Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) hosted an industry briefing with restaurateurs and key food and beverage stakeholders as part of ongoing efforts to elevate Dubai's position as a year-round global gastronomy hub, in line with the visionary leadership's goal of making it the world's best city to live in, work in and visit.

 

DET briefed visitors on the city's year-round calendar of significant restaurant events, gourmet showcases, and culinary platforms during the inaugural DET gastronomy briefing event, which was attended by Dubai's restaurateurs, F&B stakeholders, and industry partners. Furthermore, DET's gastronomy executives provided an outline of strategic objectives that would further elevate Dubai's status as a leading gourmet destination and a magnet for discerning foodies, epicurean travellers, and culinary lovers on the global stage.

 

DET delivered an overview of its 'Gastronomy Always on Campaign' (GAON), which aims to boost the F&B industry, and also presented the city's calendar of culinary events during the briefing session for stakeholders, which will now take place quarterly.

 

Around 12,000 restaurants and cafés, ranging from homegrown eateries to gourmet institutions and fine dining restaurants, to relaxing food halls and neighbourhood cafes, make up Dubai's internationally recognised food and beverage scene. Dubai is the gastronomy capital of the region and a globally renowned epicurean destination, with diverse cuisines drawn from the cultures of more than 200 different nationalities represented in the city, combined with a presence from the world's award-winning chefs, restaurant groups, and one-off culinary experiences.

 

Dubai's cuisine culture has matured and evolved in tandem with the city's growth as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. In the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2022, Dubai was named the No. 1 global destination and the fourth leading destination for 'Food Lovers,' demonstrating the city's gastronomic legacy, range of flavours, and depth of the food scene.

 

Furthermore, the city's restaurants and chefs were recently honoured at the inaugural edition of the Middle East & North Africa's 50 Best Restaurants, which took place in February 2022 and recognised culinary excellence across the region.

 

"From simple indigenous jewels to street food offerings in a dynamic atmosphere to Michelin-star chef headed restaurants, Dubai has always been a leader in culinary excellence," said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment. Visitors to the city can immerse themselves in a world of flavours influenced by a melting pot of over 200 nations from all over the globe. Our strategic collaboration with stakeholders and partners offers us a fantastic opportunity to promote the diversity, creativity, and multi-cultural nature of Dubai's culinary offering, as envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, in order to further enhance Dubai's position as a global liveability hub.

 

"We will continue to collaborate with our valued partners to develop a year-round calendar of delectable events and gourmet platforms that will add to the city's rich and diverse culinary environment. The ongoing dialogue with partners and the series of activities that we will jointly implement will raise awareness and perception of Dubai's gastronomy scene, as well as the huge investment potential that Dubai has in the food services industry, while also instilling further confidence and trust in residents and visitors in Dubai as one of the safest destinations in the world."

 

DET's gastronomy strategy for 2022 is to continue to foster growth in the hotel, food and beverage sectors by focusing on four pillars: diversity, value for money, authenticity, and experience. By investigating new food industry innovations and culinary experiences, initiatives will be offered to further catalyse growth, increase spend, and further improve the city's position as a top gastronomy destination.