A recent report from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) reveals that Dubai residents are dining out at restaurants almost three times a week, marking a significant 61 percent increase from the previous year when diners ventured out only 1.8 times a week.
The findings are part of the second edition of the Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report, which also ranked Dubai second worldwide in terms of restaurant density. The report aims to provide insights into the city’s dining trends and supports the industry by identifying growth areas for the coming year.
One notable trend highlighted in the report is the increased satisfaction among international visitors with Dubai’s value for money when dining out. This satisfaction rate rose from 54 percent in 2022 to 66 percent in 2023. Among the top dining destinations in the city were Dubai Marina, Oud Metha, and Downtown Dubai.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), acknowledged the contributions of Dubai’s dining scene and praised its stakeholders for their passion and dedication. He emphasized Dubai’s reputation as a world-class gastronomic destination and its cultural diversity, with over 200 nationalities contributing to the city’s culinary scene.
Dubai boasts more than 13,000 restaurants and cafés offering a wide range of cuisines, and 69 percent of UAE residents consider the city to be the world’s leading gastronomy hub.
The report also highlighted the significance of three popular Dubai restaurants earning Michelin Green stars, showcasing the city’s commitment to sustainability. Plans are in place to align with UAE Net Zero 2050, a national campaign aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Dubai’s gastronomy excellence aligns with its broader economic vision outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 (D33), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033.