Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and Emirates Literature Foundation Celebrate Emirati Women with Poetry and Pâtisserie

This Emirati Women’s Day, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, in collaboration with Emirates Literature Foundation, unveils a creative collaboration between renowned Emirati poet Dr. Afra Atiq and Senior Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Lambert. Inspired by the strength, resilience and enduring spirit of Emirati women, the collaboration unites poetry and pâtisserie in a shared tribute to this year’s theme, We Emerge Stronger and Better.

Drawing on a collection of ingredients deeply rooted in Emirati life, the collaboration explores the stories and symbolism held within them as a way of celebrating Emirati women and the values they embody. Woven together, these ingredients form a shared thread connecting two creative voices, each honouring the strength, spirit and enduring legacy of Emirati women through their own craft.

The poem and pastry were developed in close dialogue, with their visual and literary languages informing one another. The mango palette inspired references to light, colour, bloom and harvest, while the dessert’s circular form is echoed through the poem’s repetition, with its ending returning to its beginning, a beautiful a metaphor for the continuity and legacy carried by Emirati women across generations. The dessert’s three key visual elements are also reflected in the Arabic triplets that form the poem’s structure, while the mango slices, reminiscent of pages, inspire references to stories and chapters. Woven throughout are themes of resilience, growth, imagination and possibility.

“This poem, written for Emirati Women’s Day, reflects on the resilience and strength of Emirati women, and speaks to creativity and possibility," says Dr. Afra. "It honours the values carried across generations that continue to shape the future. Developed alongside the dessert, brought to life by Chef Nicholas Lambert, the poem draws from its visual language through references to light, colour, bloom and harvest, bringing together and intertwining the worlds of literary and culinary arts.”

Inspired by the same ingredients, Chef Nicolas has created a bespoke sweet delicacy that will bring these stories from the page to the table. The creation reflects his interpretation of the poem, drawing on its ingredients and the meaning behind them to create an exclusive creation delicate in form yet rich in story. Vibrant and sweet Alfonso mango is complemented with the deep roasted character of coffee, with the added warmth of cardamom, whilst cocoa nibs add texture and a subtle bitterness, completed with a sprinkling of Dibba Bay Sea Salt, the creation beautifully reflects the poetry and symbolism of the collaboration.

“What I found most inspiring was the meaning behind each ingredient and the way Dr. Afra brought those stories to life through her words. My role was to take that inspiration and find a way to express it through pastry, not simply by using the ingredients, but by thinking about what they represent. It has been a beautiful creative process, and a privilege to translate something so deeply connected to Emirati women and their heritage into something guests can experience together.” says Chef Nicolas Lambert.

Available from Friday, August 28, 2026, the bespoke pastry will be served from the main vitrine at Shai Salon from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm throughout the month-long Emirati Women’s Day celebrations. A special story displayed alongside the creation will share the inspiration behind it, accompanied by Dr Afra’s original poem, allowing guests to discover the story and symbolism behind the sweet treat as they experience it.

Emirati Women’s Day | Afternoon Tea Dessert

Availability: from Friday, August 28 – Wednesday, September 30

Timing: From 11:00 am – 11:00 pm daily

Pricing: AED 95

Reservations: Website | +971 4 270 7950

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