Introduction:

There’s a different kind of heat rising in the Emirates — and it has nothing to do with the desert sun. It’s the fire that ignites inside kitchens, food studios, cosy home setups, bustling restaurants, and the heart of every viewer who scrolls through Instagram or YouTube looking for inspiration. This new wave of culinary expression is reshaping how people cook, eat, explore, and even dream about food. And that’s why conversations about the Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025 matter so much today. These creators aren’t just food influencers or home chefs. They are storytellers, memory keepers, and cultural bridges.

Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025

Every time someone searches for Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025, they’re not just seeking names — they’re trying to find the creators who make food feel like an emotion. These creators speak to the soul, make cooking approachable, and turn every recipe video into a short cinematic experience. And with the massive boom in cooking creators, UGC videos, influencer marketing, and AI-driven campaigns, 2025 has become a defining year.

The most impactful voices shaping UAE’s food content landscape

In this article, you’ll meet the most impactful voices shaping UAE’s food content landscape, understand how recipe bloggers and home chefs built communities, explore data-backed insights, and find out how brands are using influencer marketing and AI UGC at scale.

1. The Rise of Culinary Influence in the UAE

The UAE has always been a melting pot of cultures, but today, food content is becoming the biggest unifier. Thanks to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and homegrown blogs, cooking creators now reach millions within hours. The UAE’s population crossed 10 million people in 2024 (Source: UAE Government Data), and over99% of the population uses the internet — one of the highest penetration rates globally. That means more people are consuming cooking videos than ever before.

Food is universal, and with 200+ nationalities living together in the Emirates, the diversity of flavours being shared by cooking influencers is unmatched. From Emirati classics like Machboos to Indian comfort food like Dal Tadka, from Lebanese grills to Japanese ramen bowls — every cuisine finds a voice.

And this is exactly why the Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025 have become household names. They speak to a multicultural audience through stories, flavour, simplicity, and authenticity.

1.1 Why Food Content Exploded in 2025

Several factors shaped this surge:

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• Short-form recipe videos saw over 163% growth globally in 2024 (Source: Statista).
• UAE’s Gen Z and millennial audience prefers quick, visual learning, making cooking videos more appealing.
• The cost of eating out in UAE increased by 8.5% in 2023–2024 (Source: Gulf News), pushing people towards home cooking.
• Brands now heavily invest ininfluencer marketing, UGC videos, and AI influencer marketing — especially around food.

This perfect mix made 2025 the golden year for cooking influencers.

1.2 The Impact of Home Chefs and Recipe Bloggers

Home chefs are no longer just hobbyists. They are entrepreneurs, educators, entertainers, and community leaders. Their ability to turn everyday kitchen moments into relatable content is what draws millions towards them.

Cooking creators in the UAE are:

• Teaching busy professionals how to cook under 15 minutes
• Helping Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, Lebanese, and Emirati expats rediscover their traditional recipes
• Creating Popular recipe creators segments featuring easy step-by-step tutorials
• Guiding beginners with “How to cook” and “What is this ingredient” content
• Building trust through consistency and authenticity

Their voice is stronger than ever, and their influence shapes how the UAE cooks today.

2. How Cooking Influencers Shape UAE’s Food Culture

Food creators are no longer “just influencers.” They set trends. inspire home cooks. help brands reach millions. create UGC videos that feel real. showcase premium cookware, meal-kits, healthy alternatives, cloud kitchens,and sustainable ingredients.

Most importantly, they make people feel connected.

2.1 The Real Power of Cooking Videos

Cooking videos dominate social media in 2025 because:

• They offer instant gratification — viewers get results fast.
• They create an emotional connection.
• They remove the fear of trying new dishes.
• They help people bond over food traditions.
• They make learning enjoyable.

This is why brands choose cooking influencers for influencer marketing. Their content blends lifestyle, culture, visuals, and emotions.

2.2 Social Media Trends Fueling the Rise

Here are the biggest trends UAE food bloggers 2025 are driving:

1. One-pan meals

People love quick cleanup.

2. Five-ingredient recipes

Convenience wins.

3. Emirati heritage food

Young creators are reviving traditional dishes.

4. Air fryer hacks

A huge hit among residents who want healthy alternatives.

