WOOHOO, the first fully AI-operated restaurant, will open its doors on August 15, 2025, in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in hospitality automation and practical applications of AI technology. The restaurant is being jointly developed by the Dubai Future Foundation and Emirates Hospitality Group, and will be located in the city's business district, DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre). What makes WOOHOO unique is that the entire dining experience is controlled by an advanced AI system that not only compiles the menu and creates recipes but also controls the cooking process using robotic arms, while adapting in real-time to guest preferences and feedback.
The restaurant's development was realised with a $15 million investment, and more than 5,000 dishes were prepared during the testing phase to calibrate the system. The AI chef, officially named CHEF-1, is capable of preparing more than 2,000 recipes and updates the menu weekly based on seasonal ingredients and consumer trends. According to Saeed Al Falasi, Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, WOOHOO is not just a technological showcase but an important step in Dubai's ambition to become the world's leading AI-centric city by 2030, in line with the National AI Strategy adopted in 2021. From a guest experience perspective, it's important to note that while the kitchen is fully controlled by AI, the restaurant employs human staff responsible for greeting guests, serving, and supervising the system, ensuring a high level of service.
WOOHOO is expected to serve 200 guests daily, and reservations for the first two weeks are already fully booked, indicating significant interest in the concept. The restaurant offers international dishes with a special emphasis on Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines, while also catering to special dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-free meals. According to Emirates Hospitality Group, WOOHOO is just the first in a planned series; if successful, they aim to open three more similar restaurants in the United Arab Emirates by the end of 2026, with plans for international expansion later. The use of AI technology in hospitality is a global trend, but WOOHOO is the first restaurant where AI has full decision-making authority from menu planning to directing the cooking process, potentially opening a new chapter in the evolution of the hospitality industry.
Sources:
Reuters
Caroline Cubbin
