Frequently Asked Questions

What is Arèle?

Arèle is a House for private hospitality, based in Dubai.

The House brings together chefs, hospitality professionals and creative disciplines under one direction for occasions held in private homes.

Is Arèle a private chef service?

No. A chef may form the centre of an occasion, but the work of the House extends beyond the kitchen.

The culinary programme, table, floristry, bar, service and atmosphere are considered together rather than commissioned separately.

What does the House oversee?

The House assumes responsibility for the direction and coordination of the occasion.

Depending on its requirements, this may include:

Culinary direction and chef selection
Menu development
Hospitality staff and service
Tableware, linen and tablescape
Floristry and candlelight
Wine, champagne and bar direction
Production, suppliers and timings
Set-up, service and clear-down
Entertainment, photography, cakes, stationery and guest gifting

Each proposal includes only what the occasion requires.

Which occasions does the House accept?

Arèle accepts private dinners, long lunches, brunches, afternoon tea, champagne receptions, cocktail evenings, family occasions and milestone celebrations.

The House considers each enquiry according to the home, guest count, date and nature of the occasion.

How does the process begin?

The client shares the date, location, guest count and nature of the occasion through the enquiry form.

The House then reviews the brief, discusses any points requiring clarification and prepares an individual direction and proposal.

How is the chef selected?

Clients are invited to share their culinary preferences. The House then recommends the chef whose work best suits the occasion.

Selection considers cuisine, guest count, service format, the kitchen available and the character of the event. It is not made from a fixed catalogue.

Can menus be adapted?

Yes. Menus are developed for the occasion and may be adapted around dietary requirements, preferred ingredients and the intended style of dining.

The final direction remains subject to the chef's approach and the integrity of the menu as a whole.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, dairy-free and other dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when disclosed at the beginning of the process.

Severe allergies must be discussed in detail so the House and chef can determine whether the requirements can be met safely.

How many guests can Arèle accommodate?

The House considers occasions ranging from intimate dinners to larger celebrations in private homes.

Suitability depends on the property, available kitchen, service format and spatial requirements rather than guest count alone.

Can the House transform an existing space?

Yes. Where required, the House may introduce tables, chairs, linen, tableware, floristry, lighting and other elements needed to prepare the home for the occasion.

The intention is not to disguise the home, but to make it ready to receive guests.

Does Arèle provide hospitality staff?

Yes. Hosts, waitstaff, bartenders, butlers and specialist professionals are selected according to the scale and character of service.

The composition of the team is determined by the House after reviewing the occasion.

How is the bar arranged?

The bar is developed alongside the culinary programme and may include champagne service, wine pairing, cocktails or a non-alcoholic programme.

Alcohol procurement and service arrangements are confirmed separately in accordance with the requirements of the occasion and applicable local rules.

Does the House arrange entertainment?

Yes. Musicians, ensembles, vocalists, DJs and other performers may be introduced where they belong naturally within the occasion.

Entertainment is selected to support the atmosphere rather than dominate it.

What remains the client's responsibility?

Clients approve the principal creative and financial decisions.

Once the direction is confirmed, the House coordinates the people, suppliers, logistics and timings required to deliver it.

Why are there no fixed packages?

The House does not begin with packages. It begins with the occasion.

A dinner for six and a reception for sixty require different culinary, spatial and service considerations. Each proposal is therefore prepared individually.

How is pricing determined?

Pricing reflects the chef, guest count, menu, staffing, table requirements, production and any additional disciplines commissioned through the House.

A clearly structured proposal is prepared after the initial discussion. No work is confirmed until the scope and payment terms are approved.

How far in advance should I enquire?

Early enquiry provides the widest choice of chefs and represented professionals.

Short-notice occasions may still be considered where the necessary people and materials are available.

Where does Arèle operate?

The House works throughout Dubai and may consider occasions elsewhere in the UAE by arrangement.

Travel, transport and production requirements are assessed individually for occasions outside the House's usual area of operation.