Dubai has officially ranked 2nd globally as a leading culinary destination
This piece was originally shared on LinkedIn.
I’m publishing it here as part of an ongoing body of thinking around restaurant strategy, market entry, and operational decision-making.
Dubai has officially ranked 2nd globally as a leading culinary destination in the 2024 Annual Report by the Department of Economy and Tourism, second only to Paris (for now).
The numbers tell the real story here, with:
- 18.7 million international visitors in 2024 (+9% YoY)
- MICHELIN’s Dubai 2024 Guide recognising 4 two-star, 14 one-star, 3 Green Star, 18 Bib Gourmand and 66 MICHELIN-selected restaurants
- Over 1,200 new restaurant licenses issued in just 6 months
With culinary tourism now a Top 3 travel motivator, and an estimated 70% of UAE residents choosing where to dine based on social media, Dubai's food, culture and digital influence are reshaping our industry, and the city is leading the way.
Andrew Jobes is the founder of Jobes & Co., a Dubai-based advisory working with restaurant and hospitality businesses across the Middle East and international markets.