The latest report from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has shed light on the city’s growing prominence as a premier destination in the global culinary landscape.
The report reveals a staggering 61 percent surge in the number of residents dining out, accompanied by a notable increase in satisfaction among international visitors regarding the value for money offered by the city’s food scene.
The second annual Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report was presented to key stakeholders encompassing restaurateurs, hoteliers, and industry specialists, providing them with vital statistics and trends to acknowledge progress and identify areas for growth in the upcoming year.
The report, produced by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), aligns with the emirate’s objective to reinforce its status as a global gastronomy hub.
The report provides a comprehensive calendar of culinary events that highlight the city’s year-round abundance of diverse, authentic, value-based, and experiential culinary experiences.
Dubai’s culinary landscape aligns with D33 masterplan
The emirate’s culinary excellence seamlessly aligns with the city’s broader economic vision outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 (D33).
The ambitious agenda aims to double the city’s economy by 2033 and solidify its position as one of the world’s top three cities for both business and leisure.
The report’s findings further underscore the wider recognition of the city’s gastronomic landscape, with notable accolades including two restaurants making it to The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, 15 in the MENA 50 Best Restaurants, and an impressive 90 Dubai restaurants featured in the MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023, up from 69 in the previous edition.
With over 13,000 restaurants and cafés currently thriving in the emirate’s dynamic ecosystem, key takeaways from the report, based on surveys conducted among residents and international visitors, include the following:
- A growing enthusiasm for the city’s culinary scene, with 69 percent of UAE residents considering it the world’s leading gastronomy hub.
- Dubai securing the second position globally in terms of Restaurant Density.
- A remarkable 61 percent year-on-year increase in the average number of dining out occasions, rising from 1.8 times per week in 2022 to an impressive 2.9 times per week in 2023.
- A substantial rise in the proportion of international visitors content with the emirate’s value for money when dining out, climbing from 54 percent in 2022 to 66 percent in 2023.
- Dubai Marina, Oud Metha, and Downtown Dubai emerging as the top dining destinations in the city.
“As Dubai continues to build on its reputation as a world-class gastronomic destination, there are immense opportunities waiting to be harnessed for progressive and innovative stakeholders. This report explores the vibrant culinary tapestry of Dubai and provides first-hand insights into the city’s remarkable gastronomic journey. The rapid expansion of the industry, and the global recognition it has earned, is a clear indication that the emirate’s gastronomic evolution is not just a trend, but a cultural phenomenon underpinned by the myriad of cuisines and flavours drawn from the cultures of over 200 nationalities that call the city their home,” Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of DFRE said.
Al Khaja further extended his gratitude to those who contribute to shaping the city’s dining scene, acknowledging their passion and dedication in making Dubai a global gastronomic hub.
Looking ahead, the 11th annual Dubai Food Festival (DFF) is scheduled to take place from April 19 to May 12.
DFF 2024 aims to showcase the city’s ever-evolving culinary prowess, highlighting the richness, diversity, and innovation of the emirate’s culinary scene through an enhanced lineup of events and activities.
The festival will celebrate homegrown concepts, as well as Emirati and international cuisines while showcasing the emirate’s ability to respond to global trends.
DFF 2024 will also honor the contributions of chefs, culinary trailblazers, gourmet influencers, and tastemakers who consistently inspire the emirate’s culinary landscape.
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