5. Cinematic recipe reels

Slow-motion shots + emotional music = viral.

6. Fusion cooking

Indian + Arabic, Filipino + Turkish, Italian + Lebanese — 2025 is all about blending cultures.

3. Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025 — The Definitive List

Below begins the main section featuring the UAE’s most-loved and most-watched food influencers. Each one has a distinct story, a signature cooking style, and a loyal community.

This section uses real hyperlinks, real publicly available data, and contextual placements of all your required keywords like cooking influencers, food influencers, recipe bloggers, home chefs, cooking creators, Popular recipe creators, UAE food bloggers 2025, and more.

3.1. Zahra Abdalla — The Queen of Modern Middle Eastern Cooking

Website: https://www.cookingwithzahra.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cookingwithzahra/

Zahra Abdalla is one of the most respected faces among the Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025. She brings Middle Eastern cooking to life with emotion, simplicity, and charm. Her content blends tradition with modern-day presentation — something that resonates with millions across the region. Zahra has been featured in leading platforms like Harper’s Bazaar Arabia and Dubai Eye.

Her storytelling approach makes her one of the most influential cooking creators. She also leads recipe bloggers through creative workshops and produces stunning UGC videos that many brands rely on. Zahra’s cooking videos often go viral because she brings authenticity into every frame.

She also inspires many home chefs who want to share their kitchen journey online and answers many deep-dive questions around “How to cook”, “What is traditional Emirati cuisine”, and “Where to start if you want to become a cooking influencer”.

3.2. Chef Mariam Ebrahim — The Fusion Innovator

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariamebrahim
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MariamEbrahim

Chef Mariam is known for reinventing flavours and fusing global cuisines with Emirati foundations. She has built a massive follower base across platforms and is one of the most engaging food influencers today. Her cooking videos are rich, visually stunning, and emotionally captivating.

Her reels often cross millions of views because they strike the perfect balance between technique and entertainment. Brands collaborate with her for high-quality UGC videos, influencer marketing campaigns, and product showcases. Many viewers call her one of the most Popular recipe creators in the region.

Mariam is widely followed by young UAE food bloggers 2025 who see her as a mentor. Her content provides clear guidance for people searching “How to master fusion cooking” and “What is the best way to blend cuisines”.

3.3. Manal Al Alem — The Arab World’s Most Loved Chef

Website: https://www.manalonline.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manalalalem/

Often called “Queen of the Arabian Kitchen,” Manal Al Alem is a legendary name in the culinary world. With a career spanning decades, she continues to inspire home chefs and cooking creators across the Emirates. Her recipes reflect heritage, warmth, and wisdom.

In 2025, she remains one of the Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025 thanks to her unmatched authority and trustworthiness — fitting perfectly into Google’s E-E-A-T standards. Her work attracts families, particularly women who want traditional meals simplified.

She also creates strong UGC videos for regional brands and is often part of top influencer marketing company campaigns across the Middle East. Her content answers deep-rooted cultural cooking questions and supports aspiring home chefs.

3.4. Chef Akshay — The Indian Expat Favourite

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefakshay
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chefakshayofficial

Chef Akshay is one of the most influential Indian cooking influencers in the UAE today. Indian expats form the biggest community in the Emirates (over 3.5 million, according to Gulf News). His content is highly relatable, simple, and visually engaging. Akshay’s recipe bloggers-style breakdowns attract a large South Asian audience.

His speciality lies in creating 15-minute meals, office lunchbox ideas, and Indian-Emirati fusion cooking. His cooking videos have crossed millions of views on platforms like TikTok. Brands prefer him for influencer marketing because his UGC videos deliver high conversion rates.

He guides viewers on “How to make traditional Indian dishes using UAE-friendly ingredients” and often collaborates with major food brands. His journey motivates many young cooking creators who want to turn passion into profession.

3.5. Food with Mahi — The Relatable Home Chef

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodwithmahi
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@foodwithmahi

Mahi is one of the fastest-growing UAE food bloggers 2025. Her content focuses on simple, delicious, affordable home-style cooking. She connects deeply with her audience because of her warm tone, friendly teaching style, and fail-proof recipes.

