Burj Al Arab, voted “World’s Leading Hotel” by the World Travel Awards, and a recognised symbol of Dubai, has recently welcomed its first Michelin starred Chef to the culinary team. Chef Mansur Memarian has been appointed as Chef de Cuisine for Al Mahara, the under-water themed fine dining restaurant which serves contemporary seafood in full view of one of Dubai’s most beautiful aquariums.

As the first Iranian Chef to be awarded a Michelin star, Chef Mansur brings a wealth of experience and personal passion to the position. After moving to Frankfurt, Germany at a young age, Chef Mansur discovered his passion for cooking whilst working at Villa Medici, an Italian restaurant where he was inspired by the Italian style of selecting and handling ingredients.

His career then progressed quickly, as Chef Mansur rose through the ranks steadily with positions in various restaurants throughout Germany including the renowned Schiffchen restaurant (three Michelin stars) Massimiliano, Hummerstubchen (two Michelin stars) and The Victorian Restaurant, where he was instrumental in helping the establishment to regain its Michelin starred rating.

In 2005 he took on his first position as Head Chef, managing the kitchen of Jagdhof Glashutte in Germany. After only one year in this position he had earned his first Michelin star and found his style of cuisine to be in high demand throughout Europe.

Inspired by a new challenge, Chef Mansur moved to Innsbruck, Austria to open the well-known Pavilion restaurant to great success. Under his leadership and menu design, the restaurant was awarded a Michelin star and two toques by Gault Millau. During his tenure, Chef Mansur also published his first cookbook, ‘Gourmet Raffinessen’, which was voted as Best Cookbook, Austria in 2007.

In his new position with Burj Al Arab, Chef Mansur aims to bring a more Mediterranean influence to the menu, with an emphasis on simple, good quality, fresh ingredients fused with Iranian spices to complement the restaurant’s visually stunning decor.