Introduction

Dubai has long been celebrated as a global food capital, where diverse culinary traditions meet in one glittering city. Every year, new concepts emerge, bringing unique flavours and immersive dining experiences to both residents and visitors. Among the highly anticipated launches of 2025 is the new restaurant opening soon at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam.

More than just another dining option, the new restaurant, SANA, aims to tell a story through food — one rooted in Uzbekistan’s rich culinary heritage and inspired by the historical Silk Road. Located in one of Dubai’s most iconic beachfront hotels, this opening promises a mix of tradition, modernity, and social energy that reflects Dubai’s position as a cosmopolitan hub.

With bold flavours, an elegant yet casual atmosphere, and even a hidden Moon Bar tucked away for late-night adventures, the new restaurant is already generating excitement among food critics, locals, and travellers alike.

1. 🍽️ Concept & Cuisine — What to Expect

The vision behind the new restaurant is simple yet striking: to reintroduce diners to the heritage of Uzbek cuisine, but in a way that feels fresh and approachable for Dubai’s global audience. Uzbek food, rooted in centuries of Silk Road exchanges, combines elements of Central Asian, Persian, Turkish, and even Chinese culinary traditions.

At SANA, guests can expect a menu centred on communal dining. Sharing plates will be at the heart of the experience — from steaming broths and dumplings to hearty rice dishes and flame-grilled skewers. The idea is to make dining more social and engaging, encouraging guests to gather, share, and celebrate food together.

The new restaurant is also expected to feature bold spices like cumin, coriander, and saffron alongside fresh herbs, giving dishes both depth and vibrancy. To keep things modern, chefs will add a refined twist, ensuring plates look as beautiful as they taste.

In Dubai, where dining is as much about atmosphere as it is about food, this balance between heritage authenticity and modern presentation is key to success.

2. 👨‍🍳 Chef & Team — Who’s Behind the Flavours

Behind every remarkable restaurant is a passionate team of chefs and hospitality experts, and the new restaurant is no exception. While details about the full team are still being unveiled, early previews suggest a strong international crew with deep knowledge of Uzbek cuisine.

The executive chef reportedly has experience in Moscow and Central Asia, regions where Uzbek cooking thrives. Bringing that expertise to Dubai ensures that the new restaurant will stay true to its roots while embracing global standards of fine dining.

The front-of-house team is equally crucial. Service at Mina Al Salam has always been known for warmth and professionalism, and SANA is expected to carry on this tradition. From guiding guests through the menu to pairing drinks with dishes, the team will play an active role in creating a memorable dining journey.

This leadership approach ensures that SANA isn’t just another themed restaurant — it’s a cultural ambassador for Uzbekistan’s food, lifestyle, and traditions.

3. 📍 Location & Ambience — Why Mina Al Salam Works

The choice of Jumeirah Mina Al Salam as the home for the new restaurant is no coincidence. Known as the “Harbour of Peace,” this hotel combines traditional Arabian design with luxurious comfort. Nestled within the larger Madinat Jumeirah complex, it attracts a diverse mix of hotel guests, tourists, and residents.

For SANA, this means visibility and accessibility. Guests will be able to enjoy its atmosphere while strolling through Madinat’s canals, souks, and promenades. The hotel’s setting offers stunning sea views and intimate indoor spaces that match perfectly with SANA’s concept of cultural storytelling.

The new restaurant will likely have décor inspired by Uzbekistan’s architectural heritage — think intricate patterns, warm textures, and golden tones that reflect Silk Road aesthetics. Combined with soft lighting and comfortable seating, the restaurant aims to deliver both elegance and a sense of home.

