FACT Chats: The General Manager of Zenon on the future of immersive dining

From dinner shows to artificial intelligence, Dubai is at the forefront of digital dining, according to Oktay Unlu.

Recognised for its futuristic skyline and vibrant culture, Dubai has also become a global hub for culinary innovation. Among the many trends that have emerged in this dynamic desert metropolis, immersive dining has taken centre stage. What started as a post-COVID hangover where nightclubs were replaced with dinner shows has evolved far beyond singing and dancing.

November 2021 saw the opening of Ibiza’s famed Sublimotion at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai. Dubbed the “world’s most expensive dining experience”, the concept accommodated only 12 people at a time, ensuring utmost exclusivity. Running for two seasons at AED 5,000 a seat, the restaurant utilised 360-degree screens with imagery projected onto every surface, accenting ten whimsical courses with performances.

Some immersive dining experiences have faired better than others. The FACT Award-winning Billionaire still attracts an elite clientele that flock into its golden-gilded dining room to witness balancing acts and contortionists. Krasota inside Address Downtown Dubai invites guests to dine in an immersive theatre where each act of the gastro-performance from acclaimed Chef Vladimir Mukhin is inspired by the pixel-perfect 3D multimedia performance projected across the curved walls and table. 

La Petite Chef was one of the first concepts in Dubai to combine food and fun. Here, diners could witness the thumb-sized chef perform across five courses using state-of-the-art 3D mapping technology. But immersive dining evolved beyond tableside theatrics and kitsch karaoke with the arrival of Zenon at Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai.

Zenon has become a leader in experiential entertainment by blending food with art, technology, and storytelling. This vision has been brought to life through the use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and sensory enhancements that interact with guests as they dine. As guests enter the restaurant, they are immediately enveloped in an environment that feels otherworldly. Oktay Unlu, General Manager at Zenon, explains:

“The integration of technology at Zenon revolutionises the dining experience by merging traditional culinary artistry with cutting-edge innovation. Our AI-driven systems personalise each guest’s journey from the moment they make a reservation, ensuring tailored recommendations and seamless service. Interactive holographic displays and personalised 3D visuals create an immersive environment that reacts to guest movements, transforming dining into a multi-sensory adventure. These visuals are thematically integrated with Greek mythology, adding a layer of storytelling that captivates our guests.”

At Zenon, the restaurant’s walls and ceilings become canvases for projection mapping. Vibrant visuals shift and change throughout the meal, creating a dynamic atmosphere that complements the culinary journey. Elsewhere, motion sensors are strategically placed, making diners an integral part of the AI experience as their movements are mirrored on the screens. However, this integrated technology continues behind the scenes:

“Our AI-driven systems analyse guest preferences, past orders, and dining habits to offer customised recommendations and special promotions. In the kitchen, AI assists with inventory management, predicting demand to minimise waste and ensure ingredient availability. During service, automated order tracking systems ensure accurate and timely delivery, enhancing overall efficiency. This sophisticated use of AI allows our staff to focus on providing exceptional hospitality,” Oktay Unlu tells us.

Zenon has quickly become a standout in Dubai’s competitive dining scene, attracting locals and tourists eager to experience something new and extraordinary. The restaurant’s innovative use of technology has set a new standard for dining, showcasing the city’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

“Immersive technologies are poised to transform the future of dining by creating unforgettable, multi-sensory experiences that go beyond traditional dining. As these technologies advance, we can expect more interactive and personalised dining environments where guests are not just passive participants but active contributors to their culinary journey. Augmented reality, virtual reality, and AI will enable restaurants to craft unique narratives and themes, providing guests with experiences that are both entertaining and engaging. At Zenon, we believe that the future of dining lies in this seamless integration of technology and hospitality, offering guests immersive experiences that delight all senses and create lasting memories. By staying at the forefront of these innovations, Zenon aims to lead the way in shaping the future of the dining industry.“

GO: Follow @zenondubai on Instagram for more information.