The report highlighted the latest trends, major achievements, and key milestones in the emirate’s food and restaurant sector over the past year
The third annual Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report, issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the city’s outstanding and growing status as a leading destination for food tourism and one of the world’s fastest-growing gastronomy capitals in 2024.
The report highlighted the latest trends, major achievements, and key milestones in the emirate’s food and restaurant sector over the past year, including the issuance of 1,200 new restaurant licences across various categories and cuisines that reflect Dubai’s multicultural identity and reinforce its commitment to offering a diverse range of options that cater to the tastes of both residents and visitors.
According to Emirates News Agency, A survey was conducted among a sample of food lovers and restaurant-goers in Dubai in September and October 2024. The latest edition of the “Gastronomy Always On” campaign report by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism yielded positive results, with customer satisfaction reaching 62 per cent.
The report included the opinions of more than 1,100 respondents from various demographic groups in Dubai, with the sixth edition revealing shifts in food preferences and tastes.
The report also showed high satisfaction levels based on key factors residents consider when choosing a dining destination. These included variety (with a satisfaction rate of 70 per cent, up 3 per cent from the fifth edition); innovation (61 per cent, up 2 per cent); cultural heritage (58 per cent, up 1 per cent); and world-class chefs (64 per cent, up 2 per cent).
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment at the Department of Economy and Tourism, said, “Dubai’s food and restaurant sector is a key pillar of the emirate’s tourism strategy and ambitious vision, and its continued growth reflects the wise leadership’s vision to achieve the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to make the emirate the best city in the world to live, work and visit.”
Data from the first half of 2024 showed that Dubai ranked second globally after Paris as a leading global capital for food, restaurants, and culinary arts, surpassing prominent destinations such as London, New York, and Tokyo. Dubai also topped the list in terms of variety of dining experiences offered, ahead of Paris and Singapore.
