Mayuri Rani Behera, Head Bartender at Jones Social
Follow her journey @Mayurir_29
I also treasure those moments of genuine connection when I take the time to understand a guest’s story or preferences and craft something unique just for them. Seeing their smile or hearing them say, “This is exactly what I needed,” reminds me why I fell in love with bartending in the first place.
Q. Let’s start from the beginning, what first pulled you behind the bar, and what kept you there?
MB. What first pulled me behind the bar was a mix of passion, curiosity, and courage. Growing up in Odisha, India, where women rarely worked behind the bar, I faced many doubts and rejections. But instead of discouraging me, those challenges sparked something stronger; the desire to break barriers and prove that passion has no gender.
What truly kept me here is the endless journey of creativity, learning, and connection. Behind the bar, I found a space where I could express myself, tell stories through flavours, and connect with people from around the world. Every milestone from my first shift to becoming a World Class UAE 2025 finalist reminded me how far I’ve come and how much I still love what I do. Bartending has become more than a profession; it’s a part of who I am. A space where culture, craft, and confidence come together every day.
Q. What was your journey from your home country to Dubai like, and what were the biggest surprises working in this market?
MB. My journey from Odisha, India to Dubai began with a spark of inspiration. During my professional training, we once watched a video showcasing Dubai’s vibrant hospitality scene and something just clicked. When the instructor asked who’d like to work in such an environment, my hand went up without hesitation. I knew that’s where I wanted to be.
Coming to Dubai was truly life-changing. The city’s energy, diversity, and high standards pushed me to grow faster than I ever imagined. Working alongside people from all over the world opened my eyes to new flavours, techniques, and cultures every single day. The biggest surprise and the most beautiful one was realising how much creativity and opportunity this market offers if you’re willing to learn and give your best. Dubai didn’t just shape my career; it shaped who I am as a bartender and as a person.
Q. How would you describe the Dubai bar scene right now, and what makes it different from other cities you’ve worked in or visited?
MB. The Dubai bar scene right now feels like a vibrant tapestry of creativity and innovation. Every bar here tells its own story; some draw inspiration from nature, others from art, Japanese minimalism, or even the supernatural. That diversity and imagination are what truly make Dubai stand out. What makes this city unique is its beautiful blend of cultures and influences. You can walk into two neighbouring bars and have completely different experiences, both world-class in their own way. The bartenders here are incredibly talented and constantly redefining what’s possible, not just in flavor, but in storytelling and presentation. Dubai’s bar scene is evolving rapidly, and it’s exciting to be part of a community that celebrates creativity, inclusivity, and excellence on a global level.
Q. What kind of bartenders thrive in Dubai, and what advice would you give someone from India aiming to work there?
MB. In Dubai, the bartenders who truly thrive are the ones who are adaptable, curious, and open to embracing the city’s incredible cultural diversity. Dubai has a way of shaping you much like clay in the hands of a skilled artisan. I’ve grown here not just because of hard work, but because of the guidance, mentorship, and teamwork that this city encourages. For someone from India aspiring to work here, my advice would be: come with an open heart and a learner’s mindset. Be ready to adapt, to listen, and to push your boundaries. Dubai rewards passion, humility, and consistency. The journey might challenge you at times, but every experience will help you evolve both as a bartender and as a person. With the right attitude and dedication, you won’t just find success here; you’ll find a second home.
Q. Has working in a multicultural environment changed your approach to hospitality or flavour?
MB. Absolutely. Working in a multicultural environment like Dubai has deeply shaped my approach to both hospitality and flavour. Being surrounded by so many cultures has taught me to think beyond borders to listen, observe, and adapt. While I’ve embraced global influences, I’ve always kept my Indian roots at the core of my craft.
For me, it’s about finding harmony between tradition and innovation integrating Indian ingredients, stories, and emotions into a modern, global context. This balance allows me to create experiences that feel both familiar and fresh. It’s been a beautiful journey of growth, and it’s made me not just a more creative bartender, but a more empathetic and open-minded one too.
Q. Can you share one skill or mindset that helped you stand out and grow your career internationally?
MB. For me, World Class 2025 was a truly transformative experience. It wasn’t just about the skills and training I gained; it was the incredible support and encouragement from the World Class team that made all the difference. Moving from Odisha to Dubai was a bold step, and World Class really helped me grow, both professionally and personally. It taught me to be open, to embrace every opportunity, and to trust in my own journey. That mindset of openness and resilience has truly been the key to my international growth.
Q. What’s one thing you’ve learned from working with guests from so many cultures that every bartender should know?
MB. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that every guest is a story and every interaction is an opportunity to learn something new. Working with people from so many different cultures has taught me the importance of listening with genuine curiosity and adapting with respect. Every guest brings their own tastes, traditions, and emotions to the bar, and embracing that diversity not only refines your craft but also broadens your perspective. When you combine your personal touch with the experiences and feedback of your guests, you create moments that feel meaningful and memorable and that’s what truly defines great hospitality.
Q. What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about bartending in Dubai?
MB. One of the biggest misconceptions about bartending in Dubai is that it doesn’t pay well or offer growth opportunities. In reality, if you’re talented, passionate, and committed to your craft, the city rewards you generously both in recognition and career development. Another common misconception is that the industry here isn’t open to innovation or modern techniques. But Dubai’s bar scene is actually one of the most forward-thinking in the world. From embracing cutting-edge technology to supporting creative ideas, the industry here truly encourages bartenders to explore and evolve. At the end of the day, Dubai is a city that recognises dedication. When you bring passion and purpose to what you do, it gives that energy right back often in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Q. Which cocktail, moment, or guest interaction best represents your journey so far?
MB. It’s hard to pick just one cocktail or moment, because every creation and every guest interaction has shaped my journey in a meaningful way. But what truly stands out is the feeling when a guest comes back to order the same drink I’ve made before. That simple gesture means the world to me. It's a quiet confirmation that my passion and effort have created a lasting memory for them. I also treasure those moments of genuine connection when I take the time to understand a guest’s story or preferences and craft something unique just for them. Seeing their smile or hearing them say, “This is exactly what I needed,” reminds me why I fell in love with bartending in the first place. For me, that connection that shared moment of joy is what truly represents my journey.
Q. And finally, what’s next for you, and what do you hope to see more of in the Dubai (and global) bar community?
MB. Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue growing and learning. My journey, especially through experiences like World Class UAE 2025 and the community that I was embraced in, has shown me the immense value of staying open to new learning opportunities and participating in competitions. These experiences not only foster personal and professional growth but also bring global recognition and motivation. Ultimately, I hope to see the Dubai bar community continue to thrive with more collaboration, innovation, and mutual support, so that we can all inspire and uplift one another.
