Dubai has teamed up with Google to launch Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition, a new initiative that highlights some of the city’s best homegrown restaurants and cafés.
The campaign features curated food lists created by Google Local Guides and will allow residents and visitors to vote for their favourite recommendations from June 22 to July 6.
Dubai is home to thousands of restaurants, from luxury dining destinations to tiny neighbourhood cafés loved by locals. But with so many options available, some hidden gems often go unnoticed.
To help shine a spotlight on these local favourites, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has partnered with Google to launch Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition. The initiative aims to help residents and visitors discover homegrown food businesses while giving local restaurants and cafés greater visibility.
The announcement was made during a special event at Etihad Museum, where government officials, entrepreneurs, food creators and members of Google’s Local Guide community came together to celebrate Dubai’s growing culinary scene.
A community-led guide to some of Dubai’s best food spots
Unlike traditional restaurant rankings, Map Your Dubai puts local voices at the centre of the experience.
The initiative taps into Google’s Local Guides community — people who regularly share reviews, photos and recommendations on Google Maps. Their knowledge of the city has been used to create 11 curated lists featuring some of Dubai’s most-loved cafés, restaurants and neighbourhood dining spots.
From cosy coffee shops tucked away in residential communities to independent restaurants serving unique concepts, the campaign is designed to encourage people to explore beyond the usual dining hotspots.
Nearly 100 homegrown food businesses are featured across the lists, giving residents fresh ideas for their next meal while supporting local entrepreneurs.
How The Initiative Helps Small Food Businesses Grow?
Dubai’s food scene continues to evolve every year, with new concepts opening across the city. While international brands remain popular, homegrown businesses play a major role in shaping the emirate’s culinary identity.
According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the initiative forms part of the wider From Dubai, For Dubai movement, which supports local businesses and community-driven ideas.
Speaking at the launch, Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of Dubai SME, said the project reflects Dubai’s diverse culture and strengthens the connection between residents and local businesses. He also noted that initiatives like these help create real economic opportunities for entrepreneurs while supporting the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Google sees local recommendations as a powerful tool
For many residents, checking Google Maps before visiting a restaurant has become second nature.
That’s why Google believes community recommendations can have a meaningful impact on small businesses.
Anthony Nakache, Managing Director at Google MENA, said Local Guides have a unique understanding of their cities and neighbourhoods. By turning their recommendations into curated food lists, the initiative helps more people discover local dining concepts while supporting businesses that may not always receive widespread attention.
The campaign also reflects how digital platforms increasingly influence where people choose to eat, shop and spend their time.
Here’s when voting opens
Residents can start exploring the curated lists immediately.
Voting will officially open on June 22, 2026, and continue until July 6, 2026. Participants will be able to vote for their favourite Local Guide-created list, with winners receiving recognition through the campaign’s official channels.
Beyond the competition, the larger goal is to encourage more people to explore different communities across Dubai and support local businesses along the way.
How Residents Can Help Local Businesses Thrive?
One of Dubai’s biggest strengths is its diversity, and nowhere is that more visible than in its food scene.
Many of the city’s most memorable dining experiences are found in smaller, independent venues that rely heavily on word-of-mouth recommendations. Initiatives like Map Your Dubai help bring those businesses into the spotlight while giving residents a new way to explore the city.
Whether someone has lived in Dubai for years or has recently arrived, the campaign offers an opportunity to discover places they may never have considered visiting before.
FAQs
Q: What is Map Your Dubai?
A: It is a new initiative launched by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Google that highlights local restaurants and cafés through curated Google Maps recommendations.
Q: Who created the restaurant lists?
A: The lists were created by Google Local Guides, community members who regularly share reviews, photos and recommendations on Google Maps.
Q: When can people vote?
A: Voting opens on June 22 and runs until July 6, 2026.
Q: How many restaurants are featured?
A: Nearly 100 homegrown restaurants, cafés and local dining concepts are included across 11 curated lists.
Q: Why is this initiative important?
A: It helps residents discover new dining spots while giving local food businesses additional visibility and support.
Dubai’s food scene is built on stories, cultures and local entrepreneurs who bring fresh ideas to the table every day. Through Map Your Dubai, residents now have a new way to discover hidden gems, support local businesses and explore the city one meal at a time.
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