The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has partnered with Le Cordon Bleu, a world-renowned culinary education institution, to open the first Le Cordon Bleu Institute in the UAE on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Launching in the first quarter of 2025, Le Cordon Bleu Abu Dhabi aims to elevate the epicurean scene in the region and position Abu Dhabi as a centre for culinary talent, innovation and development.

Situated in The Grove, Saadiyat Island, the campus aims to attract local and international students. Le Cordon Bleu Abu Dhabi will be developing Le Cordon Bleu specialisations in 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."

André J. Cointreau, President of Le Cordon Bleu, said: "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 just 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."

The announcement comes following the launch earlier this year of the AED360 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.