From visionary South African architects to pioneering chefs and media entrepreneurs, Dubai’s latest storytelling campaign celebrates the African talent bringing fresh perspectives, creativity and ambition to the city
Dubai has long been recognised for its extraordinary skyline, world-class hospitality and ambitious approach to innovation. Yet beyond its architectural landmarks and luxury experiences lies another defining element of the city – the diverse international community shaping its identity.
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is celebrating this cultural connection through Beat of My Dubai, a new storytelling campaign highlighting the African professionals, entrepreneurs and creatives who have made the city their home.
Featuring six personalities from South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe, the campaign explores the individual journeys behind Dubai’s thriving culinary, hospitality, media, events and architectural industries.
Through intimate short films, striking photography and personal reflections, Beat of My Dubai offers a different perspective on the destination, placing its people at the centre of the story.
Strengthening the Connection Between Africa and Dubai
Dubai’s relationship with Africa continues to grow, supported by tourism, business opportunities and cultural exchange.
In 2025, the city welcomed 897,000 visitors from Africa, accounting for approximately 5% of its record 19.59 million international overnight visitors. The figures marked Dubai’s third consecutive record-breaking year for international tourism.
Beat of My Dubai builds on this relationship, recognising the contributions of African communities to the city’s economic and cultural landscape.
“Dubai’s success has always been driven by its ability to bring people, ideas and cultures together,” says Khalaf Alaleeli, Assistant Manager, International Operations at the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Visit Dubai).
“African communities and visitors are an important part of that story, contributing to the city’s economy, creativity and energy alongside people from every corner of the world.”
He adds that the campaign celebrates African talent while encouraging more travellers from across the continent to discover Dubai for themselves.
Meet the African Visionaries Behind Beat of My Dubai
At the heart of the campaign are six individuals whose careers reflect the opportunities available in one of the world’s most internationally connected cities.
1. Shaun Killa: The South African Architect Redefining Dubai’s Skyline
Few South Africans have left as visible a mark on Dubai as architect Shaun Killa, Founder and Design Director of Killa Design.
Having arrived in Dubai in 1998, Killa has spent nearly three decades contributing to the city’s architectural transformation.
His impressive portfolio includes the Museum of the Future, Dubai Opera, Address Beach Resort and Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab – landmarks that have become synonymous with Dubai’s contemporary architectural identity.
Established in 2015, Killa Design continues to push the boundaries of innovative, sustainable and expressive architecture.
“Dubai has always been a city willing to challenge what is possible. Coming from South Africa, I found that energy incredibly inspiring. It gave me the freedom to think bigger, to experiment and ultimately to help shape a city that is constantly reinventing itself,” says Killa.
His story captures the spirit of a destination where bold ideas can become internationally recognised landmarks.
2. Chef Kelvin Kelly: Bringing South African Creativity to Dubai’s Culinary Scene
South African-born Chef Kelvin Kelly has spent more than a decade building his career within Dubai’s evolving culinary landscape.
Since moving to the city in 2015, Kelly has established himself as the founder of OneLife Kitchen & Cafe, bringing his passion for fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation and authentic cooking to Dubai’s diverse dining culture.
His culinary philosophy prioritises quality and simplicity, with dishes prepared from scratch and inspired by the international influences that define the city.
“Dubai has given me the space to grow, to experiment and to build something that feels truly mine. The best part is that I get to bring a little bit of where I come from into a city that belongs to everyone,” says Kelly.
His journey reflects Dubai’s reputation as a destination where culinary talent from around the world can develop distinctive dining concepts.
3. Yvonne Mtengwa: Connecting Africa and the Middle East Through Media
For Zimbabwean-born Yvonne Mtengwa, Dubai has become both a professional base and a gateway for strengthening connections between Africa and the Middle East.
A multi-award-winning public relations strategist, brand storyteller and media entrepreneur, Mtengwa brings more than 18 years of industry experience to her work.
She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travel Essence Magazine, a Dubai-based publication connecting audiences across the UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council countries with travel, tourism and hospitality experiences in Africa and the Middle East.
Alongside her publishing work, Mtengwa operates a communications consultancy and curates African travel experiences through Travel Essence Getaways.
