Shaikha Al Kaabi, Erth’s visionary CEO, outlines a path to global prominence for Emirati hospitality.
What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
My day begins with a moment of prayer, which sets a tranquil and focused tone. I then engage in light exercise to invigorate my body and mind. After that, I review my schedule to ensure I am well-prepared for the day’s meetings and projects, including our work at Erth Abu Dhabi, Ecole Ducasse Abu Dhabi Studio, and Erth Al Hosn. This routine reflects our broader organisational values, emphasising mindfulness and preparation. It mirrors our approach to staff development at Erth, where we support both long-standing team members and young Emirati talent in creating a productive and harmonious work environment.
Shaikha Al Kaabi, CEO at Erth
What is the USP of Erth Abu Dhabi and how do you approach things differently?
Erth Abu Dhabi distinguishes itself through its seamless integration of Emirati heritage with modern luxury. Our unique selling proposition is the authentic Emirati experience we offer, showcased in our architecture, hospitality, and culinary offerings. We provide a diverse range of facilities, including a 350-meter private Blue Flag certified beach and an elegantly designed swimming pool, all within Abu Dhabi’s vibrant cultural and business hubs. Our commitment to staff development and retention is also a key differentiator. We have a remarkable legacy of long-serving staff – some have been with us for over 25 years – demonstrating the stability and excellence we bring. Additionally, we actively invest in nurturing young Emirati talent, ensuring a dynamic and innovative team that enhances our guest experience and reflects our commitment to both tradition and modernity.
Can you define the inspiration behind the design?
The design of Erth Abu Dhabi is a tribute to the visionary legacy of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. His vision for a recreational space for the UAE Armed Forces has been realised with a design that celebrates Emirati culture and heritage.
The architecture draws inspiration from the falcon – a symbol of strength and vision – while the interiors reflect the beauty of the UAE’s landscapes, the warmth of its people, and the richness of its history. This respect for tradition extends to our staff ’s dedication. We blend traditional influences with modern design, ensuring that both our architecture and our service approach honour our cultural roots while appealing to contemporary tastes. Erth Abu Dhabi menus celebrate the rich heritage of history and UAE culture.
What is Erth’s culinary vision?
At Erth, our culinary vision is to elevate Emirati cuisine by merging traditional flavours with contemporary techniques. We prioritise sustainability by sourcing ingredients locally, which supports the local economy and reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship. Our goal is to offer guests an authentic taste of the UAE, presenting the depth and diversity of our culinary traditions within a modern context. This approach to cuisine is mirrored in our staff development efforts. We emphasise training that integrates traditional culinary techniques with modern practices, ensuring that our team can deliver dishes that resonate with both our heritage and global culinary trends.
To you, what are the key standout dishes?
Our standout dishes feature innovative takes on traditional Emirati recipes. For example, our Farid Inspired Ravioli Fusion combines slow-cooked lamb with regag bread and pasta, served with a rich lamb emulsion sauce. Our Luqaimat dessert is a delightful contrast of textures – crisp on the outside, with a soft, airy center, glazed with date syrup and sprinkled with sesame seeds. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to reflect our culture and heritage.
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Erth Abu Dhabi offers a unique environment to experience traditional Emirati cuisine – was this the plan from the outset?
From the beginning, our vision for Erth was to create a destination where guests can deeply engage with Emirati culture. We aimed to offer more than just a dining experience; we wanted to provide an immersive journey through our traditions and heritage. Every aspect of Erth is designed to ensure that each visit is a meaningful exploration of our cultural legacy. Our commitment to this vision is supported by our team, including both long-serving staff and emerging Emirati talent.
How important is it to use traditional techniques and how do you combine this with contemporary design?
Maintaining authenticity is crucial, so we blend traditional cooking techniques with modern innovations. This approach allows us to honor our culinary heritage while also appealing to a global audience. By integrating time-honoured methods with contemporary design, we create dishes that are deeply rooted in tradition yet aligned with modern tastes. Our approach to staff development follows this philosophy. We provide training that combines traditional practices with contemporary methods, ensuring that our team is equipped to meet evolving expectations while preserving our cultural heritage.
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The culinary journey experience at Erth Abu Dhabi is exceptional – can you expand on how you’ve achieved this in such a location?
Creating an exceptional culinary journey at Erth involves meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. We have showcased our capabilities at significant local events, such as serving over 15,000 meals daily at key Abu Dhabi events and providing diverse experi- ences during major cultural and business gatherings in the city. These achievements reflect the dedication of our team, including long-standing professionals and young Emirati talent, who contribute to delivering exceptional experiences.
This year, the Erth restaurant has been awarded one Michelin Star by The Michelin Guide. How does it feel to accomplish this title?
Receiving a Michelin Star is a profound honor and a testament to the dedication and talent of our entire team. It validates our commitment to elevating Emirati cuisine on a global stage and motivates us to continue innovating and pushing the boundaries of the culinary arts.
What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome it?
One of our greatest challenges has been balancing the preservation of our cultural heritage with the evolving demands of modern hospitality. We have navigated this challenge by staying true to our cultural roots while embracing innovative practices. This approach has allowed us to honour our traditions while meeting contemporary expectations. Our staff development strategy has been crucial in this process. By investing in both seasoned professionals and emerging talent, we ensure that our team is well-equipped to address these challenges effectively.
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This is The Visionary Issue – how do you view the future of Erth Abu Dhabi?
Looking ahead, our vision for Erth is to become not just a premier destination in Abu Dhabi, but a global beacon of Emirati hospitality. We aim to continue celebrating and sharing our rich cultural legacy while expanding our international presence. Our commitment to both heritage and innovation, supported by our dedicated team of long-standing staff and new talent, will guide us as we strive to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
“Our commitment to both heritage and innovation, supported by our dedicated team of long-standing staff and new talent, will guide us as we strive to make a lasting impact on the global stage”
