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Smart Chef

Smart Chef 2026: Where Passion Meets Purpose

SmartLife proudly launched Smart Chef 2026, a unique culinary initiative bringing together blue-collar and white-collar talent through a shared passion for food.

Food enthusiasts across Dubai were invited to submit a three-minute video featuring their signature dish, with free entry for all participants.

Smart Chef on Dubai Eye 103.8

Ms. Aisha, Project Lead for Smart Chef 2026, joined Dubai Eye 103.8 for a live interview on Afternoons with Helen Farmer. The interview highlighted the vision, community impact, and inclusive spirit behind Smart Chef 2026 and SmartLife.

The Competition Begins

The championship officially began at the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA) in Dubai Knowledge Park.

Participants from diverse nationalities showcased their culinary skills through creative plate presentations, setting the stage for a competition built on talent, teamwork, inclusion, and opportunity.

Smart Hands

Smart Hands: Celebrating Collaboration and Community Impact

The Smart Hands team recently collaborated with Shiseido, one of the world’s most established beauty and personal care brands. During the two-hour engagement, the team achieved sales of AED 3,171, marking an encouraging milestone for the initiative.

Smart Hands also participated in the Artisan Market at Coca-Cola Arena from 15 to 17 May 2026, showcasing meaningful handcrafted products created in support of the blue-collar community.

Visitors were invited to explore the collection and purchase gifts that carry a story of skill, dignity, and positive social impact.

Smart Idol / Smart Hero

Smart Idol and Smart Hero Awards Celebrate Talent and Community Spirit

SmartLife hosted the Smart Idol and Smart Hero Award Ceremony on 17 May 2026 at Dulsco Arena Hall in Al Quoz, bringing together participants, partner companies, and members of the community for an inspiring celebration of talent and service.

The Smart Hero initiative received an overwhelming response, with 30 companies submitting nominations and six finalists selected for the final stage. Smart Idol winners were also recognised for their outstanding performances.

In the dance category, Sameer, Kabitha, and Bindisha were honoured as winners. In the singing category, Duster secured first place, followed by Amresh in second place and Akash in third.

Smart Idol Performers Join GDRFA Eid Al Adha Celebration

Four talented Smart Idol participants—Akash Balbir Singh, Arun Kumar Tamada, Sajawal Ali, and Sameer Masih—also performed during GDRFA’s Eid Al Adha celebration on 28 May 2026, broadcast through the Blue Connect App.

Ms. Haleema shared insights into SmartLife Foundation’s initiatives supporting frontline workers, while the performers received strong appreciation from the audience and GDRFA representatives.

SmartLife extends its sincere gratitude to GDRFA, Captain Khalaf Al Gait, Saleem Bhai, Venkat, Ritesh, and everyone who supported the participants and helped make the event a memorable success.

Smart Living

SmartLiving continued its commitment to frontline worker wellbeing through two impactful awareness sessions held across Dubai.

On 10 May, SmartLiving Counsellor Haleema conducted an engaging mental health and wellbeing session at Al Tayer Camp, Al Quoz, benefiting 45 frontline workers. The session was supported by Camp Boss Akhil, with Yamini attending as an observer.

A second session was conducted by Ms. Laxmi at Sobha Camp, with 58 participants. The programme focused on the harmful effects of drugs, smoking, and alcohol, while promoting self-care, healthy lifestyle choices, and overall wellbeing.

SmartLife extends its appreciation to Ms. Laxmi, Mr. Dawud, Akhil, and Yamini for their valuable support and coordination.

Smart Woman

Smart Woman Project Lead Ms. Haleema conducted a three-hour interactive confidence-building and self-development session for 19 female employees from the Al Gurg Group, who travelled from Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman to attend the programme in Dubai.

The session covered personal grooming, self-care, hygiene, women’s health, menstrual awareness, confidence building, healthy boundaries, personal safety, and the appropriate reporting of workplace concerns in accordance with UAE law. Participants also received a brief awareness session on substance and alcohol abuse and its impact on health and safety.

Through games, practical activities, humour, and open discussions, the programme created a safe and engaging environment. Several participants also shared personal concerns and experiences after the session, helping to support stronger future wellbeing and safety initiatives.

SmartLife extends its sincere appreciation to the Al Gurg Group for its commitment to employee wellbeing and workplace safety, and to Mr. Marc Daly, Mr. Mohammed Shameer, Ms. Shruti Ganesh, and Mr. Richard Bashyam for their valuable support and coordination.