Having lived in the UAE for more than a decade, she credits Dubai with creating opportunities for personal and professional growth.
“Dubai has taught me that you don’t have to leave who you are behind to find your place somewhere new. I carry Zimbabwe, I carry Africa, and I bring all of that with me into everything I do in this city,” she explains.
4. Ashley Jane Rosenberg: South African Hospitality at Moonrise
Dubai’s internationally acclaimed dining scene thrives on exceptional service, creative culinary concepts and multicultural teams.
South African Ashley Jane Rosenberg, restaurant manager at Moonrise, represents the people responsible for bringing these experiences to life.
Working alongside the restaurant’s chefs and hospitality team, Rosenberg combines strong leadership with the warmth and determination associated with South African hospitality.
“Dubai has this incredible energy where every day feels like you’re part of something bigger. I bring my South African spirit and determination with me, every day to work,” says Rosenberg.
For her, hospitality extends beyond exceptional dining. It is about creating memorable connections with guests from across the world.
5. Elizabeth Wambui: Creating Experiences at the Museum of the Future
Kenyan events professional Elizabeth Wambui contributes to Dubai’s cultural and innovation landscape through her role at the Museum of the Future.
One of the city’s most recognisable architectural and cultural destinations, the museum provides a platform for conversations around technology, creativity and the possibilities of tomorrow.
As an events organiser, Wambui helps bring these experiences to life, connecting international audiences through meaningful cultural and professional encounters.
“For me, Dubai is about possibilities. Every day brings a new experience, a new person and a new opportunity to create something meaningful. That is what keeps my beat moving,” says Wambui.
Her story highlights the opportunities for African professionals to contribute to Dubai’s growing creative and cultural economy.
6. Roux Willem Hattingh: The Human Connection Behind Luxury Hospitality
Luxury hospitality is often associated with extraordinary architecture, refined interiors and impeccable service. Yet it is the personal interactions that leave the most lasting impressions.
South African Roux Willem Hattingh, a doorman at Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai, embodies this philosophy.
Welcoming international travellers to one of the city’s luxury hospitality destinations, Hattingh places genuine human connection at the centre of the guest experience.
“Hospitality is about making people feel welcome, and Dubai gives you the chance to meet the world every single day. I especially enjoy welcoming repeat guests and creating long-term bonds, and Dubai gives me a place to do exactly that,” he says.
His contribution demonstrates how every role within Dubai’s hospitality industry helps shape the experience of visitors.
South African Photographer Siphiwe Mhlambi Captures the Spirit of Dubai
Adding another distinctly African creative perspective to the campaign is acclaimed South African photographer Siphiwe Mhlambi.
Mhlambi began his photographic career as a teenager in Soweto, Johannesburg, before establishing himself through work with prominent South African publications, including Sowetan, City Press and True Love.
His career spans fashion, portraiture, documentary photography and cultural storytelling, with a particular interest in capturing the personalities and experiences behind his subjects.
For Beat of My Dubai, Mhlambi brings his documentary sensibility to a collection of portraits and spontaneous city photographs.
Rather than focusing exclusively on Dubai’s celebrated landmarks, his imagery explores the relationship between each personality, their African heritage and the environment they now call home.
The result is a visual narrative that celebrates individuality while reflecting the city’s multicultural character.
Discover Dubai Through the People Who Call It Home
While Dubai’s luxury hotels, extraordinary architecture and world-class attractions continue to attract international attention, Beat of My Dubai offers a more personal reason to discover the destination.
The campaign reveals a city shaped as much by its residents as by its iconic landmarks, where African creativity and ambition contribute to an ever-evolving cultural identity.
From the energy of a restaurant kitchen to the precision of an architectural studio, each personality brings a unique rhythm to Dubai’s story.
Together, their experiences celebrate the growing relationship between Africa and Dubai, demonstrating how culture, talent and opportunity continue to connect the two regions.
The Beat of My Dubai campaign will be shared across the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism’s social media platforms, with collaborative videos featuring each personality.
Explore the campaign, photography and films at Visit Dubai – Beat of My Dubai.
