8 Top Culinary schools in Dubai,UAE |Tuition & Programs

Just as there are culinary schools in other countries of the world, there are top culinary schools in Dubai also. The culinary industry as a whole can be competitive and therefore deciding to attend any of the culinary schools in Dubai is an excellent way to be an edge ahead.

This is because culinary schools expose you to diverse coking disciplines, styles, and techniques. Therefore, in this article, we shall be reviewing some of the top culinary schools in Dubai.

There are top culinary schools in Dubai and most of them being International culinary schools that train students to become professionals in the industry.

The UAE has its style of preparing food, which turns out to be unique from another region. Numerous business activities like restaurants, cafés and hotels are carried out keeping the food as an ultimate base.

It is a very popular fact that the United Arab Emirates turns out to be one of the famous international tourist hubs.

Also, there is a significant growth in population, and as such, the demand for food and beverage has reached a paradigm shift.

The UAE is one of the famous countries in the middle east region and they leave no stone unturned when it comes to the business of incorporation.

Food and Beverage Industry in the UAE

The Food and Beverage industry in Dubai is considered to be the second largest industry at an international level.

When it comes to the UAE, in the last five years, the sector has uplifted by 22%, holding a value of $13.2billion by 2018. 

The Food and Beverage domestic market is expected to hold a value of 131 Billion and 14 Billion,  and that means an increase of almost 62% compared to the recent value.

The Government of Dubai has considered Food and Beverage as one of the targeted sectors in the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030.

On the other hand, it has got a massive audience in the international market. UAE stands as the 13th biggest agricultural exporter dealing in agricultural food and beverage products.

However, the market is expected to grow more in the next three years.

Business Opportunities for Investors in the F&B Industry

Now we will not be talking about culinary schools in Dubai, we are going to talk about the business opportunities that the food and beverage industry hold for business owners and investors.

  • Food Manufacturing Business
  • Restaurant Business
  • Cafeteria Business
  • Food Truck Business

Food Manufacturing Business

For business owners and investors who are keen to take a step to set up a food manufacturing business in Dubai, it is interesting to note that they have the flexibility to go ahead and opt for one.

This simply means that such investors will need to hold a manufacturing license in order to get legal permission to operate the business activities.

Usually, the permit is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) Dubai after a complete inspection of the essentials provided.

Certain approvals are to be gathered from Dubai Municipality and other Government Authorities as well.


Restaurant Business

One of the opportunities to consider after graduation from the culinary schools in Dubai is to run a restaurant business.

Dubai serves to be the ultimate destination for the foreign international population. Starting a restaurant business is an easy option for business investors and entrepreneurs once they obtain the restaurant license from the Department of Economic Development (DED).

The start of a restaurant business requires multiple parameters to be considered like location, business plan etc.


Cafeteria Business

Are you still wondering what other options are there for you once you graduate from the culinary schools in Dubai, the cafeteria business is one to consider?

According to Euromonitor International research, more than 19,000 cafeteria outlets are to enter the market by 2019. 

Just like the restaurant business, the cafeteria business also demands the business owner to hold a cafeteria license and a trade license which will be issued by the food and safety department, as well as the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai.


Food Truck Business

The last option we will talk about is the food truck business. The food truck business is definitely one to consider while considering employment options in your final year in any of the culinary schools in Dubai.

There is a set-up process for the food truck business and the process demands approval from four departments namely:

How to pick the best culinary schools in Dubai

There are a few things to consider before choosing any of the culinary schools in Dudai and some of them are:

  • Accreditation
  • Reputation
  • Areas of Specialization
  • Cost of Tuition

Accreditation

When choosing any of the culinary schools in Dubai, the schools with certified instructors, modern facilities and accredited curriculum should be on your list.

If a culinary school has proper accreditation, it means the courses and programs have been rigorously assessed and approved by authorities in the industry.

Some of the renowned and reliable institutions that can accredit a culinary course or program are:

  • the American Culinary Federation (ACF)
  • the World Association of Chefs Societies (WorldChefs), and
  • the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA in Dubai)


Reputation

The reputation of your school is very necessary. Check people’s reviews about the school as well as reviews by previous students.

Checking their website to know how long they have been in the industry as well as taking note of their features and achievements is very necessary.


Areas of Specialization

It is also vital that you ensure that the culinary school to which you plan to enrol offers programs that are aligned with your passion and interests.

