From Acclaimed Chef Sneha Singhi Upadhaya, RAIT captures the spirit of India through bold flavours, heartfelt traditions, and the joy of gathering.
Bab Al Shams, a Rare Finds Desert Resort, is set to unveil RAIT, a modern Indian pop-up led by celebrated Chef Sneha Singhi Upadhaya, marking the chef’s much-anticipated Dubai debut. Opening on 1 November 2025, RAITinvites diners on a sensory journey through India’s rich culinary tapestry, where time-honoured traditions and vibrant flavours are celebrated with contemporary finesse against the serene desert backdrop.
RAIT, meaning ‘sand’ in Hindi, is set against the golden dunes of Bab Al Shams, bringing to life flavours inspired by the shimmering sands of Rajasthan. Chef Sneha, one of India’s youngest culinary trailblazers and a celebrated name in Indian gastronomy, brings her distinctive vision of homecoming to RAIT, where food becomes a language of culture and connection. Known for leading some of India’s most acclaimed dining concepts, she is recognised for reinterpreting regional traditions through a modern lens that preserves their heart and authenticity. At RAIT, she channels this philosophy into a social dining experience that showcases the depth and vibrancy of India’s culinary heritage, inviting guests to share in flavours that are soulful, genuine, and deeply evocative of home.
Reflecting on Bab Al Shams’ culinary legacy, Jacques Le Roux, General Manager of Bab Al Shams, shares: “Indian cuisine has always been a cherished part of Bab Al Shams’ story. With RAIT, we wanted to revive that legacy in a way that feels both refined and authentic, a celebration of flavour, nostalgia, and creativity. Chef Sneha’s inspired vision brings a new energy to this heritage, and we’re delighted to see it unfold beneath our desert skies
Rooted in tradition yet inspired by today’s culinary expressions, RAIT celebrates the dishes and stories that have shaped India’s diverse gastronomic identity. Each creation reflects Chef Sneha’s philosophy of bringing comfort, creativity, and connection to the table, crafted to resonate with diners through familiar warmth and bold new interpretations. Set against the tranquil desert landscape of Bab Al Shams, the pop-up embodies a celebration of culture, cuisine, and community.
“RAIT is my interpretation of a homecoming,” says Chef Sneha Singhi Upadhaya. “I am thrilled to be collaborating with Kerzner and Bab Al Shams to bring this vision to life, where tradition and creativity come together in a truly special way. Each dish draws from the flavours and memories that shaped my childhood, and it is a joy to share them with guests from all over the world within such an inspiring desert landmark.”
At RAIT, every dish unfolds like a story, tracing India’s vast culinary landscape. The journey begins with reimagined iconic favourites that bring the bustle of India’s markets to the desert, from the tangy Mini Pav Bhaji and Bhutte Ka Khees to the comforting Sweet Potato Keema Fries. From the charcoal grill, the aroma of Angaara Murgh Tikka, Lucknawi Gosht Seekh, and Goan Cafreal Jhinga rises, each dish carrying the bold character of its region and the spirit of open-flame cooking.
As the evening deepens, the heart of the table comes alive with curries and biryanis that speak to home and heritage. Sneha’s 24-Hour Kali Dal Makhni, rich and velvety, sits beside the Dilli 6 Butter Chicken and Nizami Seekh Masala, dishes that celebrate both comfort and craft. Fragrant Dum Biryanis, from the Nawabi-inspired Calcutta Mutton to the Mughlai Chicken and Awadhi Subzi, fill the air with spice and nostalgia, inviting guests to linger and share.
Freshly baked from the tandoor, the Blue Cheese Naan adds a playful twist on tradition and captures RAIT’s balance between familiarity and flair. To finish, timeless desserts like Gulab Jamun with Vanilla Ice Cream and the Saffron Rose Mille Feuille offer a sweet memory to take home, rounding out a feast that celebrates India’s soul through taste, texture, and togetherness.
Reflecting Bab Al Shams’ ethos, the pop-up harmonises earthy tones, handcrafted décor, and contemporary accents that echo the textures of both land and heritage. RAIT’s design and culinary philosophy together embody the resort’s ongoing vision of introducing immersive concepts that celebrate culture, creativity, and connection.
RAIT will be open daily for dinner from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM, inviting guests to gather, share, and savour under the desert starry sky.
For reservations, please contact: +971 4 809 6100 | https://www.babalshams.com/
