Latest news with #DubaiDining
South China Morning Post
04-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Is Dubai's dining scene a bubble waiting to burst? Why its expansion could come at a price
From suspended tables to underwater lounges, many of the roughly 13,000 food and drink establishments in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, pull out all the stops to attract customers in one of the world's most saturated dining markets. They cater to all tastes and budgets. Some spots ladle out inexpensive biryani, while others offer dishes dusted with edible gold These are some of the ways the emirate is competing with its neighbours, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, for tourist dollars. So far, it is beating them handily – Dubai has more restaurants per capita than any major city except Paris. But the city state's booming restaurant scene is testing the limits of its growth-at-all-costs model, raising questions about how long Dubai can keep feeding its own ambitions. The competition is cutthroat, so presentation is key.
Washington Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Dubai's booming restaurant scene is feeling the heat of high costs and high failure rates
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — From suspended tables to underwater lounges, some 13,000 food and drink establishments in Dubai pull out all the stops to attract customers in one of the world's most saturated dining markets. They cater to all tastes and budgets. Some spots ladle out inexpensive biryani while others offer dishes dusted with edible gold.
The Independent
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Dubai's booming restaurant scene is feeling the heat of high costs and high failure rates
From suspended tables to underwater lounges, some 13,000 food and drink establishments in Dubai pull out all the stops to attract customers in one of the world's most saturated dining markets. They cater to all tastes and budgets. Some spots ladle out inexpensive biryani while others offer dishes dusted with edible gold. These are some of the ways the emirate is competing with its neighbors Saudi Arabia and Qatar for tourist dollars and, so far, it's beating them handily. Dubai has more restaurants per capita than any major city except Paris. But the city-state's booming restaurant scene is testing the limits of its growth-at-all-costs model, raising questions about how long Dubai can keep feeding its own ambitions. A crowded and competitive market The competition is cutthroat, so presentation is key. 'Gone are the days when it just tastes good,' said Kym Barter, the general manager of Atlantis The Palm, a resort perched on a manmade archipelago that boasts more Michelin stars than any other venue in the Middle East. But dazzling Dubai's food bloggers — the most popular of whom have millions of social media followers — isn't enough. Staying afloat means battling high rents and winning over a diverse and demanding group of consumers. Dubai has roughly nine expatriate residents for every Emirati citizen. Most of its private sector workers are migrants on temporary contracts, and only Vatican City has a higher share of foreign-born residents. Tourists, in turn, outnumber locals about five to one by some estimates, and they spend lavishly. Visitors to Dubai drop an average of over five times more than those traveling to nearby Saudi Arabia or even the U.S., according to global restaurant consultant Aaron Allen. Dubai is 'on the right path' to becoming the world's food capital, said Torsten Vildgaard, executive chef at FZN by Björn Frantzén. The restaurant, which runs at more than $540 a head, was one of two in Dubai to nab three Michelin stars in May. 'We're only seeing the tip of the iceberg of what's to come in terms of gastronomy here,' Vildgaard added. With each new set of illuminated high-rises and hotels, another crop of eateries emerge, vying for patrons. The legions of construction workers powering Dubai's progress also need affordable options. That growth, propped up in part by investor pressure on some of the world's biggest chains to expand in Dubai, has created what some analysts warn is a bubble. 'If you're a publicly traded company like Americana, what are you supposed to do — just stop opening restaurants?' restaurant consultant Allen said, referring to the Gulf-based operator of KFC, Pizza Hut and other big franchises. The frenetic expansion of Dubai's restaurant industry is part of a regional shift that has seen Gulf Arab states pour hundreds of billions of dollars into building out tourist destinations as they move away from hydrocarbons to diversify their economies. Saudi Arabia has a high-stakes, $500 billion project: a straight-line futuristic city called Neom. But, in a Muslim-majority region, the United Arab Emirates has gone to lengths that some consider too much of a compromise, including relaxing restrictions on alcohol that fuel its pubs