Areas of specialization may differ in different culinary schools.


Cost of Tuition

This is one of the most vital of all. You must consider above all the time and money that you will have to invest while attending any of the culinary schools in Dubai.

How much do chefs make in Dubai?

The salary of a chef can vary depending on his/her expertise, years of experience, employer, and other factors.

For reference, chefs in Dubai can earn around 3,500 AED to 65,000 AED per month.

The List of Culinary Schools in Dubai & their Tuition

  • Dubai College of Tourism
  • Richemont Masterbaker
  • COTHM
  • School of Culinary And Finishing Arts Dubai (SCAFA)
  • Vandana Jain
  • Top Chef Dubai
  • Ecole Hôtelière Helvétique (EHH) (Dubai Campus)
  • International Centre for Culinary Arts

International Center for Culinary Arts (ICCA)

International Center for Culinary Arts (ICCA) is one of the accredited culinary schools in Dubai that was established in 2005. Since then, they have become one of the internationally renowned culinary schools in Dubai.

Their programs are recognised and approved as well but trusted institutions and that includes Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA in Dubai), the City & Guilds of London, and the World Association of Chefs Societies (WorldChefs).

It is a school with different areas of specialization. They have programs for international students and above all, they provide a fully furnished hotel facility that is situated just a block away from Dubai Metro, which we think is a great point of convenience, especially if it’s your first time visiting Dubai.

Their culinary program is designed to meet the requirements of the Creativity Activity Service(CAS) while providing life skills and a pathway to further education in this field.

Lessons are spread over 12 or 16 classes of 2 hours each, along with full access to online resources.

1> 12 classes-Introduction to Kitchen Essentials + 11 Lessons in Food Preparation.

2> 16 classes-introduction to Kitchen Essentials + 15 Lessons in Food Preparation.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded either of the following:

1> ICCA Dubai Accredited Certificate in Home Kitchen Skills

2>Certificate of completion attested by the Knowledge & Human Development Authority(KHDA), Government of Dubai, UAE

Professional Diploma Programs: 42,514.50 AED – 60,062 AED

Amateur Certificate Programs: 18,165 AED

Artisanal Courses:

5,250 AED (Group Class)

10,000 AED (Personalized Class)

School of Culinary And Finishing Arts Dubai (SCAFA)

This is one of the accredited culinary schools in Dubai that was conceptualized in the year 2010. Over the years they have continued to be in front when it comes to introducing the best practices in contemporary culinary techniques through curriculum development coupled with industrial partnerships.

They offer a full spectrum of culinary programs and activities and they include:

  • Professional programs
  • Ethusiast programs
  • Programs for amateurs and hobbyists
  • Children’s classes
  • Team building and group cooking activities
  • School trips
  • Gelato classes
  • Professional Italian Cuisine
  • Intensive Pizza Course

We also offer menu development consultancy for the development, standardization and documentation of menus. Our clients include restaurateurs, caterers, health for providers, children’s meals and packaged meals.

Professional Programs: 11,050 AED – 57,750 AED

Enthusiast Programs: 840 AED – 4,200 AED

  • Near، Almas Tower – Unit 16, Promenade Level,
  • Cluster I – Jumeirah Lakes Towers – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
  • +971 4 379 4044 | info@SCAFA.ae
  • Saturday – Thursday 9 AM – 6 PM
  • http://scafa.ae/

Richemont Masterbaker

This is one of the culinary schools in Dubai that can help refine your baking skills and teach you some tips and tricks.

Just as its name suggests, this school offers a variety of KHDA approved and specialized pastry and bakery education programs for its clients.

They offer online classes as well.

However, since this school focuses on baking, their area of specialization is limited compared to other entries in this list.

So perhaps you are scouring for an institute that can offer you programs focusing on different cuisines, then Richemont Masterbaker is not the one for you. 

Bread & Baking Programs: 4,725 AED – 6,825 AED

Confectionary & Desserts Programs: 4,725 AED – 6,825 AED

Ecole Hôtelière Helvétique (EHH)

This is not just one of the regular culinary schools in Dubai. This culinary school has the objective of supporting the Global Hospitality and Tourism industry with qualified human capital, by fostering high-quality Vocational Education based on authentic, traditional Swiss hospitality programs.

Advanced Specialization in Kitchen Management(ASKM):

This course makes it pivotal that you learn the knowledge and skills to practice effective catering control.

