Chef Sara Aqel, the chef and managing partner of Dara Dining, received the Best Female Chef award during the 2026 ceremony. The recognition highlights her work in Mediterranean dining and her use of sustainable practices within the restaurant. Under her leadership, Dara Dining has integrated regional storytelling into its menu, utilising ingredients sourced from local communities. Aqel noted that the award serves as an acknowledgment of the restaurant’s commitment to its specific culinary voice and the development of its internal team.
