Dubai Achieves Second Place Globally As Gastronomy Capital With 1,200 New Restaurant Licences In 2024

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has released the third annual Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report. This report underscores Dubai's rising status as a top food tourism destination and one of the fastest-growing gastronomy capitals globally in 2024. It highlights recent trends, achievements, and milestones in the city's food sector, including 1,200 new restaurant licences that reflect Dubai's multicultural identity.

Dubai's culinary scene is thriving, with its diverse offerings attracting both residents and visitors. The report emphasises the city's commitment to providing a wide range of dining options. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance Dubai's appeal as a global centre for gastronomy and culinary arts.

A survey conducted among food enthusiasts in September and October 2024 revealed positive outcomes. The "Gastronomy Always On" campaign report showed customer satisfaction at 62 percent. Over 1,100 respondents from various demographics participated, highlighting shifts in food preferences and tastes.

Key factors influencing dining choices include variety, innovation, cultural heritage, and world-class chefs. Satisfaction rates increased across these areas: variety (70 percent), innovation (61 percent), cultural heritage (58 percent), and world-class chefs (64 percent). These figures indicate growing contentment among diners in Dubai.

The Dubai International Brand Tracker highlighted the emirate's prominent position in gastronomy. In the first half of 2024, Dubai ranked second globally after Paris for food and culinary arts, surpassing cities like London, New York, and Tokyo. The city also leads in dining experience variety, ahead of Paris and Singapore.

Social media plays a crucial role in promoting Dubai's culinary offerings. Data shows that 70% of UAE restaurant-goers seek social media recommendations before visiting a restaurant. This digital engagement enhances awareness and interest in Dubai's diverse food scene.

Hygiene and Online Reviews

Hygiene is a top priority for Dubai residents when choosing where to dine. The survey found that 50 percent consider hygiene most important, followed by cuisine type (49 percent), ambiance (43 percent), service quality (42 percent), and value for money (38 percent). This focus aligns with the city's commitment to best practices.

Online reviews significantly influence dining decisions for everyday meals (27 percent) and special occasions (34 percent). Google data recorded 741,500 online searches related to Dubai’s food offerings in the first seven months of 2024—a 23.5 percent increase from the previous year.

Leadership Vision

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment at the Department of Economy and Tourism, stated: "Dubai’s food and restaurant sector is a key pillar of the emirate’s tourism strategy...its continued growth reflects the wise leadership’s vision to achieve...the best city in the world to live, work and visit."

He further noted: "The 2024 Gastronomy Industry Report reaffirms Dubai’s leading position as a global centre for gastronomy...highlights the diversity of its food offerings...inspired by around 200 nationalities residing in Dubai." These statements underscore the strategic importance placed on gastronomy within Dubai's broader economic agenda.

The report paints a picture of a vibrant culinary landscape in Dubai that continues to evolve. With its diverse offerings, strong emphasis on hygiene, digital engagement through social media, and strategic leadership vision, Dubai is poised to maintain its status as a leading global destination for food enthusiasts.

With inputs from WAM