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How BOCA Pioneers Sustainable Practices in Dubai: Insights from MENA's 50 Best Restaurants Event
Patricia Roig, the executive chef of Dubai’s BOCA. Photo credit: Gault&Millau
At the MENA's 50 Best Restaurants 2025, held in Abu Dhabi on January 27–28, we had the pleasure of speaking with Patricia Roig, the executive chef of Dubai’s BOCA, about how they’re redefining fine dining through sustainability. BOCA is more than just a restaurant — it’s a pioneer, setting new standards for how the culinary world can embrace environmentally conscious practices without compromising on quality.
Located in Dubai’s dynamic financial district, BOCA is celebrated for its modern Spanish cuisine, but what truly sets them apart is their dedication to sustainability.
Since opening in 2014, BOCA has earned numerous accolades, including the Michelin Green Star in 2023, a testament to their eco-friendly approach. They’ve also been named "Sustainable Kitchen of the Year" by Gault&Millau. Beyond awards, BOCA is paving the way for how restaurants can thrive while protecting the planet.
Located in Dubai’s dynamic financial district, BOCA is celebrated for its modern Spanish cuisine, but what truly sets them apart is their dedication to sustainability.
Since opening in 2014, BOCA has earned numerous accolades, including the Michelin Green Star in 2023, a testament to their eco-friendly approach. They’ve also been named "Sustainable Kitchen of the Year" by Gault&Millau. Beyond awards, BOCA is paving the way for how restaurants can thrive while protecting the planet.
BOCA stands out as one of the first restaurants in the region to publish a detailed carbon footprint report, showcasing their transparency and commitment to measurable change. But their efforts go far beyond numbers — they focus on creating a greener future through their Five Pillars of Sustainability.
Pillar #1: Local Sourcing
Supporting Regional Ecosystems BOCA works closely with local farms and fishermen, sourcing high-quality ingredients like Dibba Bay oysters, local berries, mushrooms, and even foraged plants from the desert. This reduces the environmental impact of transportation while celebrating the UAE’s diverse local produce.
Supporting Regional Ecosystems BOCA works closely with local farms and fishermen, sourcing high-quality ingredients like Dibba Bay oysters, local berries, mushrooms, and even foraged plants from the desert. This reduces the environmental impact of transportation while celebrating the UAE’s diverse local produce.
As Patricia Roig emphasized, “It’s not just about sustainability — it’s about bringing the best ingredients to the table.”
This commitment shows how premium dining experiences don’t have to rely on imported products. Restaurants can elevate their menus while supporting regional farmers and suppliers. Farms like ours, part of the growing Greeneration movement, play a vital role in making this possible. By collaborating with local producers, fine dining establishments can ensure fresh, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients on their menus.
Pillar #2: Waste Management
At BOCA, sustainability extends to what happens after a dish is served. Their innovative waste program includes converting used cooking oil into biodiesel, a practice that drastically reduces emissions. A dedicated waste officer ensures that food scraps and other materials are managed responsibly, proving that even the smallest details matter when building a greener kitchen.
Photo credit: TripAdvisor
At BOCA, sustainability extends to what happens after a dish is served. Their innovative waste program includes converting used cooking oil into biodiesel, a practice that drastically reduces emissions. A dedicated waste officer ensures that food scraps and other materials are managed responsibly, proving that even the smallest details matter when building a greener kitchen.
Photo credit: TripAdvisor
Pillar #3: Resource Management
Powered by the Sun BOCA has taken a significant step by switching to 100% renewable energy, with solar panels powering their operations. This transition aligns with global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and demonstrates how restaurants can operate with minimal environmental impact. It’s a bold move that showcases their leadership in eco-conscious dining.
Pillar #4: Measuring and Reporting
Setting the Standard One of BOCA’s most commendable practices is their dedication to transparency. By working with experts to measure their carbon footprint—totaling 754,262 kgCO2 in 2021 — they not only identify areas for improvement but also set an example for other restaurants. As Patricia shared, “What gets measured gets improved.”
This philosophy encourages the entire industry to take accountability for their environmental impact.
Powered by the Sun BOCA has taken a significant step by switching to 100% renewable energy, with solar panels powering their operations. This transition aligns with global efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and demonstrates how restaurants can operate with minimal environmental impact. It’s a bold move that showcases their leadership in eco-conscious dining.
Pillar #4: Measuring and Reporting
Setting the Standard One of BOCA’s most commendable practices is their dedication to transparency. By working with experts to measure their carbon footprint—totaling 754,262 kgCO2 in 2021 — they not only identify areas for improvement but also set an example for other restaurants. As Patricia shared, “What gets measured gets improved.”
This philosophy encourages the entire industry to take accountability for their environmental impact.
Pillar #5: Community and Industry Collaboration
Leading by Example BOCA actively collaborates with other restaurants, suppliers, and local communities to share their knowledge and drive sustainable practices across the region. Their willingness to lead and inspire is a call to action for others in the industry.
Photo credit: Dubai City
Leading by Example BOCA actively collaborates with other restaurants, suppliers, and local communities to share their knowledge and drive sustainable practices across the region. Their willingness to lead and inspire is a call to action for others in the industry.
Photo credit: Dubai City
BOCA’s efforts reflect a larger shift happening in the fine dining scene across the UAE. As global awareness of climate change grows, more restaurants are recognizing the importance of sustainability — not just as a buzzword, but as a cornerstone of their operations.
This movement is about more than just “going green.” It’s about rethinking what fine dining means — focusing on local ingredients, reducing waste, and ensuring that every dish served has a positive impact on the planet. BOCA proves that fine dining can balance luxury with responsibility, setting a standard for the industry.
As we wrapped up our conversation with Patricia Roig, one message stood out: sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s the future of dining. For restaurants, the takeaway is clear — invest in local producers, innovate in waste management, and embrace renewable resources.
At the same time, farms like ours play a crucial role in this ecosystem. By providing premium, sustainable ingredients, we help restaurants like BOCA bring exceptional flavors to the table while reducing their environmental impact. Together, we can build a greener, brighter future for the culinary world — one dish at a time.
BOCA’s journey is a powerful reminder that sustainability isn’t about sacrifice — it’s about opportunity. It’s a chance to elevate dining experiences while leaving a positive mark on the planet.
Now, it’s time for others to follow their lead.
This movement is about more than just “going green.” It’s about rethinking what fine dining means — focusing on local ingredients, reducing waste, and ensuring that every dish served has a positive impact on the planet. BOCA proves that fine dining can balance luxury with responsibility, setting a standard for the industry.
As we wrapped up our conversation with Patricia Roig, one message stood out: sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s the future of dining. For restaurants, the takeaway is clear — invest in local producers, innovate in waste management, and embrace renewable resources.
At the same time, farms like ours play a crucial role in this ecosystem. By providing premium, sustainable ingredients, we help restaurants like BOCA bring exceptional flavors to the table while reducing their environmental impact. Together, we can build a greener, brighter future for the culinary world — one dish at a time.
BOCA’s journey is a powerful reminder that sustainability isn’t about sacrifice — it’s about opportunity. It’s a chance to elevate dining experiences while leaving a positive mark on the planet.
Now, it’s time for others to follow their lead.