For many in India’s rapidly growing bar community, Dubai represents more than just a career move. It’s an opportunity where ambition meets improved earnings, and creativity meets global recognition. Over the past few years, a new wave of Indian bartenders, especially women, have been carving their mark in this dynamic city, bringing their roots, resilience, and remarkable craft to some of the region’s top bars.
It was a pleasure to reconnect with the familiar faces of Shefali Singh (Bar Manager, Trèsind Dubai), Mayuri Rani Behera (Head Bartender, Jones Social), and Usha Rani, better known as Unnati (Bartender, Grosvenor House) at the World Class UAE x Celebrate Her networking lunch at Joon’s, Dubai, where conversations flowed as easily as the cocktails. Knowing personally that leaving your home country brings much reward, but also its fair share of challenges, I was eager to hear how the shift from India to Dubai has been for them. And also take some insider tips for those who may also want to make the move.
They spoke about what it means to leave home in search of new experiences, to build careers in a multicultural city, and to stay grounded in who they are. Their stories are both personal and universal. A drive for ambition, of learning through change, and of creating space for more women to thrive behind the bar. As Dubai’s bar scene continues to evolve, it’s voices like theirs that remind us how far the industry has come, and how much further it can go with passion, purpose, and the power of coming together. No matter where one calls “home”.
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Read the full Q&A for each of these powerhouses below:
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It’s hard not to notice the common thread weaving through all of these stories. While each woman is striving for career growth, there is always an eye on where they have come from, and the industry they are leaving for the next generation. Whether in Mumbai or Dubai, Delhi or DIFC, their journeys emphasis the new chapter for Indian bartending that is bubbling away both on home soil, and across the globe. A blossoming industry that is carving out recognition and respect built on shared learning, global connection, and the drive to keep growing, wherever the next opportunity may pour.