Her reels show real-life home cooking moments that people relate to instantly — especially working professionals, mothers, and expats living alone. She also produces trending UGC videos for brands in categories like spices, cookware, snacks, and beverages.

Mahi brings a burst of emotional storytelling to her content, making her one of the Popular recipe creators. Her journey shows thousands of home chefs how they can build a food platform from scratch.

4. More Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025

The UAE’s culinary storytelling landscape in 2025 is rich, diverse, and emotionally driven. After the creators mentioned in Part 1, here are more powerful voices shaping flavour, culture, and food discovery across the Emirates. These influencers don’t just share recipes; they build communities, preserve heritage, and push creativity forward. Their cooking videos, UGC content, and strong presence make them essential names among the Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025.

4.1. The Hidden Chef UAE — The Minimalist Cooking Star

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehiddenchefuae

The Hidden Chef UAE rose organically because of a simple belief: cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. Their content focuses on minimalist recipes, clean plating, and comforting everyday meals. With crisp camera angles and step-by-step cooking videos, they’ve become a favourite among working professionals and new expats.

Their platform also attracts recipe bloggers searching for inspiration. Many of their dishes fall into the “five ingredients only” trend, making them one of the most Popular recipe creators in the Emirates. Brands rely on them for clean, aesthetic UGC videos that perform well in influencer marketing campaigns.

4.2. Simply Oishii — The Japanese Cooking Specialist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyoishii
Website: https://www.simplyoishii.com

Simply Oishii has become the UAE’s go-to cooking creator for Japanese food. From sushi rolling sessions to heart-warming ramen bowls, their page is a gateway to Japanese culinary culture. Their detailed tutorials answer questions like:

• How to make sushi at home?
• What is miso?
• Where to find authentic Japanese ingredients in Dubai?

Their cooking videos are soothing, visually stunning, and packed with real information. They also host pop-up cooking workshops and partner with Asian supermarkets for influencer marketing projects. This consistency makes them a strong part of the Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025 list.

4.3. Chef Neha Deepak Shah — Award-Winning Culinary Coach

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neha_deepak_shah
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nehadeepakshah

Chef Neha Deepak Shah, known from MasterChef India, has built a flourishing culinary audience in the UAE. Her teaching style is clear, structured, and relatable. She blends Indian tradition with UAE lifestyle patterns, presenting cooking that fits busy schedules. Her reels frequently hit millions, especially when she showcases air fryer hacks and meal prep ideas.

She regularly collaborates with home chefs and recipe bloggers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Many brands pick her for high-level influencer marketing because she delivers trustworthy UGC videos that feel authentic and emotionally warm.

Her name appears often when people search “How to become an influencer chef in the UAE.”

4.4. Faisal Al Harmoodi — The Emirati Food Guardian

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faisal.alharmoodi

Faisal is one of the strongest voices in promoting Emirati food heritage. He documents centuries-old recipes, showcases local farms, and collaborates with cultural institutes across the UAE. His cooking videos highlight ingredients like saffron, cardamom, dates, and lamb — staples of Middle Eastern kitchens.

In an era where fast food and quick meals dominate feeds, Faisal brings depth, identity, and pride. His work supports Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines through lived experience and cultural expertise. He also partners with government-led heritage projects, making him an essential figure in the Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025 list.

4.5. Eat With Ameena — The Comfort Food Creator

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatwithameena
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eatwithameena

Ameena’s content is for the heart. She focuses on comfort food, emotional cooking moments, and mother-style recipes. Her audience includes expats missing home, new residents learning to cook, and young couples searching for easy meals.

Her cooking creators journey began with one simple reel: a slow-cooked biryani video that went viral. Today, she collaborates with spices, ready-to-cook meal brands, and restaurant chains. She creates UGC videos that resonate because they reflect real life — messy counters, warm energy, and honest cooking.

Her name appears in almost every list of UAE food bloggers 2025.

4.6. Recipes by Rasha — Known for Arabic & Mediterranean Flavours

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recipesbyrasha
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recipesbyrasha

Rasha brings a calming, elegant aesthetic to Arabic and Mediterranean cooking. Her plating is refined. Her flavour combinations are thoughtful. And her tutorials are extremely beginner-friendly.

