Dubai has once again raised the bar, this time in the global culinary landscape. In 2024, the city secured its position as the second top gastronomy capital in the world, following Paris. With 1,200 new restaurants opening across the emirate in just one year, Dubai continues to evolve as a major destination for food lovers and global tourists alike.
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#UAE #dubai… pic.twitter.com/Q9P8fr7K2q
— UAE Forsan (@UAE_Forsan) April 9, 2025
A Record-Breaking Culinary Expansion
The pace of growth in Dubai’s dining scene has been nothing short of extraordinary. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, nearly 1,200 restaurant licenses were issued in 2024 alone. That equates to a new restaurant opening every 7 hours—an achievement that reflects Dubai’s status as a fast-growing global food destination.
The variety ranges from fine dining experiences to street food stalls, giving both residents and tourists access to an unmatched culinary offering. This expansion is not just about quantity but also about diversity, innovation, and quality.
Fueling Dubai’s Economic Vision
Dubai’s booming food and beverage sector plays a significant role in its long-term economic ambitions. As part of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33)—a strategy to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033—the growth of the hospitality industry has become a key focus area.
In 2024, the accommodation and food services sector contributed 3.7% to Dubai’s GDP. This growth has been closely linked to the city’s appeal as a tourism hub, having attracted over 18.7 million international visitors last year. As a result, restaurants are not just feeding people—they’re feeding the economy.
A Tourism Magnet with a Global Palate
Dubai’s diverse population and international visitor base have made it one of the most vibrant food cities in the world. The emirate serves as a melting pot of cuisines, offering everything from Emirati heritage dishes to Asian fusion, European classics, Latin flavors, and modern international concepts.
Its strategic location and multicultural population have helped position Dubai as a leading hub for global chefs, restaurateurs, and investors in the F&B sector. Many international brands and culinary icons have chosen Dubai to launch flagship branches or explore new food trends.
Social Media and Food: A New Dining Dynamic
Social media continues to influence how diners in the UAE make decisions about where and what to eat. A recent study revealed that 70% of diners in the country use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to discover new dining options.
This growing digital influence has transformed how restaurants market themselves. In Dubai, presentation is just as important as taste, with many venues focusing on visually appealing dishes that are ready for the camera and the palate.
Recognition by the MICHELIN Guide
The MICHELIN Guide has validated Dubai’s culinary excellence, recognizing 106 restaurants in its 2024 edition—an increase from 90 the previous year. The city now boasts four two-star restaurants, 14 with one star, as well as a growing number of Bib Gourmand and Green Star awardees, highlighting affordability and sustainability.
This acknowledgment has further strengthened Dubai’s position as a serious player in the global fine dining scene and added to its appeal among culinary travelers.
Dining as an Experience
Dubai’s restaurants are now going beyond just offering food—they’re curating entire experiences. From immersive fine dining shows to nature-themed menus and AI-powered service, many establishments are blending creativity and technology to offer unforgettable meals.
Unique concepts such as dining among wildlife, desert-themed cafés, and floating restaurants on the Dubai coastline have redefined how visitors and residents engage with food.
What This Means for the Future
Dubai’s rapid rise as a global food destination is the result of long-term planning, economic strategy, and its commitment to quality and innovation. As the city continues to invest in culinary tourism and support local entrepreneurship, its gastronomy sector is expected to grow even further.
The city’s ability to balance tradition and modernity, while attracting global attention, makes it a prime example of how food can shape a city’s identity and economy.
With countless new openings and global recognition, Dubai has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most exciting places to eat. The emirate’s commitment to innovation, economic growth, and global hospitality ensures that its food scene is not only thriving—but leading.
