Dubai Ranks Second Globally in Restaurant Diversity and Service Quality
According to the third annual report by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), published on April 14, 2025, Dubai has secured the second spot globally for restaurant diversity and service quality in the gastronomic industry. This ranking underscores the emirate’s status as a global culinary hub, attracting tourists and food enthusiasts from around the world.
Key Highlights:
- Culinary Diversity: Dubai boasts over 13,000 restaurants and cafes, representing cuisines from nearly every corner of the globe, including Middle Eastern, Indian, European, Asian, and Latin American. The city offers everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to affordable street food.
- Service Quality: The report highlights the exceptional service standards driven by rigorous staff training, innovative hospitality approaches, and a focus on personalized guest experiences.
- Global Ranking: Dubai placed just behind one city (the report does not specify the leader) but surpassed renowned culinary capitals like Paris, New York, and Tokyo, showcasing its global competitiveness.
- Economic Impact: The gastronomic sector significantly contributes to Dubai’s economy. In 2024, tourism, including culinary tourism, drew over 17.15 million international visitors to Dubai, with numbers continuing to grow in 2025.
- Role of Guides and Awards: The Michelin Guide, introduced in Dubai in 2022, has been instrumental in promoting local restaurants. In 2025, several establishments earned Michelin stars and Bib Gourmand awards for affordable, high-quality cuisine. Events like the Dubai Food Festival further elevate the city’s culinary scene.
Context and Significance:
The DET report emphasizes Dubai’s strategic efforts to advance tourism and gastronomy as part of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position the emirate among the top three global cities for living, working, and visiting by 2033. Investments in infrastructure, international chef collaborations, and a focus on sustainability (e.g., using local produce) bolster the city’s reputation.
Additional Notes:
- In 2025, Dubai continues to host major culinary events like Taste of Dubai and street food festivals, engaging both residents and tourists.
- Notable restaurants such as IDAM by Alain Ducasse, Ossiano, and STAY by Yannick Alléno are cited as examples of establishments setting benchmarks for excellence.
If you’d like more details on specific restaurants mentioned in the report, Dubai’s gastronomic trends, or related
