ABOUT US
OUR STORY
Oryx started in 2024 as a group of beer aficionados in the UAE with an ambition to deliver a new beer range designed just for the UAE. We wanted to build something fun, full of flavour and quality, but very much grounded with local roots.
Our goal is to create something that residents here can relate to and enjoy, tourists can sample as part of their experience of the region, and ultimately something we can all be proud of.
Launching our beers in 2026, this is step 1 in our journey.
This is your beer, something we want everyone to feel a part of.
Time to get involved!
JOHN O’CONNOR
FOUNDER
Based in Dubai since 2012, John works as a lawyer specialising in the hospitality industry, supporting the development, structuring and delivery of hotels, bars, restaurants, clubs, golf resorts and other facilities.
BRUNO CARRILHO
Founder
Bruno is the co-founder of Cerveja Musa, Portugal’s leading craft beer brand that offers nationwide distribution and four directly owned and managed brewpubs. Now based in Abu Dhabi, he is widely respected in the industry and his unique experience of developing and launching a similar project has proved invaluable throughout our journey.
Lee Arild
Head Brewer
Now based in Dubai, Lee began his brewing journey whilst studying Microbiology at university, and his passion quickly turned into a career. In 2014 he joined the world’s 2nd largest brewer, SAB Miller, as a Microbrewery Technician, while his decade-long career has afforded him the opportunity to work in some of the largest breweries in Africa, and to produce both local and globally renowned beer brands. Having studied and trained as a brewer, he brings a wealth of technical and practical knowledge to the Oryx team.
And the crew?
Too many legends to name, but each one’s part of the UAE community helping us build something awesome.