Gastronaut Hospitality is set to launch WOOHOO, a brand-new dining destination opening in September 2025 in Downtown Dubai that merges cutting-edge AI technology, digital entertainment and world-class culinary talent.
Meet the World’s First AI Chef: Chef Aiman
At the centre of the concept is the world’s first AI Chef, Chef Aiman, an artificial intelligence kitchen assistant developed by UMAI. Designed to work alongside human chefs, Chef Aiman brings intelligent support in recipe creation, ingredient pairing and kitchen precision.
A Creative Partnership with Chef Reif Othman
But Chef Aiman won’t be going it alone. In a visionary collaboration, he’ll be co-creating dishes with Chef Reif Othman, one of the region’s most celebrated culinary talents. Chef Reif brings human artistry and a deep understanding of Asian cuisine and fine dining to the table, making WOOHOO the first restaurant in the world where AI and humans collaborate.
An Experimental Menu Blending AI and Human Insight
The menu at WOOHOO will offer international dishes with an Asian touch and a reflection of the restaurant’s philosophy – blending AI insight with the creativity of a human chef. Drawing on Chef Reif Othman’s Japanese culinary roots and known flair for innovation, you can expect sushi engineered for umami, refreshing ceviche bursting with flavour and robata skewers built for contrast in texture and temperature.
A Cyberpunk-Inspired Space for Dining and Entertainment
Interiors are designed with cyberpunk inspiration and feature a timeless space, with digital art installations, reactive high-resolution screens and even a signature private lounge named Spock. The room simulates a spaceship journey, offering guests a dynamic and cinematic atmosphere complete with live DJ sets and incredible sound systems.
A Statement on the Future of Dining
Gastronaut Hospitality founder Ahmet Oytun Cakir said, “We didn’t set out to just open a restaurant. We set out to challenge everything the industry thinks it knows about dining. WOOHOO is what happens when you stop accepting the rules of traditional dining and start asking: what if a machine could co-create with a chef? This isn’t a gimmick. It’s the future – whether the industry is ready or not.”
Opening Soon
WOOHOO is set to open its doors in September this year. The launch marks a new chapter for experiential dining in Dubai, driven by the belief that technology and creativity can elevate the way people connect with food.
