Source: CATERER Middle East

Ramzy Abdul-Majeed is confident the Palm Jumeirah venue will be a success

After a five-year hiatus, OKKU, has made a return to Dubai.

Under the guidance of Ramzy Abdul-Majeed, founder of Big On Hospitality, the Japanese restaurant has reopened at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah.

With a revitalised concept and an array of additions, OKKU aims to reclaim its position as one of the must-try culinary destinations in the city.

Abdul-Majeed said he’s waited a long time to bring the restaurant back: “There was always the intention and burning desire to bring back what was for many years one of Dubai’s most loved and award-winning restaurants,” he said. “It was simply a case of ensuring when we did so that all the elements felt right.”

Collaborating with Dubai-based LW Design, the brand’s designers since 2007, OKKU will be recognisable to any previous patrons, but has plenty of new elements, too.

Abdul-Majeed explained: “We had been offered a lot of locations, but this one at the entrance of the Palm Jumeirah ticked all the boxes. From the moment we saw it, we had to have it for OKKU. Many guests kept asking about our return, and of course, we listened and made the dream come true, bigger and better than before. Put simply, it is the right time and most certainly the right place.”

Challenges of re-entering the Dubai market

Reviving a brand after a five-year hiatus does come with its challenges, and Abdul-Majeed acknowledged the competitive landscape after some time away.

He said: “The Dubai dining scene is now world-class and truly impressive, competing with any other city, so we were under no illusions that we had to raise our game to even greater heights.

“We needed to be certain that we would be able to deliver on the promise that is OKKU. We do that by taking nostalgia to the next level and, in one bite, reminding Dubai that we are back, as well as welcoming a new audience who do not know us from before. We want them to fall in love with us, too.”

New additions to OKKU

OKKU has introduced eight imposing 3D-printed Samurai soldiers, each standing tall at 2.2 metres. Crafted in Dubai by Immensa, they pay homage to Japanese history and culture.

“The arrival experience is like no other in Dubai and is something to be seen as it is more than 30 meters from the entrance to reach the main reception,” said Abdul-Majeed. “But I won’t spoil the surprise, so come and see the magic for yourself as this is Instagram heaven for those so inclined.”

Sustainability has also taken a prominent role. Abdul-Majeed highlighted the jellyfish, which used to be a prominent feature at the previous establishment, forming a live installation. The jellyfish have now returned in a digital form.

In addition, OKKU now boasts decorative wooden panels called Yakisugi, displaying 17 different Japanese proverbs behind the 20m sushi bar and robata grill.

Handmade crockery is also being handmade and flown in from Japan.

Constantly improving

At the heart of OKKU’s philosophy lies the Japanese concept of “kaizen,” meaning continuous improvement or changing for the better.

Abdul-Majeed emphasised this mindset, stating, “Our philosophy at OKKU is to constantly improve efficiency and effectiveness in all levels of operation, and this is certainly the case for the cocktail menu.”

The restaurant’s central bar in the open dining room serves as the starting point for an immersive cocktail journey into the ‘O’zone.

The OKKU team underwent rigorous training for six weeks, focusing on enhancing their skills and knowledge. Notably, over one-third of the current team comprises former OKKU employees who were eager to re-join the restaurant.

The operator concluded: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the team that surrounds me, to everyone at OKKU who I know will ensure this is not only a successful relaunch but a huge success moving forwards as we reintroduce guests both old and new to what I believe in my heart will once again be a darling of the UAE dining scene.”