Mujuthaba Abdulla: Taking Maldivian Culinary Talent to the Global Stage

Award-winning pastry chef Mujuthaba Abdulla has spent more than two decades transforming his passion for baking into platforms that educate, inspire and celebrate culinary creativity in the Maldives and around the world.

Malé, Maldives — With more than 23 years of experience in the culinary industry, Mujuthaba Abdulla has established himself as one of the Maldives’ respected pastry professionals, educators and culinary event pioneers.

As the founder of My Cakes and Sweets, the Bake & Delicacy Show and the World Cake Artistry Awards, Mujuthaba has dedicated his career to developing culinary talent, creating international opportunities and raising the profile of Maldivian pastry artistry.

A Career Built on Passion and Excellence

Mujuthaba began his culinary career more than two decades ago, developing expertise in both pastry arts and hot-kitchen operations. His creativity, technical knowledge and versatility enabled him to build a distinguished professional career within the Maldivian hospitality industry.

Throughout his journey, he has remained deeply committed to sharing his knowledge. He has trained and mentored hundreds of aspiring chefs, introducing modern techniques and international standards in baking, pastry and cake decoration.

His contribution extends beyond his personal achievements in the kitchen. Through education, mentorship and major culinary events, Mujuthaba continues to encourage emerging professionals to strengthen their skills, pursue their ambitions and take pride in their craft.

Creating the Bake & Delicacy Show

One of Mujuthaba’s most significant achievements is the establishment of the Bake & Delicacy Show, a major culinary exhibition and competition created to celebrate the creativity and talent of Maldivian bakers, pastry chefs and cake artists.

The event features competitive categories such as Modern Cake, Sugar Flowers, Dress the Cake, Novelty Cake and Wedding Cake, providing opportunities for both home bakers and established professionals to present their work on a respected public platform.

More than a competition, the Bake & Delicacy Show serves as a space for learning, professional networking and creative exchange. It brings together participants, industry professionals and visitors while helping talented individuals gain greater recognition and confidence.

“The show is about more than cakes,” Mujuthaba explained. “It is about giving people the confidence to create, compete and take pride in their work.”

Founding the World Cake Artistry Awards

Building upon the success of his work in the Maldives, Mujuthaba founded the World Cake Artistry Awards, an international recognition platform created to honour outstanding cake artists, pastry chefs, bakers and industry professionals from around the world.

Unlike a traditional live competition, the World Cake Artistry Awards is a portfolio-based international awards programme. Participants are evaluated according to their creativity, technical ability, professional experience, achievements and overall contribution to the cake and pastry industry.

The inaugural World Cake Artistry Awards 2026, held at Kurumba Maldives, received an impressive 834 nominations from 38 countries. Approximately 240 finalists were recognised across multiple categories, with 65 awards celebrating excellence in cake artistry, pastry, innovation and professional achievement.

The event brought international attention to the Maldives as a destination capable of hosting world-class culinary programmes. It also created new opportunities for local professionals to connect with respected international judges, artists, educators and industry leaders.

Expanding to Dubai in 2027

Following the success of the inaugural edition, the World Cake Artistry Awards 2027 is set to take place in Dubai in June 2027.

The second edition is being developed as a major two-day international event. The first day will feature the Maldives and Dubai Tourism Promotion Expo, including exhibitions, business-to-business networking and opportunities for hospitality, tourism and culinary brands to connect with an international audience.

The second day will conclude with the prestigious World Cake Artistry Awards Grand Gala Night, where outstanding professionals from around the world will be recognised on an international stage.

Supported by a growing network of ambassadors, judges, partners and industry representatives across more than 70 countries, the 2027 edition represents an important step in Mujuthaba’s vision to build a credible global platform for culinary recognition.

It will also provide an opportunity to promote the Maldives internationally by connecting its tourism, hospitality and culinary industries with professionals and organisations from around the world.

A Strong Commitment to Education

Education remains at the heart of Mujuthaba’s work. For several years, he has conducted professional training programmes for aspiring chefs and bakers across the islands, helping strengthen the Maldives’ culinary workforce and expand access to practical learning opportunities.

His dedication to young people has been equally significant. Mujuthaba has conducted free pastry classes for more than 700 children, introducing them to baking while encouraging creativity, teamwork and confidence.

Through these initiatives, he has inspired many young learners to explore future careers in hospitality, baking and pastry arts.

International Recognition

Mujuthaba’s contributions to the culinary profession have received international recognition. In 2025, he was honoured with three Asian Ascar Awards:

• Best Pastry Chef
• Service Excellence
• Lifetime Achievement

These honours recognised not only his technical expertise as a pastry chef but also his leadership, service and long-standing contribution to culinary education and industry development.

Building the Future of Maldivian Pastry

Through My Cakes and Sweets, Mujuthaba continues to develop culinary content, professional training opportunities and platforms that support the growth of the food and baking industry.

His long-term vision includes establishing a dedicated Pastry and Bakery School in the Maldives, offering professional diploma programmes in baking, pastry and cake decoration. The institution would provide aspiring professionals with structured education while preparing a new generation of Maldivian talent for careers within the local and international hospitality sectors.

Through the Bake & Delicacy Show and the World Cake Artistry Awards, Mujuthaba Abdulla is creating more than successful events. He is building opportunities, strengthening professional connections and giving culinary artists the international recognition they deserve.

For Mujuthaba, every creation represents more than food. It reflects imagination, discipline, community and the belief that culinary arts can inspire future generations and transform lives.