Grandiose, one of the leading grocery retailers in the UAE with a footprint of nearly 50 stores, has announced the launch of GrandChef. Supported by Microsoft technology, this AI-powered chef is designed to help customers build their carts smarter based on recipes, dietary preferences, and cooking inspirations. Now available via the Grandiose mobile app, GrandChef underscores the retailer’s focus on innovation, personalization, and sustainability in the UAE retail landscape.
Transforming the Experience
GrandChef marks a pivotal milestone in Grandiose’s digital transformation journey, rolling out in the newest versions of its Android and iOS apps. Pushing the boundaries of retail innovation, GrandChef blends world-class technology with customer centricity at the heart of the Grandiose experience. It enables shopping journeys that adapt to diverse consumer needs — from everyday meal planning to preparing for special occasions.
“At Grandiose, our mission has always been to delight shoppers with fresh ideas, premium experiences, and a touch of innovation,” said Mussaab Aboud, CEO of Grandiose. “GrandChef embodies this promise, bringing the best of technology and a people-focused approach into the hands of our shoppers. It also aligns with the UAE’s vision under the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 to drive smarter and more sustainable living.”
Additionally, Marcin Piekarczyk, Director of Technology at Grandiose, shared his insights on enhancing consumer experience by leveraging technology. He emphasised how it delivers personalised, smarter interactions, continuously evolving with feedback.
“By combining Microsoft’s AI capabilities with our retail expertise, we’re unlocking a new era of intelligent shopping, driven by innovation, applying technology to put customers first, and moving with the agility to exceed expectations.”
Innovation Beyond the App
The GrandChef launch builds on Grandiose’s broader innovation playbook. The retailer has rapidly expanded across the UAE with nearly 50 stores, introducing distinctive formats such as its Food Avenue and live cooking stations. At its Al Qana location in Abu Dhabi, for example, a waterfront food hall showcases live cooking of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and shawarmas.
Strengthening the Tech Backbone
Alongside consumer-facing innovation, Grandiose has been investing in operational intelligence. In August 2025, the company partnered with SAP to implement RISE with SAP S/4HANA Cloud – Private Edition integrated with SAP Business AI. This initiative is designed to streamline supply chains, improve stock visibility, and automate processes — strengthening the foundation for scalable growth.
From AI-powered personalisation to immersive in-store experiences and enterprise-scale partnerships, Grandiose is positioning itself as a pioneer in Middle Eastern grocery retail. More than a digital launch, GrandChef is the latest proof point in a strategy that integrates technology and customer centricity to set new benchmarks for grocery retail in the UAE and the Middle East.