Professional Diploma in Culinary Arts: 57,500 AED

Professional Certificate in Art of Baking and Pastry: 25,000 AED

In Professional Certificate in Art of Baking and Pastry, you will learn how to master baking and make beautiful creations of your own

Professional Certificate in Art of Swiss Chocolate and Sugar Craft: 25,000 AED

The EHH – Professional Certificate in Art of Swiss Chocolate and Sugar Craft is designed to teach you traditional Swiss Chocolate making skills by a veteran “Maitre Chocolatier.” After obtaining a certificate, you will be able to start or enhance your career in this industry

Other courses they offer include Advanced Specialization in Kitchen Management (ASKM), Professional Certificate in Art of Swiss Chocolate and Sugar Craft.

Most importantly, this culinary school offers grants, students loans and scholarships to deserving students.

Dubai College of Tourism

Certificate in Culinary Arts (Level 4): 30,000 AED

Diploma in Culinary Arts (Level 5): 30,000 AED

Dubai College of Tourism is one of the culinary schools in Dubai that was established in the year 2017. They have been providing specialized programs in hospitality, retail business, events, tourism, and culinary arts.

For each program, a minimum number of students are required, therefore it very essential to apply on time if you really want to enrol.

Dubai College of Tourism is an internationally recognized culinary school that has been accredited by the Department of Knowledge and Human Development.

They are known for their hands-on training that allows students to learn by experimenting in the kitchen.

This institution offers a one-year certificate in the Culinary Arts and it focuses on the basics in the industry.

After earning this certificate, you have the option to study its Diploma program for another year. It is the Diploma program that usually gives students real-world experience by letting them work in restaurants and bakeries.


Vandana Jain

Vandana Jain is a culinary school run by Vandana Jain. Vandana Jain is one of the top chefs in Dubai.

This culinary school focuses on a variety of different international cuisines that include Indian, Japanese, Mexican, Italian, and Chinese.

Vandana Jain offers classes for both adults and children. There are baking and cake decoration courses also.

Students are taught the essentials of the culinary arts.  A few of the courses offered at Vandana Jain also allow you to earn certificates. To find out more about this school, visit their Website.


Top Chef Dubai

This culinary school has a team of passionate gourmets who are eager to share their enthusiasm for cooking and to pass on their culinary skills.

They offer a range of tailor-made cooking classes for both adults and children as well as private culinary functions.

Whether you are taking your first steps into the culinary world, looking to fine-tune your existing skills, or aspiring to become a cooking virtuoso, their hands-on chef will teach you a broad range of culinary techniques.

Not only will you discover new techniques and recipes but you will also have plenty of fun all the while gaining confidence in the kitchen. Below are some of their courses and prices.

  • Chef To Be: 415 AED pp
  • Culinary Arts: 495 AED pp
  • Vegetarian: 445 AED pp

See other classes and their prices.

COTHM

COTM is one of the leading international hotel school. They are not just one of the top culinary schools in Dubai, they are also a preferred choice when it comes to education in hospitality management, baking & patisserie, travel & tourism, airline management and health & food safety.

Since their inception in 2002, their footprint has expanded, continuously building careers in any part of the world.

In this school, many classes are held through distance learning but are overseen by professional chefs who will guide students in their studies. 

COTHM Dubai offers a variety of accredited programs. COTHM prides itself on getting its students ready for the hospitality industry as soon as they graduate. COTHM Dubai is approved and licensed by KHDA – Knowledge & Human Development Authority of the Govt. of Dubai.

Courses are priced at $102

What jobs can I get after my diploma ?

There are different types of jobs you can get and most importantly it is based on your experience and expertise.

Most graduates of a culinary diploma program start by being a line chef, entry-level cook, or prep cook.

Can I become a chef without a culinary education?

Yes, the only thing is that it will be a long and challenging path because of the learning processes you will undergo.

In summary

Culinary schools in Dubai are set to give you a more diverse and comprehensive education in culinary arts.

Therefore if you have made up your mind that you want to make a living through cooking, then getting a culinary degree is not a bad idea.

If you plan to start working in the industry right away, then diploma programs are there for you.

The diploma programs are affordable and can be typically completed in less than a year. Therefore it is perfect for individuals who are planning a career shift.

What do you think about these culinary schools in Dubai? Please leave a comment below.

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