Born in Montreal and raised in Dubai, Joey Ghazal is the Restaurateur, Founder and Managing Partner of THE MAINE Group. His journey began with his passion for the restaurant industry which developed at a young age. He worked his way up from waiter to manager, eventually leading concept development and marketing at one of Canada’s largest restaurant development companies. In 2000, he spent two years in London studying film while working for the Soho House Group.
In 2025, he founded THE MAINE; drawing inspiration from his childhood summers on the East Coast. Evoking the charm of a classic brasserie, it celebrates timeless Americana with a relaxed yet sophisticated approach. Designed like a modern clubhouse, The MAINE combines effortless elegance with warm hospitality; featuring attentive white-jacket service, live jazz, and expertly crafted cocktails served by bartenders in leather aprons and crisp ties.
With four locations across Dubai, The MAINE has grown into one of the UAE’s first home-grown brands to expand internationally, launching The MAINE Mayfair in 2021 and hosting seasonal pop-ups in Ibiza and Bodrum. Celebrated for his fearless creativity and entrepreneurial vision, Ghazal also launched the acclaimed BARBARY Deli + Cocktail Club in Barsha Heights and the popular Canary Club in JLT.
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