From shawarma to sushi, Dubai is proving day after day that it’s the capital of flavors! With an ever-increasing number of restaurants and diverse experiences, it’s become one of the most prominent destinations for food lovers around the world.
Dubai has strengthened its global position as a destinationA pioneer in the food and restaurant sector,Ranked second after Paris on the list of the world’s most prominent culinary capitals for 2024, according to the Department of Economy and Tourism’s third annual report on the food sector inThe emirate.
The report revealed that more than 1,200 new restaurant licenses were issued last year, reflecting Dubai’s great cultural diversity, which includes nearly 200 nationalities, reinforcing its position as a global city for food experiences.
High satisfaction levels and changing preferences
The report was based on a survey of more than 1,100 Dubai residents during September and October 2024, as part of the “Gastronomy Always On” campaign. The results showed that 62% of participants were satisfied with their experiences, with respondents expressing high levels of satisfaction with diversity (70%), innovation (61%), cultural heritage (58%), and international chefs (64%).
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the sector is a fundamental pillar of Dubai’s tourism strategy, noting that “its continued growth reflects the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and strengthens the emirate’s position as the best destination to live, work, and visit.”
It surpasses New York and Tokyo in the diversity of food experiences.
According to the Dubai International Brand Tracker Index, Dubai outperformed major cities such as New York, Tokyo, and London in terms of diversity and innovation in food offerings, and ranked first in the diversity of culinary experiences, ahead of Paris and Singapore.
Data for the first half of 2024 also revealed 741,500 online searches on the emirate’s food scene, a 23.5% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
Social media is an influential factor in consumer decisions.
Data showed that 70% of UAE restaurant-goers rely on social media recommendations when choosing their destinations, while cleanliness was the most important factor in dining decisions at 50%, followed by quality of cuisine (49%), ambiance (43%), quality of service (42%), and value for money (38%).
While online reviews play a pivotal role in restaurant selection, they influence everyday dining decisions by 27% and special occasion choices by 34%.
