Dubai is poised to redefine modern gastronomy with the unveiling of WOOHOO, billed as the world’s first restaurant curated and led by an AI chef named Chef Aiman. Located near the Burj Khalifa and set to open in September 2025 at the Kempinski The Boulevard, WOOHOO promises an immersive dining concept that blends advanced technology with culinary artistry.

Developed by Gastronaut Hospitality in collaboration with UAE startup UMAI, Chef Aiman is a large‑language model trained on decades of food science data, flavor chemistry, and thousands of recipes. While Aiman doesn’t physically cook, it designs menus, curates ambience, and coordinates service by analyzing texture, acidity, umami, and seasonality to generate innovative dishes.

Human chefs led by acclaimed Dubai-based chef Reif Othman will prototype and refine Aiman’s AI-generated recipes, ensuring quality and taste before they reach diners. The menu will feature an Asian-inspired fusion of Japanese, Mexican, and Peruvian dishes, complemented by AI-assisted beverage pairings and molecular mixology.

Sustainability is at the core of Aiman’s programming: the AI is designed to repurpose underused ingredients like trimmings and fat, reducing kitchen waste at its source.

WOOHOO’s interiors echo the futuristic culinary concept—with cyberpunk‑themed lighting, digital art, reactive LED installations, and even a secret “Spock” lounge simulating a space voyage complete with DJ sets. Though Chef Aiman is digital, the restaurant insists that human creativity remains essential: “Human cooking will not be replaced, but we believe [Aiman] will elevate creativity” says Gastronaut CEO Ahmet Oytun Cakir.