Tourism Breaking News
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has partnered with Le Cordon Bleu to open the first-ever Le Cordon Bleu Institute in the UAE on the emirate’s Saadiyat Island. Launching in the first quarter of 2025, Le Cordon Bleu Abu Dhabi is set to elevate the epicurean scene in the region and position Abu Dhabi as a centre for culinary talent, innovation, and development. Situated in the heart of Aldar Properties’ The Grove, the state-of-the-art Saadiyat Island campus will attract local and international students aspiring to refine their skills and broaden their horizons within one of the world’s most revered institutions. Notably, Le Cordon Bleu Abu Dhabi will be developing Le Cordon Bleu specialisations in two pioneering fields – maritime sustainability and food security.
His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “At DCT Abu Dhabi, we pursue excellence across all our activities by collaborating with world-leading organisations and top talent. This collaboration with the globally renowned Le Cordon Bleu will enable us to redefine culinary education in the region, nurturing creative talent while shaping the future of food to advance the emirate’s status as a hub of diverse gastronomic experiences.”
The announcement comes following the launch earlier this year of the AED 360 million Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund, which will introduce leading brands to the UAE capital over five years and accelerate Abu Dhabi’s development as a rapidly growing gastronomical hub.
André J. Cointreau, President of Le Cordon Bleu, commented: “Founded in 1895 in Paris, Le Cordon Bleu is recognised worldwide for its excellence in education, with programmes ranging from diploma level up to Bachelor’s, Master’s and research projects, and in providing students with an international “passport” for a career in the food, nutrition, restaurant and hospitality industries. This can be seen by the numerous success stories of its alumni, including many Michelin-starred chefs and many illustrious alumni, ranging from Julia Childs to Giada de Laurentiis, from Dame Mary Berry to Gaston Acurio, from Maria Pía León to Virgilio Martinez, from Yotam Ottolenghi to Vicky Lau, to mention but a few. Le Cordon Bleu is eager to start welcoming students to the Abu Dhabi institute and to open our doors to our exclusive network of alumni.”
With an international network of 35 institutes spanning 20 countries, and over 20,000 students worldwide, Le Cordon Bleu has established itself as the epitome of culinary education, French haute cuisine and international hospitality management. Its arrival in Abu Dhabi is an impressive new addition to the emirate’s credentials as a hub for hospitality, culinary arts and education.
