Culinary Visionary and Cultural Tastemaker
Chef Mahmoud Turkmani
BioGraphy.
Culinary Innovator & Strategic Hospitality Consultant
Chef Mahmoud Turkmani stands as one of the most compelling culinary forces redefining the identity of Middle Eastern cuisine on the global stage. Born in Damascus, Syria, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a historical cradle of gastronomy, Mahmoud’s culinary journey is rooted in heritage, elevated by innovation, and driven by a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
At just 18, Mahmoud moved to the UAE with a clear vision and an unshakable dedication to mastering the culinary arts. He pursued formal education at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, further advancing his credentials with internationally accredited qualifications from ASMI (Australia), earning both a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management and an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management. This strong academic foundation provided him with a deep understanding of culinary operations, global hospitality standards, and the strategic business side of food.
He began his ascent in some of Dubai’s most prestigious kitchens, including The Residence and The Beach Bar & Grill at One&Only Royal Mirage and Segreto at Jumeirah Group, where he perfected European and Mediterranean culinary techniques. His exceptional talents soon earned him a position at Margaux by Michelin-starred legend Chef Alain Ducasse, where he refined his artistry, discipline, and precision—working alongside Ducasse’s global team to deliver world-class dining experiences to Dubai’s elite.
A Culinary Icon in Motion
Awarded Middle East Junior Chef of the Year, Mahmoud represents a new era of culinary leadership, where innovation meets heritage, and where the Middle East is not just participating in global gastronomy but leading it.
Rise to International Culinary Prominence
Mahmoud’s career accelerated when he joined DEMIND Group as Executive Chef, leading the culinary direction of iconic venues such as Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, The Act Dubai, Catch Dubai, Bagatelle, Opa, and Hatch. Over seven years between Dubai and Ibiza, he transformed Blue Marlin into one of the World’s Top 50 Beach Clubs, reimagining coastal Mediterranean dining with immersive culinary experiences. At The Act Dubai, he introduced the region’s first Peruvian fine-dining concept after training in Lima at IK Restaurant, pioneering the rise of Latin American gastronomy in the Middle East.
The Entrepreneurial Era: Shaping Future Food Ecosystems
In 2018, Mahmoud co-founded Leap Nation, the region’s first delivery-only culinary brand incubator—launching innovative concepts such as Tawook Nation, Bar Salata, Japang, Luca, Vigilante, Tarator, and Yawmi. His visionary approach anticipated the rise of virtual dining long before the global cloud kitchen boom.
Leap Nation was acquired by Kitopi, where Mahmoud became Culinary Director, overseeing more than 100 brands across the GCC, including Circle Café, Taqado, Sushi Corner, Cuisine, 800 Pizza, Pinsanity, Chin Chin, Johnny Rockets, Biryani Pot, Pizzaro, Ichiban, Right Bite Express, Farooj El Baba, Luca’s Deli, Spiro’s Greek Kitchen, Big Boi Ramen, Daddy Cool Kitchen, Eatopi, and Kanoon Grills. Leading a team of 32 head chefs, he built Kitopi’s culinary infrastructure, standardizing operational excellence and setting new benchmarks in food tech–driven gastronomy.
A Global Culinary Strategist & Cultural Ambassador
Today, Chef Mahmoud serves as Strategic Culinary Partner at Limestone Lab, architecting destination dining concepts across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. His consultancy portfolio includes high-profile projects with Majid Al Futtaim’s SOCO (opening 2026), Peaches & Cream Dubai, Seven Sisters at JW Marriott, Antika DIFC, as well as ventures in Bali, Japan, and Latin America.
His work is not simply about food; it is about cultural preservation, sensory storytelling, and reimagining how people connect through cuisine. From Michelin-inspired fine dining to soulful street concepts and digital food brands, Mahmoud’s vision continues to shape the future of hospitality across continents.