and nightlife and other social reforms. High costs and failure rates The rapid development comes at a price. Dubai's restaurants have a high failure rate, industry veterans say, though local authorities don't say what the rate of closures is. In the downtown district and other prime areas, annual rents for restaurants can top $100 per square foot. That's on a par with some of the world's most expensive cities. Still, the emirate issued almost 1,200 new restaurant licenses last year, according to Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism. The department declined to respond to questions. Empty tables during peak hours are common, even in top locations. Part of the problem, managers say, is that traffic congestion is so severe that convincing diners to drive out can be a tall task. 'I sometimes go, 'Do I go into the restaurant right now, because I'm going to get into traffic?''' said Waseem Abdul Hameed, operations manager at Ravi, a Pakistani family-owned eatery famous for its official Adidas shoe line and a 2010 TV feature from Anthony Bourdain. He knows restaurateurs who have had to shut up shop and others who are squeezed by slim margins and increasingly reliant on delivery apps, Hameed said. The demand sends fleets of migrant workers racing through gridlock on motorbikes, with few protections and tight delivery windows. Emirati newspaper Khaleej Times reported the accidental deaths of 17 Dubai food couriers last year. The math of Dubai's restaurant scene doesn't add up, delivery apps and wealthy tourists notwithstanding, restaurant consultant Allen said. He cited operating expenses that have more than doubled relative to sales since 2009, when a financial crisis almost hobbled the emirate. Too many Dubai entrepreneurs, he put it simply, have 'too much money, and they don't know what to do besides open restaurants.'
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Summer Restaurant Week returns this DSS with over 65 exclusive dining deals across Dubai
Taking place from 4 to 13 July during Dubai Summer Surprises 2025, more than 65 of the city's most popular restaurants will serve gourmet gastronomy, signature dishes, and exclusive set menus starting from just AED 95 The ten-day-long dining event offers the perfect chance to gather with friends, treat the family, or try something new - all while enjoying a valued-packed summer well spent From neighbourhood favourites to renowned international spots, the line-up spans Emirati, Indian, Italian, Japanese, French, Mexican, Peruvian, and more Dubai, United Arab Emirates: One of the most anticipated dining events of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 makes its eagerly awaited return this July, inviting everyone across the city to embark on an irresistible culinary adventure and experience some of Dubai's best-loved restaurants at exceptional value. Summer Restaurant Week runs from 4 to 13 July, bringing friends, families, couples, and colleagues the chance to savour signature dishes and exclusive set menus at more than 65 of the city's top dining destinations, with two-course lunches priced at AED 95 and three-course dinners at AED 150. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) as part of this year's action-packed DSS programme of thousands of offers and things to do in Dubai, the promotion offers gastronomic gourmet at great value across an exceptional selection of casual eateries, homegrown concepts, and internationally acclaimed restaurants. Residents and visitors alike have the perfect chance to gather with friends and families to celebrate the city's diverse and dynamic dining scene - whether discovering new spots or returning to familiar favourites. Bookings are open now, exclusively through restaurant discovery and booking platform OpenTable. From Emirati comfort food to modern Asian plates, the line-up reflects the diversity that defines dining in Dubai. Diners can indulge in a tapestry of flavours from around the world, crafted by renowned chefs who have made their mark on the culinary world - from Middle Eastern and European to Indian, Asian, and so much more. Restaurants participating in this year's edition include Al Fanar Seafood Restaurant and Arabian Tea House, both known for their traditional local flavours, alongside Lebanese favourite Leila Restaurant and grill house Kabab Al Bastakiah. Indian highlights include Kinara by Vikas Khanna, MAUSAM, and newly opened Khadak, each offering distinct takes on spice and regional flavour. Fans of pan-Asian cooking will find plenty to explore at The Noodle House, Barfly by Buddha Bar, Harumannis, Yum Noodle Bar, and Sumibiya Korean BBQ, while Mediterranean options include casual Greek dining at OIA and Neapolitan pizzas at Naughty Pizza, Italian comfort food at Cucina, and Mediterranean seafood served by the water at Seagrill Bistro. Diners in search of European bistro charm can head to Couqley or Bistro des Arts, two long-time favourites known