On September 1, 2026, Gymkhana officially opened its first restaurant in the United Arab Emirates, at the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Originally from Mayfair, London, the two-Michelin-starred Indian restaurant aims to attract an international clientele with refined cuisine, spectacular interiors and a dining experience inspired by India’s exclusive private clubs.
Dubai is further cementing its position as a leading international gastronomic destination. On September 1, 2026, Gymkhana officially opened its first UAE restaurant at Gate Village, within Dubai International Financial Centre.
The new opening marks an important milestone for JKS Restaurants, the group founded by siblings Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi, behind the celebrated London restaurant that has become a benchmark for contemporary Indian cuisine.
Established in Mayfair in 2013, Gymkhana has distinguished itself through a gastronomic approach combining Indian culinary traditions, refined cooking techniques and high-end hospitality. The restaurant was awarded its second Michelin star in 2024.
With its Dubai debut, the brand is pursuing its international expansion and establishing a presence in one of the Middle East’s most strategic business districts.
A New Gastronomic Destination in the Heart of DIFC
The choice of Dubai International Financial Centre is no coincidence. A business district that has also become a destination for dining and lifestyle experiences, DIFC attracts executives, entrepreneurs, international residents and visitors.
Located at Gate Village, Building 7, Gymkhana Dubai spans two levels and offers a reported capacity of 137 covers, complemented by a terrace.
Interior design plays a major role in the experience. Wood panelling, Indian marble, warm lighting, banquette seating and carefully selected decorative details create an elegant atmosphere inspired by private members’ clubs and India’s historic social venues.
The Peacock Bar, located on the lower level, is one of the restaurant’s standout features. The venue also includes a private dining and event space, accommodating up to 14 guests seated or 30 standing.
This layout allows Gymkhana to cater to a variety of occasions, including fine dining, business meetings, private receptions and professional networking events.
Indian Cuisine Blending Tradition and Creativity
On the menu, Gymkhana retains the culinary identity that established its reputation in London, while introducing creations specifically developed for its UAE restaurant.
The menu draws inspiration from India’s great culinary traditions, particularly those of the north, while incorporating influences from other regions of the country.
Guests can rediscover some of the restaurant’s signature dishes, including tandoori masala lamb chops, chicken butter masala and kid goat methi keema.
The Dubai menu also introduces several exclusive creations, including makhmali king crab & malai pyaaz, wagyu beef sukka with bone marrow and jackfruit ghee roast.
This local adaptation allows the restaurant to preserve its identity while offering an experience distinct from its original London address.
The restaurant is led by Executive Chef Rahul Rana, under the guidance of Chet Sharma, Global Culinary Director, and Karam Sethi, co-founder of JKS Restaurants.
Dubai, a Strategic Market for Luxury Gastronomy
Gymkhana’s arrival highlights the appeal of the UAE market for international upscale restaurant groups.
Dubai offers a particularly favourable environment for these concepts, with its cosmopolitan clientele, international tourism, concentration of businesses and demand for distinctive culinary experiences.
For gastronomic brands, establishing a presence in Dubai also represents an opportunity to strengthen their visibility across the Middle East and reach regional and international audiences.
JKS Restaurants had already expanded Gymkhana to Riyadh in 2023 and Las Vegas in 2025. The Dubai opening forms part of this broader expansion strategy beyond the UK market.
Its DIFC location positions the restaurant particularly well to attract business diners, with opportunities for professional lunches, corporate events and private receptions.
An Experience Designed for Business Meetings
Beyond dining, Gymkhana Dubai is embracing a comprehensive approach to hospitality.
Its private dining facilities and multi-level layout offer opportunities to host professional gatherings in a refined gastronomic setting.
In a city where business relationships are often built around dining and hospitality, this dimension represents an additional development opportunity.
The restaurant further expanded its offering in October with the launch of a lunch service. Since October 21, a Business Lunch has been available Monday to Friday at an advertised price of AED 145 per person, while à la carte dining is available for weekend lunches.
This development enables Gymkhana to reach a professional clientele beyond evening dining.
A New Signature on the UAE Culinary Scene
With this opening, Gymkhana joins an especially dynamic UAE gastronomic landscape, where international establishments, independent restaurants and regional culinary concepts coexist.
Its arrival reflects the willingness of major restaurant brands to establish themselves in destinations capable of combining economic activity, tourism and lifestyle.
For Dubai, the significance extends beyond the opening of another restaurant. Such ventures contribute to the development of an international culinary offering that enhances the city’s appeal to travellers, investors and business professionals.
At Gate Village, Gymkhana introduces a fresh interpretation of Indian hospitality, bringing together culinary heritage, contemporary elegance and a culture of sharing.
A new address seeking to turn dining into much more than a gastronomic experience: an opportunity to connect, meet and socialise in the heart of Dubai.
