Dubai has never shied away from pushing the boundaries of innovation, and this summer, the city is set to transform the way the world looks at fine dining. Gastronaut Hospitality, the group behind popular hotspots like Trove and BohoX, has announced the launch of WOOHOO, a first-of-its-kind Japanese dining concept run by an artificial intelligence-powered chef—Chef Aiman.
Dining Meets Artificial Intelligence
Slated to open its doors in September 2025 at Kempinski The Boulevard Hotel, overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa, WOOHOO will introduce the world to Chef Aiman—a culinary creation unlike any other. Developed by UAE-based tech startup UMAI, Chef Aiman is the world’s first fully functioning AI chef, designed not only to curate dishes but to shape the entire dining experience.
Chef Aiman’s role goes far beyond assembling ingredients. Trained on vast datasets of global cuisine, food science, and flavor algorithms, this AI chef will design menus, influence ambiance, enhance sustainability practices, and even tailor experiences based on mood and seasonal trends. The very name, Aiman, cleverly combines “AI” and “man,” symbolizing the fusion of technology with human creativity.
The Man + Machine Collaboration
Adding a layer of artistry to this futuristic kitchen is Chef Reif Othman, the Michelin-recognized culinary genius behind Zuma and REIF Japanese Kushiyaki. Together, Chef Reif and Chef Aiman will co-create dishes that marry instinct with precision, passion with data, and culinary tradition with cutting-edge innovation.
While Reif brings years of hands-on expertise, intuition, and a refined palate, Aiman provides real-time insights into flavor pairings, ingredient sourcing, and food trends. The result? A dining experience that’s not only futuristic but also deeply rooted in culinary excellence.
A New Culinary Revolution in Dubai
Dubai’s dining culture has long been about luxury and innovation—whether it’s gold-dusted dishes or immersive fine-dining concepts. But WOOHOO is breaking ground in a new way, asking a bold question: Can AI enhance the soul of cooking?
With WOOHOO, Gastronaut Hospitality is not just opening another fine-dining restaurant—it’s creating a cultural landmark where technology and taste converge. Guests can expect more than just beautifully plated Japanese dishes; they will step into a holistic dining environment shaped by data-driven creativity and human artistry.
What to Expect at WOOHOO
- AI-powered menu design: Dishes curated with the precision of algorithms and the creativity of Chef Reif.
- Immersive dining experience: From ambiance to service, every detail is influenced by AI insights.
- Sustainability focus: Smart ingredient sourcing and waste reduction through data-driven decisions.
- A glimpse into the future: WOOHOO isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a vision of what fine dining might look like in decades to come.
The Future of Food Is Here
In a city that thrives on reinvention, WOOHOO and Chef Aiman are setting the stage for the next big leap in gastronomy. By blending human emotion with artificial intelligence, Dubai is once again proving why it’s at the forefront of global innovation.
As the doors open this September, diners from around the world will get a chance to experience what happens when man and machine cook side by side. And if WOOHOO delivers on its promise, it may well redefine the future of food as we know it.