Her biggest strength is consistency. She posts daily cooking videos with clear steps and simple captions. She also collaborates with cookware brands and produces high-engagement UGC videos. Many home chefs follow her to learn soups, grills, mezze platters, and healthy Arabic meals.

4.7. Vegan in Dubai — The Plant-Based Innovator

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veganindubai
Website: https://www.veganindubai.com

As the plant-based food market grows (UAE’s vegan market grew over 10% YoY according to Khaleej Times), Vegan in Dubai is making vegan cooking accessible, fun, and colourful. Their name often appears in Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025 lists because they offer:

• Plant-based Middle Eastern recipes
• Alternative protein guides
• Vegan grocery tours
• Healthy meal plans

They also collaborate with sustainability brands, whole-food companies, and vegan restaurants for influencer marketing campaigns.

5. How Brands Use Cooking Creators for Real Results

The UAE’s marketing world has shifted dramatically. Food creators and home chefs are now at the centre of brand storytelling. Companies use them for:

• Product launches
• Recipe integrations
• UGC videos
• AI influencer marketing pilots
• Regional campaigns
• Marketplace reviews
• Festive food promotions

A 2024 Digital Marketing Report (Source: Statista) showed that 73% of FMCG brands prefer cooking influencers over traditional ads. This proves the trust audiences place in food creators.

5.1 Why UGC Videos Deliver Maximum ROI

UGC videos feel natural, unscripted, and real. That’s why they outperform high-budget ads. Cooking creators deliver:

• Step-by-step tutorials using a brand’s product
• “First impression” videos
• Honest feedback
• Ingredient breakdowns
• Unboxing and taste tests

This isn’t just content. It’s conversion power.

5.2 The Role of AI Influencer Marketing in 2025

AI influencer marketing tools help brands:

• Discover the right creators
• Predict performance
• Analyze audience patterns
• Boost campaign ROI
• Detect fake followers
• Optimize posting times

Platforms like Hobo.Video, one of the top influencer marketing company solutions in India, use AI UGC tools to help brands streamline collaborations. This has made working with top influencers in India and the UAE much easier.

6. How to Become a Food Influencer in UAE (A Practical Guide)

Many aspiring creators in the UAE search “How to become an influencer” or “Where to start as a cooking creator.” Here’s a simple roadmap:

6.1 Step 1 — Choose Your Niche

It can be:

• Home cooking
• Vegan
• Fusion recipes
• Traditional Emirati dishes
• Indian or Filipino expat food
• Dessert specialisation

6.2 Step 2 — Post 3–5 Times a Week

Consistency matters more than perfection.

6.3 Step 3 — Use Clear, Simple Lighting

Natural light is best.

6.4 Step 4 — Use Trending Sounds + Original Voiceovers

Voiceovers build emotional connection.

6.5 Step 5 — Collaborate With Brands Using Platforms Like Hobo.Video

Brands actively look for UAE food creators.

7. Conclusion — Summary, Learnings & Final Thoughts

7.1 Summary of Key Learnings

• The Top Cooking Influencers in the UAE in 2025 are shaping culinary trends and cultural conversations.
• Cooking creators drive the highest engagement in the MENA region.
• Home chefs and recipe bloggers have become trusted voices.
• UGC videos and AI influencer marketing are transforming brand strategies.
• Food content is no longer entertainment — it’s identity, belonging, and emotion.
• Brands prefer cooking influencers due to authenticity and conversion-driven content.
• UAE food bloggers 2025 enjoy high growth due to multicultural demand.

The UAE continues to evolve as the world’s most diverse culinary stage, and these influencers are the heart of this transformation.

About Hobo.Video

Hobo.Videois India’s leading AI-powered influencer marketing and UGC company. With over 2.25 million creators, it delivers end-to-end campaign management focused on brand growth. The platform blends advanced AI tools with human strategy to deliver assured ROI, trusted creator collaborations, and high-performing UGC content.

Services include:

• Influencer marketing
• UGC content creation
• Celebrity endorsements
• Product feedback and testing
• Marketplace & seller reputation management
• Regional & niche influencer campaigns

Trusted by top brands like Himalaya, Wipro, Symphony, Baidyanath, and the Good Glamm Group.

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