Culinary Innovator & Strategic Hospitality Consultant
Chef Mahmoud Turkmani stands as one of the most compelling culinary forces redefining the identity of Middle Eastern cuisine on the global stage. Born in Damascus, Syria, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a historical cradle of gastronomy, Mahmoud’s culinary journey is rooted in heritage, elevated by innovation, and driven by a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
At just 18, Mahmoud moved to the UAE with a clear vision and an unshakable dedication to mastering the culinary arts. He pursued formal education at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, further advancing his credentials with internationally accredited qualifications from ASMI (Australia), earning both a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management and an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management. This strong academic foundation provided him with a deep understanding of culinary operations, global hospitality standards, and the strategic business side of food.
He began his ascent in some of Dubai’s most prestigious kitchens, including The Residence and The Beach Bar & Grill at One&Only Royal Mirage and Segreto at Jumeirah Group, where he perfected European and Mediterranean culinary techniques. His exceptional talents soon earned him a position at Margaux by Michelin-starred legend Chef Alain Ducasse, where he refined his artistry, discipline, and precision—working alongside Ducasse’s global team to deliver world-class dining experiences to Dubai’s elite.
A Culinary Icon in Motion
Awarded Middle East Junior Chef of the Year, Mahmoud represents a new era of culinary leadership, where innovation meets heritage, and where the Middle East is not just participating in global gastronomy but leading it.
Rise to International Culinary Prominence
Mahmoud’s career accelerated when he joined DEMIND Group as Executive Chef, leading the culinary direction of iconic venues such as Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, The Act Dubai, Catch Dubai, Bagatelle, Opa, and Hatch. Over seven years between Dubai and Ibiza, he transformed Blue Marlin into one of the World’s Top 50 Beach Clubs, reimagining coastal Mediterranean dining with immersive culinary experiences. At The Act Dubai, he introduced the region’s first Peruvian fine-dining concept after training in Lima at IK Restaurant, pioneering the rise of Latin American gastronomy in the Middle East.
The Entrepreneurial Era: Shaping Future Food Ecosystems
In 2018, Mahmoud co-founded Leap Nation, the region’s first delivery-only culinary brand incubator—launching innovative concepts such as Tawook Nation, Bar Salata, Japang, Luca, Vigilante, Tarator, and Yawmi. His visionary approach anticipated the rise of virtual dining long before the global cloud kitchen boom.
Leap Nation was acquired by Kitopi, where Mahmoud became Culinary Director, overseeing more than 100 brands across the GCC, including Circle Café, Taqado, Sushi Corner, Cuisine, 800 Pizza, Pinsanity, Chin Chin, Johnny Rockets, Biryani Pot, Pizzaro, Ichiban, Right Bite Express, Farooj El Baba, Luca’s Deli, Spiro’s Greek Kitchen, Big Boi Ramen, Daddy Cool Kitchen, Eatopi, and Kanoon Grills. Leading a team of 32 head chefs, he built Kitopi’s culinary infrastructure, standardizing operational excellence and setting new benchmarks in food tech–driven gastronomy.
A Global Culinary Strategist & Cultural Ambassador
Today, Chef Mahmoud serves as Strategic Culinary Partner at Limestone Lab, architecting destination dining concepts across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. His consultancy portfolio includes high-profile projects with Majid Al Futtaim’s SOCO (opening 2026), Peaches & Cream Dubai, Seven Sisters at JW Marriott, Antika DIFC, as well as ventures in Bali, Japan, and Latin America.
His work is not simply about food; it is about cultural preservation, sensory storytelling, and reimagining how people connect through cuisine. From Michelin-inspired fine dining to soulful street concepts and digital food brands, Mahmoud’s vision continues to shape the future of hospitality across continents.
