Dubai’s Culinary Crown: Secrets of a World-Class Food Scene – Dubai Economy and Tourism’s 2024 Gastronomy Report

By Evangeline Elsa / April 18, 2025

Dubai, UAE: From hidden local gems serving authentic Emirati flavors to Michelin-starred marvels pushing culinary boundaries, Dubai has become a melting pot of tastes and a true haven for food lovers. The Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) has just released its comprehensive 2024 Gastronomy Industry Report, offering a deep dive into what makes this desert metropolis a global culinary capital and what the future holds for its dynamic F&B sector. Let’s unpack the key ingredients that have propelled Dubai to the top of the world’s gastronomic map.

A year of culinary victories and growth

2024 was a landmark year for Dubai’s culinary ambitions. The city didn’t just maintain its reputation; it amplified it with a string of impressive achievements. The MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2024 shone a spotlight on the exceptional quality of dining, awarding stars to 19 establishments. Globally, Trèsind Studio’s impressive climb to No.13 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list marked a significant milestone for Middle Eastern cuisine. Dubai also proudly hosted the Best Chef Awards, a first for the region, further cementing its status as a global culinary hub. Locally, the Gault&Millau Guide UAE 2024 recognised 48 Dubai restaurants with prestigious ‘Toques,’ highlighting the depth of talent and innovation within the emirate.

This global recognition isn’t just based on critics’ reviews; it resonates with consumers too. The Dubai International Brand Tracker report revealed that Dubai leads the world in the availability of diverse and preferred cuisines, ranking second only to Paris as the ultimate gastronomy capital. Even closer to home, DET’s Gastronomy Always On (GAON) Wave 6 report showed that UAE residents are overwhelmingly satisfied with Dubai’s food offerings, with a growing preference for relaxed family dining and an increasing love for authentic Emirati and Arabic flavors. This indicates a shift towards accessible yet high-quality dining experiences.

More Than Just Food

Dubai’s thriving F&B sector is more than just a collection of restaurants; it’s a significant economic engine. It fuels tourism, creates countless jobs, and strengthens the local supply chain. The industry’s growing commitment to sustainability, evident in initiatives focused on reducing food waste and promoting farm-to-table practices, showcases a responsible approach to growth and innovation.

The sheer variety of Dubai’s culinary scene is a key ingredient in its success. The GAON Wave 6 report highlights the rapid evolution of dining options, catering to every budget and occasion. While fine dining remains a draw, casual and family-friendly restaurants have seen a surge in popularity. The rise of food courts, street food, and food trucks caters to a growing demand for convenient and affordable quality meals. Notably, the increasing appreciation for Emirati and Arabic cuisine reflects a desire for authentic cultural experiences. The fact that the type of cuisine is now a top priority for diners underscores Dubai’s successful positioning as a truly diverse gastronomic destination.

Transforming into a gastronomy capital

Global benchmarking studies confirm Dubai’s ascent in the culinary world. The 2024 Dubai International Brand Tracker report revealed that Dubai outperforms many top culinary cities in key areas, securing the top spot for cuisine availability and ranking second globally as a gastronomy capital. Its fine-dining scene is also recognized as the best in the world, surpassing even Paris.
This culinary prowess is a significant draw for Dubai’s record-breaking tourism sector. The 18.72 million international visitors in 2024 represent a nine percent increase, and the exceptional dining experiences are undoubtedly a major attraction. Visitors from the GCC, Western Europe, and South Asia form key demographics, each with unique culinary expectations that Dubai’s diverse F&B landscape expertly caters to. The strong link between tourism and gastronomy is a testament to the success of Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, which aims to establish the city as a leading global destination. The ongoing expansion of Dubai’s hospitality infrastructure promises even more opportunities for the gastronomy sector to flourish.

Satisfied Diners

Online data further illustrates the growing appetite for Dubai’s culinary scene, with a significant increase in Google searches related to its F&B offerings in the first seven months of 2024. The ‘Interest in Dining Index’ also showed a consistent rise in demand. Interestingly, searches for specific cuisines like Indian, Chinese, and Lebanese saw substantial growth, reflecting the diverse tastes of Dubai’s residents and visitors.

Crucially, diners in Dubai are overwhelmingly satisfied, with a consistent net satisfaction score highlighted in the GAON Wave 6 report. Factors like hygiene, the variety of cuisines, ambiance, and service quality are key drivers of this satisfaction. The increasing importance of cuisine type in dining decisions further emphasizes the success of Dubai’s diverse culinary offerings.

Dubai Eats

The “Dubai Eats” campaign effectively uses social media to showcase the city’s vibrant food scene. By sharing engaging content, it connects restaurants with both local and international audiences, influencing dining decisions and celebrating Dubai’s unique culinary identity.

A Year-Round Celebration of Food

Dubai’s commitment to gastronomy is further showcased through its impressive calendar of food festivals and events. The renowned Dubai Food Festival (DFF) in its 11th edition featured a record number of restaurants and city-wide promotions, highlighting the emirate’s dedication to culinary diversity and innovation. Events like Restaurant Week provide accessible opportunities for everyone to experience Dubai’s exceptional dining.

Accolades

The numerous awards and recognition garnered by Dubai’s restaurants and chefs in 2024 underscore the city’s commitment to excellence. From MICHELIN stars to rankings in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants and features in global food travel shows, Dubai’s culinary scene is receiving the international acclaim it deserves.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable and Innovative Future:

The future of Dubai’s gastronomy industry looks bright. With a continued focus on sustainability, the expansion of hospitality infrastructure, and a commitment to embracing diverse and innovative culinary concepts, Dubai is poised for sustained growth. As the city solidifies its position as a global hub for living and thriving, its exceptional food scene will play an increasingly crucial role in making Dubai a welcoming and dynamic destination for everyone. The 2024 Gastronomy Industry Report clearly illustrates that Dubai is not just a stopover; it’s a culinary destination in its own right, inviting the world to savor its unique and ever-evolving flavours.