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Final Opportunity to Savor Mom’s Spaghetti in Abu Dhabi
Eminem has brought his iconic Detroit-based restaurant, Mom’s Spaghetti, to the UAE, offering fans a unique culinary and merchandise experience at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The pop-up, which runs until Sunday, provides a chance to indulge in some of the artist's signature pasta dishes and immerse in the world of Eminem, all while celebrating the artist's roots in Detroit and his long-standing connection to his fans in the Middle East.
This exclusive collaboration between Shady Records and Global Venture Partners (GVP) marks a significant milestone in Eminem's efforts to bring his restaurant concept to international audiences. For those in attendance at the Grand Prix, the pop-up restaurant offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to taste Mom’s Spaghetti, a dish made famous by the Grammy-winning artist’s 2002 hit song "Lose Yourself" from the movie 8 Mile. This special event also includes exclusive merchandise at Fort Shady, an immersive retail space filled with limited-edition Eminem memorabilia crafted specifically for the Middle Eastern audience.
Paul Rosenberg, Eminem’s longtime manager, shared his excitement about bringing the Mom’s Spaghetti experience to the region, noting the overwhelming demand from Middle Eastern fans. “Bringing Mom’s Spaghetti to fans in the Middle East has been a long time coming. We've had incredible demand from fans in this part of the world, and we're excited to finally be able to bring the pop-up experience and exclusive merchandise to these iconic events. It's an opportunity to connect with fans and share a taste of Detroit with them,” Rosenberg stated.
The Mom’s Spaghetti pop-up experience first began in 2017 as a series of temporary restaurants before expanding to a permanent location in Detroit in 2021. The restaurant is named after the memorable lyrics from Eminem’s hit song “Lose Yourself,” in which he references his mother, Debbie Nelson. Tragically, Debbie Nelson, Eminem's mother and the inspiration for the restaurant, passed away last week, adding an emotional layer to the pop-up's significance.
For fans at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Mom’s Spaghetti pop-up provides not only a taste of the artist’s hometown but also a glimpse into the world of one of hip-hop’s most influential figures. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix serves as the perfect backdrop for this event, with its high-octane atmosphere complementing the iconic dishes and exclusive offerings available at the pop-up. Visitors can indulge in dishes like the classic Mom’s Spaghetti, served with a choice of marinara or meatballs, and enjoy the culinary connection to Eminem’s legacy.
In addition to the food, Fort Shady—the immersive retail space at the pop-up—is a key highlight, offering a range of exclusive merchandise. Items available for purchase include limited-edition apparel, posters, and other memorabilia that commemorate Eminem’s connection to the region. This retail experience is designed to offer fans a tangible way to take home a piece of the pop-up, with the exclusive merchandise reflecting the local culture and unique tastes of the Middle Eastern fanbase.
The pop-up’s arrival at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is part of a broader regional tour, with the next stop set for Riyadh’s Soundstorm Festival, which runs from December 12 to December 14. The pop-up’s journey through the Middle East is further testament to Eminem’s enduring popularity and the deep connection he shares with his fans in the region. As the tour continues, it is expected that even more fans will get the chance to taste the iconic spaghetti dish and enjoy the special merchandise on offer.
Eminem’s connection to the UAE is not a new one. This pop-up marks the artist's return to the country following his performances at Etihad Park in 2012 and 2019. These shows were part of his larger international tours, and his upcoming performance at the Yasalam After-Race Concerts on December 7 further solidifies his status as one of the world’s most influential performers. His ability to connect with audiences across the globe, including those in the UAE, has only grown stronger over the years, and his ongoing engagement with fans in the region demonstrates his commitment to keeping that connection alive.
The opening of the Mom’s Spaghetti pop-up at the Grand Prix, combined with his live performance, has created a memorable experience for attendees, blending food, music, and culture in a way only Eminem can. As the pop-up heads to Riyadh later this month, fans will have even more opportunities to experience the unique fusion of his music and culinary endeavors.
As Eminem’s influence continues to transcend borders, his pop-up restaurant and exclusive merchandise offer a new way for his fans in the Middle East to engage with his legacy. With Mom’s Spaghetti, Eminem not only shares a taste of Detroit but also honors his personal and artistic journey, which resonates deeply with fans around the world.