Designed originally as the world’s meeting point for Expo 2020 and COP28, Expo City has since become the city’s meeting point as an emerging lifestyle district, hosting our top pick for African cuisine in Dubai and other amazing restaurants. Alkebulan’s unique communal dining concept with an African heart and the region’s rich flavours is the world’s first African dining hall. It’s also a great after-work hangout spot in Expo City and one of the Expo’s favourite tourist spots, so read up before your next post-work dinner. 

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African Soul in Dubai’s Heart

Repurposing and refocusing are the driving forces behind James Beard-awarded Chef Alexander Smalls’ vision for this vibrant concept seeking to refocus African culture through food, art, and music. Taking the oldest name for Africa and translating to ‘Mother of Mankind’ or ‘Garden of Eden’, Alkebulan’s nourishing and inviting embrace is an experience to be had by all at this one-of-a-kind Expo City restaurant.

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Chef preparing an order
Experience African cuisine and culture at Alkebulan!

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Take your pick from several bespoke food and dining concepts curated by a hand-picked team of expert chefs, each serving authentic picks and inventive twists of African cuisine for everyone to enjoy. Each restaurant at this social hangout spot in Expo City highlights a diverse facet of the continent’s flavours, anything from rich and sweet cakes to hearty fills of grilled chicken and fresh seafood with aromatic rice. This is one of the top places to hit up in Expo City, with plenty of great bites and experiences in store! 

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African dish served
Traditional African dishes.

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Post Work Thursday Offer at Alkebulan

Alkebulan is a hangout spot in Expo City featuring live music, art scapes, and a social space with a welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. With 2 floors featuring ample seating spaces and views of each restaurant’s open kitchen, taking your friends or colleagues to Alkebulan for a night out is a surefire way to change up the post-work hangout scene. Share tasty bites while vibing to afrobeats and appreciate the featured artwork from spotlighted artists, a much-needed change of atmosphere from what we’re all used to. 

Take a load off after a busy day with Alkebulan’s After Work Social offer. This Happy Hour deal in Expo City runs every Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, offering the same great authentic African dishes starting at just AED15, inventive cocktails, and irresistible beats from a live DJ. This is a must-try spot in Expo City to network, socialise, or simply unwind after a busy day.

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Several baked goods and sweets
Great get-togethers and offers at Alkebulan!

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Rally through Africa at Alkebulan, the world’s first African dining hall and a hidden gem in Expo City!

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