47. Francisco Araya - Programme Director, SCAFA 47. Francisco Araya - Programme Director, SCAFA

47. Francisco Araya - Programme Director, SCAFA

Bite-sized facts:
Number of years in the F&B industry: 17
Number of years in the Middle East: 1
Nationality: Chilean

While Chilean chef Francisco Araya has been in the Middle East for only one year, his work with the School of Culinary and Finishing Arts (SCAFA) has made him a recognised figure when it comes to training and education in the industry.

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SCAFA celebrated its first anniversary in September, and offers classes for professionals, enthusiasts and amateurs. Araya hopes for SCAFA to become the best culinary school in the Middle East.

Some of SCAFA’s ex-students have been placed in top hotels and restaurants across Dubai, and its students also gain experience running SCAFÉ, the school’s student-run restaurant — something Araya is proud of.

He has previously spoken about the need for proper training in F&B in the Middle East, and his past qualifications include being director of the culinary arts program at IP Duoc UC Valparaiso, Chile.

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