Dubai's vibrant culinary scene mirrors its diverse population, with over 200 nationalities contributing to one of the world's most varied gastronomic hubs. Comprising 13,000 establishments, from homegrown cafes to MICHELIN-starred restaurants, Dubai caters to every palate. Recognised as the fourth-best destination for food lovers in the 2022 TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards, Dubai surpassed iconic cities like Barcelona and New York.
Dubai Weekly Dining Scene Increases By 61% In 2023
The Department of Economy an Tourism's Gastronomy Always On (GAON) report is out, and it noted a 61% increase in weekly dining occasions in 2023. Casual dining, food courts, and street vendors dominated, highlighting Dubai's gastronomy sector's maturation.
Despite challenging times, Dubai's food delivery sector thrived, with Talabat commanding a 76% market share. Online food delivery constituted 87% of all Winter 2023 online purchases, up from 73% the previous year. In the global arena, Dubai extended its lead as the world's top gastronomy destination, with 69% of residents dubbing it the best. 90% UAE Nationals, 78% South Asian expats, and 69% GCC residents voted Dubai as the preferred gastronomic hub.
Around 62% Globally Are Satisfied With Dubai's Dining Experience
The survey revealed 62% satisfaction with Dubai's dining experiences. Praises included culinary variety, food quality, service, cleanliness, and world-class restaurants. Less than 10% cited expensive prices as a concern, emphasising the range of budget-friendly options.
Dubai Marina Tops The List Of Dubai's Hottest Dining Destinations
People are talking a lot about Dubai's dining scene online, especially in certain parts of the city where diners consistently give positive reviews. This positive view is reflected in their impressive digital reputation scores. These scores are determined using an algorithm that combines ratings from different online review sites within a specific time frame.
Across all dining venues in Dubai, there has been a continual rise in performance scores from 2022 to the first half of 2023. It suggests an overall enhancement in the quality of dining experiences or at least a positive shift in public perception.
- In the first half of 2023, Dubai Marina achieved a perfect performance score of 100%, making it the most positively reviewed dining spot in Dubai at the moment.
- Meanwhile, Oud Metha has made an improvement, going from a 94% score in 2022 to 99% in the first half of 2023, showing a 5% increase during this time. It is the most notable improvement compared to all other destinations.
- Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah have consistently high scores. Downtown's score rose from 95% in 2022 to 99% in the first half of 2023, while Palm Jumeirah consistently maintained scores above 98% during this period.
- Jebel Ali has shown steady improvement, reaching 99% in first half of 2023. This trend highlights the area’s rapid growth in recent years and emerging reputation as a dining hotspot.
Dubai's culinary evolution aligns with its global status, with the emirate continuously enhancing its gastronomic appeal. The city's gastronomy sector, resilient amid challenges, remains a testament to Dubai's ability to adapt and thrive, offering residents and visitors an ever-expanding array of culinary delights.