Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top culinary destinations has been reaffirmed in the third annual Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report, issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The report revealed that the city ranked second globally in the gastronomy and culinary arts sector, behind only Paris, and ahead of New York, London, and Tokyo.
The milestone comes on the back of a thriving food culture that continues to evolve. In 2024 alone, 1,200 new restaurant licences were issued, highlighting Dubai’s ever-expanding and multicultural dining scene. This growth is aligned with the emirate’s ambition under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai as the best city to live, work, and visit.
Inspired by over 200 nationalities living in Dubai, the culinary landscape reflects global flavours and fusion concepts. According to the 'Gastronomy Always On' campaign survey by DET, customer satisfaction reached 62%, with improvements in variety, innovation, cultural heritage and world-class chefs.
Cleanliness was the top factor when choosing a restaurant of 50% of the respondents, followed by cuisine type, ambience, service quality and value for money. According to data from DET, 70% of diners now look to social media platforms for restaurant suggestions, with online reviews heavily influencing decisions for everyday meals and special occasions. Google recorded 741,500 searches related to Dubai’s food scene in the first 7 months of 2024, a 23.5% increase from the same period in 2023.
From fine dining with world-class chefs to street food gems and family-friendly eateries, Dubai continues to grow its culinary reputation, driven by innovation, cultural diversity, and global recognition