Celebrity restaurateur Nusret Gökçe, better known as “Salt Bae”, has voiced support for Dubai and the wider Gulf region as tensions continue to ripple across the Middle East.
In a statement shared with Gulf Business on Saturday, the Turkish entrepreneur said he had travelled to Dubai to stand alongside his team and reaffirm confidence in the city.
“Nusr-Et was born in Türkiye and grew into a global brand in Dubai,” said Gökçe.
“Dubai has always been a place of opportunity, diversity, and resilience for us. This morning, I arrived from New York to stand with our team and to show my confidence in this city and the region.
“Our doors remain open, our fire is on, and we continue to welcome our guests with the same passion and hospitality that define Nusr-Et.”
From butcher to global celebrity
Gökçe rose to global fame in January 2017 after a short video showing his distinctive technique of slicing and seasoning steak — finishing with a theatrical sprinkle of salt — went viral on social media.
The clip quickly turned him into an internet sensation and the nickname “Salt Bae” stuck, propelling his restaurant brand into global pop-culture fame.
Born in Erzurum, Türkiye, Gökçe began his career as a butcher’s apprentice before launching the first Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Istanbul in 2010. The brand expanded rapidly after the viral moment, attracting celebrities, athletes and world leaders.
Global restaurant empire
Today, Nusr-Et operates a network of luxury steakhouses across several major global cities. The group has locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Doha, Riyadh, London, New York, Miami, Dallas, Mykonos and other international destinations.
Dubai has been a key market for the brand’s global growth, with its restaurant in the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach becoming a magnet for tourists, influencers and high-profile visitors.
The chain is known for its theatrical dining style and premium pricing, with some signature gold-plated steak dishes attracting international attention on social media.
Confidence in Dubai
Gökçe’s comments come as businesses across the UAE continue to signal confidence in the country’s stability despite regional tensions.
Hospitality operators in Dubai have emphasised that the city remains open for business, with restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions continuing to operate normally.
For Gökçe, the message was simple: the grills are still on.
“Our doors remain open,” he said.
