Long before Dubai transformed into the glittering global culinary hub we see today, a single restaurant was busy introducing the residents of the UAE to the authentic flavors of the Far East. **Golden Dragon**, a name synonymous with nostalgia and fine dining, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of creating memories around the dining table.
At **Business Promotion24**, we take pride in highlighting business legacies that stand the test of time. The story of Golden Dragon is not just about food; it is a story of vision, heritage, and the evolution of the UAE’s dining landscape.
### A Vision Rooted in 1976
Founded on October 14, 1976, in Bur Dubai, Golden Dragon emerged when the UAE was a young nation only five years old. It was established by the late **K.M. Bhatia** under the **KM Brothers** banner. The restaurant was a labor of love, shaped significantly by **Sunder Mans**, the then General Manager of KM Brothers.
To ensure authenticity, Sunder Mans personally traveled to China to hand-select traditional artifacts, furniture, and equipment. The original interiors, which many long-time residents still remember fondly, were designed by Mumbai-based architect Lalitha Sakthi and executed by Chandrasekhar. This dedication to authenticity made Golden Dragon a pioneer of **Chinese cuisine in Dubai**.
### A Star-Studded Golden Jubilee Celebration
The 50th-anniversary celebration was a heartwarming reunion of the people who built the brand. The event brought together K.M. Bhatia’s wife Kamla, his son Kamlesh, daughter Pinky, and their families. The guest of honor was **Mirza Hussain Al Sayegh**, the UAE’s first Ambassador to India, who joined the ceremonial cake-cutting.
Also present was **K. Muraleedharan**, Chairman and Managing Director of **SFC Group**, whose professional journey actually began at KM Brothers. For him, the anniversary was deeply personal. “I still remember with gratitude Mr. Sunder Mans signing my appointment letter,” Muraleedharan remarked. “When we became involved with Golden Dragon in 2013, we felt a responsibility to preserve the legacy they had created.”
### Preserving a Culinary Heritage
Over the decades, Golden Dragon became the go-to destination for family celebrations and weekend treats. In its early years, the reputation of its food was so prestigious that diners would travel all the way from Abu Dhabi just for a meal.
Today, while the menu has evolved, the soul remains the same. Traditional favorites like **Dragon Dumplings, Mapo Tofu, Chilli Chicken, and Dragon Pot Rice** continue to delight patrons alongside modern additions like Singaporean Chilli Crab. To celebrate this milestone, the restaurant is inviting long-time guests to share their vintage photographs and memories, ensuring the history of the restaurant is preserved for future generations.
### Looking Toward the Future: Expanding the Legend
Now a key part of the **SFC Group**, Golden Dragon is not resting on its laurels. The brand is actively expanding its footprint across the Emirates. Following a successful recent opening at **Sharjah Central Mall**, a brand-new outlet is scheduled to open at **Deerfields Mall in Abu Dhabi on October 21**.
As we report here at **Business Promotion24**, the success of Golden Dragon serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs. It proves that with quality, authenticity, and a focus on community, a business can thrive for half a century.
Whether you are a long-time resident or a newcomer to the city, a visit to Golden Dragon is a taste of Dubai’s history. Here is to another 50 years of excellence!
