UAE Culinary Arts as a Means of Bringing People Together

On February 26, Meridian International Center and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C., opened a discussion to speak to the diverse cultures of the UAE through a salon lunch discussion on culinary diplomacy. The discussion's panelists included Hanan Sayed Worrell, author of “Table Tales: The Global Nomad Cuisine of Abu Dhabi,” Marjon Ajami, Executive Chef and Founder of Nolu's Group in Abu Dhabi, Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director of The Arts Center at New York University Abu Dhabi, and Ambassador Barbara Leaf, former U.S. Ambassador to the UAE. Dana Al Marashi, Head of Cultural Diplomacy at the UAE Embassy in D.C., introduced the speakers, and Natalie Jones, Senior Vice President of External Affairs at Meridian International, moderated the panel.

In attendance were cultural influencers and cuisine professionals from across the Washington D.C. are, who came together to learn about the rich history of cuisine of Abu Dhabi. The UAE is home to people from more than 200 nationalities and the government is committed to encouraging inclusion and coexistence, a concept that is highlighted through Emirate food.

After the panel discussion, guests enjoyed dishes prepared from the cookbook “Table Tales: The Global Nomad Cuisine of Abu Dhabi,” such as Asian glazed salmon filets, traditional Moroccan tomato lentil soup and chicken braised in preserved lemon, parsley and mint, among other dishes.