Culinary Innovator & Strategic Hospitality Consultant
Chef Mahmoud Turkmani stands as one of the most compelling culinary forces redefining the identity of Middle Eastern cuisine on the global stage. Born in Damascus, Syria, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a historical cradle of gastronomy, Mahmoud’s culinary journey is rooted in heritage, elevated by innovation, and driven by a relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
At just 18, Mahmoud moved to the UAE with a clear vision and an unshakable dedication to mastering the culinary arts. He pursued formal education at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, further advancing his credentials with internationally accredited qualifications from ASMI (Australia), earning both a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management and an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management. This strong academic foundation provided him with a deep understanding of culinary operations, global hospitality standards, and the strategic business side of food.
He began his ascent in some of Dubai’s most prestigious kitchens, including The Residence and The Beach Bar & Grill at One&Only Royal Mirage and Segreto at Jumeirah Group, where he perfected European and Mediterranean culinary techniques. His exceptional talents soon earned him a position at Margaux by Michelin-starred legend Chef Alain Ducasse, where he refined his artistry, discipline, and precision—working alongside Ducasse’s global team to deliver world-class dining experiences to Dubai’s elite.
A Culinary Icon in Motion
Awarded Middle East Junior Chef of the Year, Mahmoud represents a new era of culinary leadership, where innovation meets heritage, and where the Middle East is not just participating in global gastronomy but leading it.
Rise to International Culinary Prominence
Mahmoud’s career accelerated when he joined DEMIND Group as Executive Chef, leading the culinary direction of iconic venues such as Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE, The Act Dubai, Catch Dubai, Bagatelle, Opa, and Hatch. Over seven years between Dubai and Ibiza, he transformed Blue Marlin into one of the World’s Top 50 Beach Clubs, reimagining coastal Mediterranean dining with immersive culinary experiences. At The Act Dubai, he introduced the region’s first Peruvian fine-dining concept after training in Lima at IK Restaurant, pioneering the rise of Latin American gastronomy in the Middle East.
The Entrepreneurial Era: Shaping Future Food Ecosystems
In 2018, Mahmoud co-founded Leap Nation, the region’s first delivery-only culinary brand incubator—launching innovative concepts such as Tawook Nation, Bar Salata, Japang, Luca, Vigilante, Tarator, and Yawmi. His visionary approach anticipated the rise of virtual dining long before the global cloud kitchen boom.
Leap Nation was acquired by Kitopi, where Mahmoud became Culinary Director, overseeing more than 100 brands across the GCC, including Circle Café, Taqado, Sushi Corner, Cuisine, 800 Pizza, Pinsanity, Chin Chin, Johnny Rockets, Biryani Pot, Pizzaro, Ichiban, Right Bite Express, Farooj El Baba, Luca’s Deli, Spiro’s Greek Kitchen, Big Boi Ramen, Daddy Cool Kitchen, Eatopi, and Kanoon Grills. Leading a team of 32 head chefs, he built Kitopi’s culinary infrastructure, standardizing operational excellence and setting new benchmarks in food tech–driven gastronomy.
A Global Culinary Strategist & Cultural Ambassador
Today, Chef Mahmoud serves as Strategic Culinary Partner at Limestone Lab, architecting destination dining concepts across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. His consultancy portfolio includes high-profile projects with Majid Al Futtaim’s SOCO (opening 2026), Peaches & Cream Dubai, Seven Sisters at JW Marriott, Antika DIFC, as well as ventures in Bali, Japan, and Latin America.
His work is not simply about food; it is about cultural preservation, sensory storytelling, and reimagining how people connect through cuisine. From Michelin-inspired fine dining to soulful street concepts and digital food brands, Mahmoud’s vision continues to shape the future of hospitality across continents.
About us.
We are a leading experience design and consultancy firm, specializing in hospitality, F&B, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations across the Middle East and beyond, known for delivering turnkey solutions.
+
Years of Experience
+
Years of Experience
+
Years of Experience
+
Projects completed
+
Projects completed
+
Projects completed
+
Networks of Consultants
+
Networks of Consultants
+
Networks of Consultants
+
Global Partners
+
Global Partners
+
Global Partners
