Dubai’s gastronomy scene flourishes, with 1,200 new restaurant licenses in 2024

UAE – Dubai’s Third Annual Gastronomy Industry Report highlights the city’s growing status as a global food tourism hub, with 1,200 new restaurant licenses issued in 2024, reinforcing its multicultural identity and commitment to diverse dining options for residents and visitors.

Dubai’s food and restaurant sector continues to thrive, cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing gastronomy capitals in the world.

According to the latest edition of the “Gastronomy Always On” campaign report by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, customer satisfaction reached 62% among food lovers and restaurant-goers surveyed in September and October 2024.

The survey gathered insights from over 1,100 respondents, revealing shifts in food preferences and dining habits across diverse demographic groups.

The report highlights key factors that residents prioritize when selecting a dining destination, with high satisfaction levels recorded in areas such as variety (70%, a 3% increase from the previous edition), innovation (61%, up 2%), cultural heritage (58%, up 1%), and world-class chefs (64%, up 2%).

These findings underscore the growing demand for diverse, innovative, and culturally rich dining experiences in Dubai.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment at the Department of Economy and Tourism, emphasized the importance of the gastronomy sector in Dubai’s broader tourism strategy.

“The continued growth of Dubai’s food and restaurant sector reflects the leadership’s vision to achieve the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to make the emirate the best city in the world to live, work, and visit,” he said.

The 2024 report further solidifies Dubai’s role as a global hub for gastronomy, with its vast range of dining options influenced by the city’s cultural diversity, with residents hailing from approximately 200 nationalities.

Dubai’s culinary scene is gaining international recognition, ranking second globally after Paris in the Dubai International Brand Tracker for food and restaurant sectors.

It surpassed well-known cities like London, New York, and Tokyo, and led in terms of dining variety, outpacing Paris and Singapore.

Social media platforms have played a crucial role in promoting the city’s food offerings, with 70% of UAE restaurant-goers seeking recommendations online.

Additionally, hygiene remains a top priority for residents when choosing where to dine, with 50% of respondents citing it as the most important factor.

Online reviews also significantly influence dining decisions, affecting both everyday meals and special occasions.

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