Price guide
How much does a private chef cost in the UAE? (2026 prices)
On UpChef, 17 private chef menus in the UAE list a price per person from AED 200 to AED 1,000, with a median of AED 380; half of them are between AED 300 and AED 520 (October 2026). These are the chefs’ prices per person. UpChef adds a 7% service fee at checkout, and 5% VAT applies to the order total. The total depends on the menu and the number of guests.
These figures come from the private chef menus listed on UpChef in the UAE today, not from estimates. Each chef sets their own price per person; the total for your event depends on the menu, the number of guests and any add-ons.
Private chef prices by city in the UAE
| City | Menus | Price range | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 12 | AED 250–AED 1,000 | AED 338–AED 575 (middle half) |
| Abu Dhabi | 3 | AED 200–AED 375 | AED 240 (median) |
| All of the UAE | 17 | AED 200–AED 1,000 | AED 300–AED 520 (middle half) |
Chef’s price per person, from live UpChef private chef menus priced per person. Cities with at least 3 such menus. Updated October 2026.
What is included in the price?
Your chef plans the menu with you, shops for fresh ingredients, cooks in your kitchen, serves each course and cleans up before leaving.
In most cases the ingredients are part of the chef’s price. Each menu lists its dishes and guest range; confirm exactly what is included with the chef in chat before you book.
How does the number of guests change the price?
Most private chef menus on UpChef are priced per person, and each menu sets a minimum and a maximum number of guests. The chef’s price is the price per person times the number of guests, plus any add-ons you choose. For a larger event you can also message a chef and ask for an offer.
Example: 6 guests at AED 380 per person = AED 2,280 for the chef, + AED 159.60 service fee (7%) + AED 121.98 VAT on the total (5%) = AED 2,561.58 in total.
Does UpChef add fees?
UpChef adds a service fee of 7% at checkout, calculated on the chef’s price and any add-ons. In the UAE, 5% VAT applies to the whole order total (chef’s price plus service fee). You see the total before you pay.
What if I need to cancel?
- Within 10 minutes of paying: 100% refund.
- 7 or more days before the event: 100% refund, service fee included.
- Less than 7 days before the event: no refund.
- If the chef cancels: 100% refund.
Refunds go back to the original payment method, usually within 5–10 business days.
How UpChef compares
- Take a Chef’s Dubai page lists AED 468 per person for 3–6 guests (October 2026). Source
- On UpChef, the median private chef menu in Dubai is AED 440 per person (12 menus).
- UpChef charges chefs 0% commission: chefs keep 100% of their price. For card payments paid out through Stripe, a 6% payment-processing fee is taken from the chef’s payout (none in Mexico); chefs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE pay a 6% gateway fee when they withdraw instead.
Each platform shows its prices differently and may add different fees, so compare the total at checkout.
Private chef prices: questions
How much does a private chef cost in the UAE?
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On UpChef, 17 private chef menus in the UAE list a price per person from AED 200 to AED 1,000, with a median of AED 380; half of them are between AED 300 and AED 520 (October 2026). These are the chefs’ prices per person. UpChef adds a 7% service fee at checkout, and 5% VAT applies to the order total. The total depends on the menu and the number of guests.
What is included in a private chef’s price?
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Your chef plans the menu with you, shops for fresh ingredients, cooks in your kitchen, serves each course and cleans up before leaving. In most cases the ingredients are part of the chef’s price. Each menu lists its dishes and guest range; confirm exactly what is included with the chef in chat before you book.
Does UpChef add fees on top of the chef’s price?
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UpChef adds a service fee of 7% at checkout, calculated on the chef’s price and any add-ons. In the UAE, 5% VAT applies to the whole order total (chef’s price plus service fee). You see the total before you pay.
How does the number of guests change the price?
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Most private chef menus on UpChef are priced per person, and each menu sets a minimum and a maximum number of guests. The chef’s price is the price per person times the number of guests, plus any add-ons you choose. For a larger event you can also message a chef and ask for an offer. Example: 6 guests at AED 380 per person = AED 2,280 for the chef, + AED 159.60 service fee (7%) + AED 121.98 VAT on the total (5%) = AED 2,561.58 in total.
What is the cancellation policy?
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Within 10 minutes of paying: 100% refund. 7 or more days before the event: 100% refund, service fee included. Less than 7 days before the event: no refund. If the chef cancels: 100% refund. Refunds go back to the original payment method, usually within 5–10 business days.
Do chefs pay commission to UpChef?
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UpChef charges chefs 0% commission: chefs keep 100% of their price. For card payments paid out through Stripe, a 6% payment-processing fee is taken from the chef’s payout (none in Mexico); chefs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE pay a 6% gateway fee when they withdraw instead.
Compare real menus and prices in the app.
Browse chefs near you, message them about your event and see the total before you pay.