As a youngster, Abdul Rahman Iyad found himself more captivated by observing his mother in the kitchen and experimenting with new recipes than engaging in play with his brother and the neighborhood kids. Now, the 12-year-old Palestinian residing in Dubai is making waves on Instagram for his culinary prowess and inventive recipes.

“I always encourage everyone to make small adjustments and prepare healthy meals at home instead of opting for junk food outside,” he shared with Khaleej Times. “For instance, if you take some broccoli and carrots, roast them and blend them, you get a fantastic pasta sauce. And it tastes so scrumptious that no one would guess it contains veggies.”

Abdul Rahman shares his culinary creations on his social media platforms, which boast over 150,000 followers. One of his most viewed videos, showcasing a crispy chickpeas snack, has garnered more than 10 million views. Last month, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) extended an invitation to the young chef to collaborate with them during the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) as part of the 'sizzling summer eats' campaign.

One of the first dishes he prepared was a straightforward lazy cake. “It was incredibly simple and required just a small pot, without the need for an oven or microwave,” he explained. “Even younger kids could easily follow the recipe. I enjoy cooking simple dishes like sandwiches and pasta, and I love adding my own flair to traditional Palestinian cuisine. For example, muskhan is a roasted chicken dish. I like to prepare it in small cups.”

Abdul Rahman confesses that while he enjoyed cooking, he was initially quite shy in front of the camera. “At first, I didn’t want to be on camera, and every time my mother aimed her phone to record my recipes, I would feel very shy,” he admitted. “But she persistently encouraged me to give it a try. I’m glad I heeded her advice.”

His mother, Nedaa Suliman, who works as a content producer at a local television channel, recognized his potential. “He is very cheerful and has a unique way of speaking,” she noted. “I knew that if he overcame his shyness, he could make a significant impact with his cooking videos. I’m pleased he did it. Initially, I would set up the camera for him, but now, he handles it himself. He loves experimenting a lot.”

With an older brother, aged 13, and a younger sister, aged 5, Abdul Rahman often tests his recipes on his family and occasionally plays pranks on them. “Once, I made sugarcomb,” he recounted. “I burnt it but couldn’t resist tricking my brother. So, I broke it up and served it to him, claiming it was incredibly delicious. Another time, I made mayonnaise that didn’t turn out well. I also gave it to him. I enjoy playing tricks on my brother.”

He aspires to launch his own restaurant business. “I started a small business at my school selling Twisters, but eventually stopped,” he said. “I have also begun making and delivering to neighboring buildings. I hope to one day open my own restaurant.”