JOALI BEING Welcomes Kelvin Cheung, Chef and Partner of MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Jun’s, Dubai

JOALI BEING announces an exclusive culinary partnership with acclaimed Chef Kelvin Cheung, a multi award-winning Dubai-based culinary leader recognised by the MICHELIN Guide and MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants, with his culinary vision brought to life at Jun’s,

Dubai’s contemporary dining destination celebrated for its third culture cooking style and playful interpretation of modern cuisine. Taking place from 18 to 22 February 2026, a series of intimate dining and culinary experiences will unfold across JOALI BEING’s dining spaces, honouring the spirit of Chinese New Year, inviting guests to gather around the table and experience food as a moment of connection, presence, and shared discovery.

Born in Canada, raised in Chicago, and now based in Dubai, Chef Kelvin Cheung’s culinary philosophy is shaped by a life lived between cultures. Drawing from his Chinese heritage, North American upbringing, and classical French training, his cooking reflects a deeply personal approach rooted in memory, movement, and meaning. Guided by curiosity and intention, Chef Kelvin’s food speaks to balance and harmony, values that naturally align with JOALI BEING’s philosophy of living well through conscious, considered experiences.

The partnership is set to unfold through a thoughtfully curated programme of dining and culinary moments, commencing with two exclusive five course dinners hosted within JOALI BEING’s signature dining spaces. The experiences will showcase a selection of Chef Kelvin’s signature creations, including Miyazaki A5 Wagyu tartar with pani puri, local local reef fish with burnt nori and moringa, and tiger prawns with house-fermented koji sambal. On 18 February 2026 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Chef Kelvin Cheung will present an intimate evening at Yutori, the resort’s overwater Japanese restaurant, where refined Japanese craftsmanship is expressed through calm, space, and quiet precision, framed by uninterrupted Maldivian views. A second dinner follows on 22 February 2026 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at MOJO, JOALI BEING’s Mediterranean inspired dining space, known for its relaxed, inclusive atmosphere and thoughtful approach to eating well, which will offer an immersive dining experience that celebrates shared moments around the table.

Alongside the dining experiences, special programming will also include a series of immersive culinary workshops at the Culinary Learning Centre. On 19 February 2026, a Kids-Only cooking class welcomes young guests into the kitchen from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, offering an experience centred on curiosity, creativity, and play. Guided by Chef Kelvin Cheung’s warm and engaging approach, the session encourages hands-on discovery, nurturing confidence, imagination, and an early appreciation for food as a form of expression and connection. Children and teens will be invited to reimagine the classic tomato soup and grilled cheese, choosing, assembling, and creating their own interpretations at their own pace. Inspired by Chef Kelvin’s relationship with his son, the experience is designed as a playful, hands-on cooking journey that shows young guests how nourishing food can be fun, empowering, and deeply personal.

On 20th February 2026, guests are invited to step behind the counter for a hands-on cooking class with Chef Kelvin Cheung, running from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Designed as an immersive introduction to Chef Kelvin’s Third Culture perspective, the session will explore a selection of dishes reflects both Chef Kelvin’s personal journey and the ethos of his Michelin-guide restaurant, Jun’s. Together with Chef Kelvin, guests will learn the essential tips and techniques for achieving the perfect sear and cooking steak to perfection. The experience is completed with smashed potatoes, creating a harmonious combination that highlights how time, patience, and respect for ingredients can naturally deepen both flavour and meaning at the table.

With world-acclaimed recognition and a career shaped by cultural exchange, Chef Kelvin Cheung’s collaboration with JOALI BEING brings a distinctive culinary perspective to the island’s well-living journey. Rooted in connection and intention, the partnership celebrates sustainably sourced ingredients, both local and global, inviting guests to experience flavours crafted with respect for the land, the ocean, and the joy of shared dining.

To complement the experience, guests travelling as families or groups may also explore JOALI BEING’s Residence Escape Offer, designed for extended stays in the resort’s three and four bedroom residences. Offering exclusive rates for longer stays, alongside complimentary dining experiences, the offer invites guests to settle into island life at an unhurried pace, with added privileges that enhance time spent together.

Full details, terms and conditions, and booking options are available via the JOALI BEING website or by contacting the reservations team directly at reservations.being@joali.com and +960 658 4444.