Gymkhana to open in Dubai as JKS continues international expansion
Two-Michelin-starred London restaurant Gymkhana will open in Dubai this September, marking the celebrated Indian restaurant’s UAE debut.
The restaurant, from JKS Restaurants, will open at Gate Village, Building 7, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), bringing Gymkhana’s blend of Indian cuisine, heritage and hospitality to the region for the first time.
Founded by siblings Jyotin Sethi, Karam Sethi and Sunaina Sethi, JKS Restaurants has built one of London’s most influential restaurant groups, with Gymkhana among its most recognised names.
Gymkhana opened in Mayfair in 2013 and was awarded its first Michelin star within nine months. It was upgraded to two Michelin stars in 2024, becoming one of London’s defining modern Indian restaurants.
The Dubai opening follows Gymkhana’s expansion to Riyadh in 2023 and Las Vegas in 2025, with the new DIFC restaurant representing the next stage of the brand’s international growth.
Gymkhana Dubai to open at DIFC
Gymkhana Dubai will open on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, in one of the city’s most prominent dining and lifestyle districts.
The restaurant will be set across two levels, with space for up to 137 guests, alongside an additional terrace.
The ground floor will feature two dining areas with warm lantern lighting, patterned ceilings, booth seating and banquettes. The lower level will introduce mirrored ceilings, ornate chandeliers and a peacock bar.
Pavan Pardasani, global chief executive officer at JKS Restaurants, said: “Dubai has established itself as one of the world's leading culinary destinations, making it a natural home for Gymkhana's next chapter.
“Our ambition has always been to share the restaurant's approach to Indian cuisine and hospitality with new audiences, while remaining true to the heritage and character that define the brand.
“We are excited to bring Gymkhana to DIFC and look forward to welcoming guests to experience the food, service and atmosphere that have made the restaurant so special.”
Indian cuisine rooted in tradition
Gymkhana takes its name from the elite social and sporting clubs of India, paying homage to the institutions where members of high society gathered to dine, drink, socialise and celebrate.
Its food is rooted in classic Indian cooking, with influence taken from across the breadth of the country.
The Dubai menu will feature many of Gymkhana’s signature dishes, organised across chaat-style sharing plates, tandoori-grilled dishes, classic curries and biryanis.
A number of dishes will also be created specifically for the Dubai restaurant.
The London restaurant has become known for bold flavours, richly layered spicing and an approach to hospitality that combines formality with energy and atmosphere.
DIFC strengthens its restaurant offer
The opening adds another major international name to DIFC’s growing hospitality offer.
Saleh Al Akrabi, chief real estate officer at DIFC Investments, said: “DIFC is proud to be the home of Gymkhana’s UAE debut.
“As Dubai’s leading hub for world-class gastronomy, Gate Village is the perfect stage for Gymkhana’s celebrated two Michelin-starred dining experience.
“We look forward to our community of residents, professionals, and international visitors experiencing their legendary hospitality right here in the heart of the city.”
DIFC has increasingly positioned itself as one of Dubai’s major restaurant destinations, attracting business professionals, residents and international visitors through a mix of lunch, corporate and destination dining.
The district is accessible via Dubai Metro, with Financial Centre Metro Station a short walk away.
The opening follows a successful launch for Gymkhana in Las Vegas in December 2025 and the arrival of sister restaurant Ambassadors Clubhouse in New York earlier this year.
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Gymkhana to open in Dubai as JKS continues international expansion
