Solemann Haddad*, born in Dubai to Franco-Syrian parents, developed a passion for cooking at an early age before pursuing formal training in London and Japan. Returning to the UAE, he set out to create a restaurant that reflected his own multicultural identity. In 2021, he opened Moonrise, an intimate rooftop omakase that welcomes only a handful of guests each evening.
His cuisine blends Japanese techniques with Middle Eastern flavors, while championing local ingredients and a sustainable approach. Signature dishes such as hamachi crudo with sumac and labneh or a furikake-infused reinterpretation of hummus capture his refined yet daring style.
In 2022, Moonrise was awarded a Michelin star, establishing Haddad as one of Dubai’s most promising young chefs and securing his place on the international culinary stage.