Jumeirah Olhahali Island is delighted to announce a  culinary residency in collaboration with Chef Emanuele De Leo, Head Chef of the award winning Shimmers at Jumeirah Mina Al Salam in Dubai. Taking place from 7 to 10 July 2025,  this exclusive experience will bring the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean to the Maldives  through a specially curated tasting-style menu. 

Following a stint as Sous Chef at L’Olivo at Al Mahara, the two Michelin-starred restaurant at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Chef Emanuele took up his position as Head Chef at Shimmers in 2023. There, he leads the kitchen, where his menu pays homage to his Sicilian heritage, while  embracing bold, contemporary interpretations of classic Mediterranean cuisine. Under his  direction, Shimmers has earned recognition from Gault&Millau UAE in 2025, a testament of the  restaurant’s elevated dining experience and Chef Emanuele’s distinctive culinary vision. With  a strong focus on seasonality, he draws inspiration from the freshest market produce,  transforming each ingredient into flavour-driven, elegantly presented creations.

For his residency at Jumeirah Olhahali Island, Chef Emanuele has crafted a bespoke menu that  fuses Greek influences with his Sicilian roots, showcasing refined coastal flavours and  thoughtfully sourced seasonal ingredients. In true Shimmers fashion, the evening will be  presented as a series of small, shareable plates, designed to bring guests together around the  table. Highlights include a fresh cauliflower salad, zingy tuna tartare, and grilled octopus  with Santorini fava. These are followed by indulgent mains such as slow-braised beef cheek  paired with celery purée and red wine jus, alongside orzo with red prawns, lemon, and  caviar. The experience concludes, with a duo of desserts: Greek yoghurt ice cream and  orange crème brûlée, offering a refreshing and indulgent finale. 

The exclusive dinner experience with Chef Emanuele is priced at USD 195 plus taxes per  person.  

For more information or to reserve, visit the Jumeirah Olhahali Island website here. Follow the  journey on Jumeirah Olhahali Island’s Instagram and Facebook @JumeirahOlhahaliIsland.