Amid the golden dunes of Dubai’s Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, a new story of India’s flavours unfolds with the unveiling of RAIT, a modern Indian pop-up by the celebrated Chef Sneha Singhi Upadhaya. Launching on 1 November 2025, RAIT marks the acclaimed chef’s Dubai debut and a defining moment for contemporary Indian gastronomy in the region. Translating to “sand” in Hindi, RAIT mirrors the natural beauty of its desert surroundings while telling a deeply personal story of flavour, memory, and cultural connection.
Chef Sneha, one of India’s most dynamic culinary voices, has built her reputation by reimagining regional dishes with inventive precision while retaining their nostalgic essence. At RAIT, she channels that same philosophy into an experience that bridges home-style comfort with modern artistry. Each dish, layered with warmth and storytelling, becomes an ode to the people, traditions, and ingredients that shape India’s vast culinary identity.
“RAIT is my interpretation of a homecoming,” says Chef Sneha. “It is inspired by the flavours that shaped my childhood and the creativity that drives my present. Every plate is meant to feel familiar yet exciting — like a memory retold through a new lens.” Her sentiment captures the spirit of the pop-up, where food transcends boundaries to evoke shared emotion and belonging.
Guests can expect a feast of vibrant flavours designed for conversation and community. The menu begins with playful reimaginings of street favourites — Mini Pav Bhaji, Bhutte Ka Khees, and Sweet Potato Keema Fries — before leading into the signature grills, where the Angaara Murgh Tikka, Goan Cafreal Jhinga, and Lucknawi Gosht Seekhecho India’s regions and traditions. As the evening deepens, slow-cooked Kali Dal Makhni, Dilli 6 Butter Chicken, and Nizami Seekh Masala bring comfort to the table, while the Nawabi Dum Biryani fills the air with nostalgia and spice.
True to RAIT’s contemporary soul, even the familiar comes with a twist — the Blue Cheese Naan playfully bridges worlds, while desserts like the Saffron Rose Mille Feuille and Gulab Jamun with Vanilla Ice Cream close the evening on notes of indulgence and heritage. The experience is more than dining; it’s storytelling through texture, flavour, and rhythm.
Reflecting Bab Al Shams’ long-standing connection to Indian cuisine, Jacques Le Roux, General Manager of Bab Al Shams, describes RAIT as “a revival of legacy through creativity — a celebration that feels both authentic and evolved.” Designed to harmonise with the resort’s desert landscape, RAIT’s earthy décor and refined atmosphere capture the warmth of India’s spirit under the vast Arabian sky.
As part of the Rare Finds collection by Kerzner International, Bab Al Shams continues to champion cultural experiences that celebrate authenticity and place. With RAIT, the resort not only introduces a new culinary chapter but also reaffirms its position as Dubai’s most soulful desert retreat — where flavours, emotions, and stories converge.
