Royals pick up the tab to surprise diners at Dubai Mall restaurant
Unexpected treat by Dubai and Abu Dhabi crown princes amuses and humbles diners and restaurant management
June 28, 2025
In a scene straight out of a feel-good movie, diners at a French restaurant in Dubai Mall were surprised with an unexpected royal treat when two UAE princes quietly paid for everyone’s meal.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan stopped by the restaurant without any formal entourage. They greeted other guests, enjoyed their food in a relaxed atmosphere, and left without drawing much attention.
After the meal, when the diners asked for their bills, they were told there was no bill to pay as the princes had already settled the bill for all guests present.
According to restaurant staff, the total came to AED 30,000 (around Rs2.3 million).
A French guest also shared their experience of the unexpected gesture and posted a video on social media.
Moreover Emirati social media user posted a clip of the royals arriving at Dubai Mall.
The restaurant shared a memorable photo with Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on their Instagram page.
The management expressed their gratitude and described the encounter as an honour. They praised the humility and generosity of the two leaders, which left a lasting impression on both the staff and the diners.
