the Emirate of Dubai at Ce La Vi Dubai on top of the Address Sky View," read the caption.
Want to follow in his footsteps? Here’s a list of other restaurants Sheikh Mohammed has visited, and given his royal stamp of approval, over the years.
Flow Dubai, Emirates Towers
The restaurant was inspired by Sheikh Mohammed so it makes complete sense that he was spotted there along with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. The duo stopped by in 2017 to chat with the staff and have a coffee. Other than beverages, the restaurant is known for its healthy snacks, salads and grab-and-go bites, that have a healthy, wholesome and organic spin.
Farzi Cafe, City Walk
Today we again had the honour of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum visit us at Farzi Cafe Dubai. pic.twitter.com/lWBNWTOs6x
— Farzi Cafe Dubai (@farzicafedubai) February 7, 2017
The modern progressive Indian restaurant is known for re-imagining traditional Indian dishes, with dishes like halloumi samosa and dal chawal arancini on the menu. Clearly, the creativity is paying off; Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has been spotted having lunch in the restaurant in the past.
Siraj, Souk Al Bahar
Located within Souk Al Bahar, Siraj prides itself on serving authentic Emirati cuisine with a contemporary twist,with its signature dishes including the likes of camel tenderloin and seafood platters. The fine dining establishment also features Arabic calligraphy and poems by Sheikh Mohammed adorning the walls. It seems only natural that it would have the royal as a fan; he has reportedly dined there on more than one occasion.
Baku Cafe, City Walk
In 2017, Sheikh Mohammed was spotted having a taste of Azerbaijan at Baku Cafe. The eatery, located in City Walk, is famous for its traditional salads, kebabs and pilafs.
Zuma Dubai, DIFC
The much-loved Japanese restaurant by chef-turned restaurateur and co-founder Rainer Becker is known for its maki rolls, shiitake mushroom skewers and miso-marinated black cod. And its attention to detail has definitely won it some high-profile customers over the years, including Sheikh Mohammed who is believed to have visited on multiple occasions.