Incubate this!

Sasaki Associates recently finished a study on The State of The City Experience in the States, where they concluded that Urbanites agree on three things. They want great food, they love waterfronts and they value historical architecture. Dubai has got two out of those three. And if they could import history, I am sure they would.

But what was most interesting about the survey is that when city residents were asked what aspects of urban life enchanted them, food kept popping up in their responses. Eighty-two percent of urbanites appreciate their city’s culinary offerings. 82%!!

What is so important to remember here, is that food continues to be a major social, cultural, and economic driver, not just in the US, but here in Dubai as well. Restaurants are used to revitalize neighborhoods and bring life back to hotels.

However, what Dubai needs is a new restaurant, artist and entertainment destination. Wait, before you roll your eyes, hear me out. This project will be slightly different. This F&B park will foster the growth of start-up concepts & businesses and capitalize on Dubai’s culture of drive, ambition, entrepreneurship and success.

The idea is to be a magnet for bringing the best and brightest culinary talents and entrepreneurial thinkers into an area that will rival any of the real estate projects that Dubai already has.   A safe haven for budding talent that have a dream and a vision.

Starting from scratch

This park should offer support, favorable commercial terms, and have a long list of industry experts available to provide unique assistance in build, fit-out, marketing, menu development, business advice etc.

These restaurants can only stay a finite amount of time and must meet certain criteria to survive. This allows an ever changing landscape of inventive cuisines and concepts to be tried and tested by real customers.

Imagine local artisans, off Broadway theater, art studios, a park, museums, restaurants and food markets, all in one destination with plenty of parking. No chain retail, no large corporations – just raw talent and hard work.

Similar projects are working well around the world and I don’t see why Dubai can’t do something like this.  All it needs is a group of investors that want to give back to the industry that has made them so much money in the past and support Dubai’s vision for innovation and drive.  The entrepreneurs and the demand is already here.  Dubai has an abundance of creativity and innovation bubbling under the surface, just waiting for a chance to erupt.

Can you imagine what a successful initiative like this will do for a city like Dubai – what benefits and excitement it could bring?  Honestly, just take a minute to think about it. The benefits reach far beyond what my brain can comprehend.

Comments below – let’s start a dialogue.

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