Faith, determination: Emirati entrepreneurs find success at RAK's Restaurant Village

Ras Al Khaimah’s annual Restaurant Village festival has once again proven to be a breakthrough platform for Emirati food entrepreneurs, providing a unique stage to showcase culinary talent, connect with the public, and gain recognition.

This year, first-time participants shared stories of persistence, resilience, and early success, demonstrating how determination and faith can turn a small idea into a thriving venture.

Among these emerging entrepreneurs is Fatima Rashid Al Teneiji, founder of the homegrown dessert project Tweety Sweety, who described her participation as the result of persistence, belief, and strong faith. Al Teneiji’s journey began last year at a small event held at Al Jazeera Al Hamra Heritage Village, which she initially viewed as a trial to test public interest. Encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response, she aimed to expand to larger festivals.

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However, her journey was not straightforward. Without a shop or trade licence, festival organisers initially considered her project inactive.

When registration opened for the 2025 edition of Restaurant Village at Manar Mall, Al Teneiji applied and personally met with the organisers to present her project and explain her background. One organiser, recognising her potential, encouraged her to submit her menu and project details, assuring her she still had a chance despite registering late.

“I was accepted at the very end, while others had registered from the beginning of the month,” Al Teneiji said. “It was truly an unexpected blessing.”

Initially, she had planned a simple table setup but later decided on a food truck to reach a broader audience. This shift required rapid planning and construction in November, with tight deadlines and considerable uncertainty on the final day of entry. Trusting in God to guide her through the process, she persevered. Her persistence paid off when, despite the truck arriving late, it was allowed entry after inspection.

Once operational, Tweety Sweety quickly drew attention for its refined and innovative menu. The Kinder-flavoured tiramisu emerged as a bestseller, alongside pistachio, mango, and coffee-based sweets. Al Teneiji noted that the festival not only boosted her confidence but also highlighted the supportive atmosphere among Emirati entrepreneurs. “The place feels like one family,” she said.

Sharing a similar experience is Khalifa Ali Salem Al Shehhi, founder of the youth-led Athwaq Thailandi, which made its debut just over a year after launching. Al Shehhi described the festival as a valuable opportunity to test his menu, engage directly with customers, and gain firsthand feedback. Offering authentic Thai dishes, his best-sellers included oysters, noodles, traditional Thai dishes, and soups.

“People in Ras Al Khaimah enjoy unique flavours, and we noticed strong demand for quality and authentic taste,” Al Shehhi said. He praised the Saud bin Saqr Foundation for Youth Project Development for ensuring smooth registration and providing logistical support, highlighting the festival’s role in nurturing young talent.

Encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive public response, both Al Teneiji and Al Shehhi plan to expand their businesses and continue participating in future events, underlining the significance of Restaurant Village as a key platform for emerging Emirati food entrepreneurs.

Now in its seventh edition, the annual festival has evolved into a vibrant hub for young culinary talent. Yousef Muhammad Ismail, Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the Saud bin Saqr Foundation for Youth, shared insights into the festival’s origins and evolution. He explained that the idea began seven to eight years ago to provide a stage for young entrepreneurs whose projects were largely unknown to the public.

“Back then, there was strong competition among emerging entrepreneurs, but the challenge was how to showcase them,” Ismail said.  The organisers secured an initial venue at Mina Al Arab and gradually moved to larger locations in Manar Mall as the festival gained popularity. Early editions attracted 30,000 to 35,000 visitors, a figure that has steadily grown over the years.

This year, organisers reported an 11 per cent increase in visitors during the festival’s first week, prompting an extension of the food village through January 4th, beyond the original dates of December 1 to 31.

Aligning with national celebrations, this year’s edition featured 54 projects to commemorate the UAE’s 54th National Day. Looking ahead, Ismail said organisers aim to expand further, nurturing creativity and continuity among Emirati youth. International collaborations are also being explored to facilitate cross-cultural exchange, allowing participants to learn from global culinary experiences while introducing international flavours to the UAE.

Through determination, innovation, and community support, Emirati entrepreneurs like Al Teneiji and Al Shehhi are redefining the country’s culinary landscape, and Restaurant Village remains a cornerstone in their journey toward growth and success.