A Journey of Reinvention and Success
What began as a successful career in aircraft engineering evolved into a remarkable culinary journey. Today, Chef Lubna Al Abed is inspiring audiences across the region through her passion for food, entrepreneurship, and television, proving that it is never too late to follow your true calling.
Life often takes us on unexpected paths, leading us toward passions we never imagined would define our future. For me, that journey began in a world far removed from the culinary arts, one built on precision, logic, and complex systems.
After graduating with a degree in Mechatronics Engineering, I embarked on a rewarding career in aircraft maintenance with Royal Jordanian. My days revolved around the intricate mechanics of aviation, a field that challenged and inspired me. Even after marriage, I continued pursuing a profession I genuinely loved.
Yet life has a remarkable way of reshaping our priorities. The birth of my two beautiful daughters, Joud and Leena, became the turning point that transformed my perspective. When my husband’s career brought our family to Saudi Arabia, I found myself standing at a crossroads. Leaving my engineering career was not the end of a chapter, it was the beginning of a new one. It gave me the opportunity to be fully present for my daughters while allowing a lifelong passion to quietly emerge and flourish.
During our first years in Saudi Arabia, I dedicated myself to exploring the culinary world. I immersed myself in specialized cooking and pastry courses, continually refining my skills and deepening my knowledge. As time passed, I faced a defining decision: return to the familiar world of engineering or pursue the passion that had steadily captured my heart.
I chose the kitchen.
Determined to transform passion into profession, I pursued formal culinary education and earned certification as a professional chef. Returning to Jordan, my family and I combined our expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to establish a successful family business specializing in premium cake, pastry, and chocolate supplies. It was an exciting chapter that beautifully merged the discipline and analytical thinking of engineering with the creativity and artistry of the culinary world.
Our journey eventually brought us to Qatar, a country that has welcomed both my family and my career with warmth and opportunity. One of the most rewarding milestones of my professional life has been joining Al Araby 2 as a TV Chef. Through television, I discovered a new way to share my passion, connecting with audiences, inspiring home cooks, and celebrating the universal language of food.
Today, I am grateful to call Qatar home. Its vibrant culture, dynamic culinary scene, and welcoming community have made it an extraordinary place to live and grow. My culinary journey continues to evolve across borders, with projects and collaborations spanning Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE, allowing me to share my passion with diverse audiences throughout the region.
Looking back, my path from engineering to culinary arts may seem unconventional, but it has taught me one invaluable lesson: it is never too late to follow your passion. Every step of the journey, from aircraft maintenance hangars to professional kitchens and television studios, has shaped the person I am today.
Above all, none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my husband and family. Their encouragement has been the foundation of every achievement, giving me the confidence to embrace change, take risks, and transform a leap of faith into a fulfilling and rewarding career.
What began as a quiet passion has grown into a life dedicated to creativity, connection, and the joy of bringing people together through food, a journey that continues to inspire me every day.
Chef Lubna Al Abed’s dedication, creativity, and contribution to the culinary industry have also earned her notable recognition. In 2024, she was honored with the Editor’s Choice Award for Executive Chef of the Year at the LLQ Lifestyle Choice Awards 2024, a prestigious accolade that celebrates excellence and innovation within the hospitality and culinary sectors. The award stands as a testament to her remarkable journey, professional achievements, and growing influence in the region’s vibrant culinary landscape
