Dubai has officially carved out a spot as one of the world’s hottest gastronomy capitals, coming in second only to Paris in global food rankings. The city has even outranked New York, London, and Tokyo.

The third annual Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report, hot off the grill from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, reveals that the city’s culinary scene is not just thriving; it’s booming. With 1,200 new restaurant licences issued in the past year alone, Dubai is serving up a buffet of options that reflect its richly multicultural mix.

From street eats to Michelin stars, it seems everyone’s got a seat at Dubai’s table.

A survey of over 1,100 foodies conducted during the “Gastronomy Always On” campaign revealed a tasty 62% satisfaction rate, and diners are hungrier than ever for variety, innovation, and those Insta-worthy experiences. Satisfaction with variety hit a mouth-watering 70%, while love for innovation and cultural heritage in cuisine also saw tasty jumps.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the food scene is now a major pillar in the city’s mission to become “the best city in the world to live, work and visit.”

And it’s not just locals singing Dubai’s culinary praises. Data shows the city now tops the global charts for variety of dining experiences, beating out even Paris and Singapore. Whether you’re craving a katsu sandwich or a camel burger, Dubai’s got you covered.

Social media is also cooking up a storm, with 70% of UAE diners turning to Instagram, TikTok, and foodie blogs before picking where to chow down. Hygiene remains a top priority (50% of diners say it’s make-or-break), followed by cuisine type, ambiance, service, and value for money.

Online buzz is through the roof too, with over 741,500 food-related searches for Dubai in the first seven months of 2024, up a whopping 23.5% from last year.

So whether you’re a resident or a globetrotting gourmet, one thing’s clear: Dubai is a full-on flavour adventure.

(Source: Wam)