UAE FAMOUS PITMASTER HATTEM MATTAR

Dubai Famous is a What’s On page focusing on people out there in the city making the scene. They’re out there around town, shaping Dubai into what it is, creating the culture, food and life around us. We asked them what’s good in Dubai. We asked them what’s bad in Dubai. We asked them to tell us more, more, more about their wonderful selves…

So The Mattar Farm – home of Dubai’s smoked brisket. How did all this happen?

[Laughs] The Mattar Farm saved me from a broken heart. I’d just got divorced and needed a new purpose. At the same time, I’m raising daughters here and I wanted to ensure they lived analogue lives. You know, dirt under their fingernails, morning chores, that stuff. Without that, you can become entitled. I wanted my children to have chores, to collect the eggs outside from the hen house, pick tomatoes for our breakfast, and not be frightened of animals.

And you grow your own produce?