4. 🥘 Menu Highlights — Must-Try Dishes

No discussion about the new restaurant would be complete without talking about its food. Uzbek cuisine is famous for dishes that are hearty, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Early previews have hinted at several highlights:

Plov (Pilaf): Often considered Uzbekistan’s national dish, this slow-cooked rice dish is infused with lamb, carrots, onions, and fragrant spices. At SANA, it is expected to be a centrepiece dish served in generous portions for sharing.
Shashlik: Skewered and flame-grilled meats, marinated with herbs and spices, offering smoky richness.
Somsa: Savoury pastries stuffed with minced lamb or beef and baked until golden, perfect as starters.
Chebureki: Crispy, fried turnovers filled with seasoned meat, popular along the Silk Road.
Contemporary salads & broths: Designed to balance heavier dishes with freshness and lightness.

The new restaurant will also feature a creative dessert menu, blending traditional Central Asian sweets with Middle Eastern flavours. Expect options like honey cakes, nut-filled pastries, and dishes incorporating dried fruits like apricots and raisins — a nod to the Silk Road’s trading legacy.

5. 🍸 Moon Bar & Nightlife — The After-Hours Scene

Beyond food, the new restaurant brings an exciting nightlife element: the Moon Bar. Tucked away inside the venue, this intimate cocktail lounge will offer an entirely different experience after dark.

With a focus on mixology, craft cocktails, and late-night small plates, the Moon Bar aims to be a secret escape for Dubai’s social scene. Dimly lit interiors, creative drinks, and curated music will create a sophisticated but relaxed vibe.

For hotel guests, it means you can have dinner and seamlessly transition into evening drinks without leaving the property. For locals, the Moon Bar within the new restaurant offers a hidden gem for nights out in Jumeirah.

6. 🧾 Reservations, Opening Window & Practical Info

The new restaurant is set to open in September 2025, marking one of the most exciting launches in Dubai’s hospitality calendar. Jumeirah Hotels has officially listed it as “opening soon,” and hospitality magazines have already confirmed the expected launch period.

Reservations are expected to go live a few weeks before opening, with options available through:

Jumeirah’s official website
Hotel concierge services
Leading restaurant booking platforms

Given Dubai’s appetite for new dining spots, early reservations at the new restaurant are highly recommended. Expect high demand in the first months, particularly on weekends.

7. 🌿 Ingredients, Sourcing & Sustainability

Another key factor for modern diners is sustainability, and the new restaurant, SANA, is expected to align with Mina Al Salam’s eco-friendly ethos. While Uzbek cuisine often relies on meats and hearty produce, SANA will also emphasize fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

Dishes are expected to feature organic vegetables, responsibly sourced meats, and seafood options that meet Dubai’s sustainability guidelines. The new restaurant may also highlight vegetarian-friendly dishes inspired by Silk Road traditions, ensuring inclusivity for diverse dietary preferences.

This approach not only enhances flavour but also demonstrates the restaurant’s commitment to ethical dining in a global city increasingly conscious of sustainability.

8. ⭐ Why Visit SANA — The Dining Experience Summed Up

So, why should you add the new restaurant, SANA, to your dining list in 2025? The answer lies in its unique combination of factors:

A cultural journey through Uzbek flavours, rare in Dubai’s dining scene
An inviting sharing-style menu perfect for groups and families
A luxurious yet approachable setting at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam
A hidden Moon Bar for after-dinner drinks and late-night fun
An opening that adds diversity and depth to Dubai’s global dining map

The new restaurant is not just about food — it’s about experience. It invites you to travel back in time, exploring flavours that once connected East and West along the Silk Road, all while enjoying Dubai’s modern flair.

Conclusion

In a city that constantly reinvents itself, the new restaurant, SANA at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, stands out as a dining destination that connects past and present. With its authentic Uzbek roots, contemporary twists, and a promise of social, sharing-friendly experiences, it is set to capture the imagination of Dubai’s food lovers.

Whether you are visiting Mina Al Salam for a beachfront escape or living in the city and looking for the next great dining experience, the new restaurant will be worth your attention. Come for the plov, stay for the Moon Bar, and leave with a story that stretches from Samarkand to Dubai’s glittering coastline.

External links & further reading

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Silk Road cuisine

7 Reasons Why the Exciting new restaurant, SANA is Dubai’s Must-Visit in 2025