for simple, well-executed French dishes in inviting surroundings. This year's line-up also includes Peruvian-Japanese fusion at Nazcaa, and Latin American plates with a party atmosphere at MAMA ZONIA. Each participating venue offers a curated menu built around its most popular dishes, giving guests the chance to enjoy quality dining at a fraction of the usual price. With more than 30 percent in savings across lunch and dinner experiences, Summer Restaurant Week is the perfect excuse to eat out, try something new, and celebrate the city's thriving food culture, whether for a midweek lunch, relaxed family meal, or dinner with friends. Reservations for this exclusive, limited-time opportunity are subject to availability. Diners are encouraged to not miss their chance to explore the finest gastronomy at unbeatable prices, and discover and book their tables today through the OpenTable website and app. Dubai Summer Surprises 2025 is supported by Key Sponsor Commercial Bank of Dubai and Strategic Partners which include: Al Futtaim Malls (Dubai Festival City Mall & Festival Plaza), Al Zarooni Group (Mercato Shopping Mall), AW Rostamani Group, DHAM (Al Seef, Bluewaters, Ibn Battuta Mall, Nakheel Mall, and The Outlet Village), Emirates Airline, ENOC, e&, Majid Al Futtaim (City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Mall of the Emirates), Merex Investment (City Walk and The Beach, JBR), and talabat. About Dubai Summer Surprises 2025: Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 takes over the city for its 28th edition from 27 June to 31 August, showcasing the summer as one of the best value times of the year to experience Dubai. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the most value-packed edition of DSS this year promises a summer well spent for everyone with thousands of offers and things to do for 66 non-stop days. For the first time ever in DSS history, the city's retail sector is anchored around three distinct shopping seasons - Summer Holiday Offers from 27 June to 17 July, Great Dubai Summer Sale from 18 July to 10 August, and Back to School from 11 to 31 August. Each period unlocks exclusive new retail promotions, spectacular mall activations, and life-changing raffles, alongside world-class gastronomy, hospitality, indoor family fun, and a packed events calendar. Bringing together a mix of not-to-be-missed, brand-new experiences and returning festival favourites for every preference and price point, there are endless reasons to stay, play, shop, and celebrate an exciting summer season together. DSS 2025 truly delivers unforgettable moments for everyone, whether families, friends, couples, residents, or visitors. About Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment: Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is responsible for developing Dubai's retail and festival sectors and supporting the positioning of Dubai as a world-class tourism destination with year-round family entertainment, shopping and events. About OpenTable: OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), helps more than 60,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.8 billion seats a year. OpenTable's world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
24-06-2025
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Pier Chic: Discover Dubai's Dreamiest Spot For The Ultimate Date-Night
The OG of Dubai dining, Pierchic lets you savour award-winning Italian food surrounded by azure waters even in summer. Take a walk down the private pier to find out more… It is ironic that in a city perched alongside pristine waters, there aren't many opportunities to fully soak in the views throughout the year. That's what makes Pierchic so special – especially during the summer when terraces shutter, and outdoor venues shut up shop; Pierchic remains that perfect glass-encased, cool space, from which lets you almost feel like you are levitating over the Arabian Gulf. The only restaurant to stand 150 metres out to sea, Pierchic has seen more proposals and picture-perfect Instagram posts than most since it opened in 2004. Located within the Madinat Jumeirah's, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Pierchic is arguably the most iconic restaurant in the city. With 360 degree views of the Gulf and best views of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, tourists and locals flock to savour Italian fare meticulously made by Head Chef, Beatrice Segoni. Recently refurbished, the restaurant welcomes guests throughout the summer with opulent offers for all occasions throughout the week. For those dining during the day, the Chic Lunch is made up of a set menu featuring an array of iconic Italian dishes. Served from throughout the week, the set-menu highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients where diners can enjoy starters like creamy burrata, traditional panzanella, or rich fegatini di pollo. Main courses include comforting classics such as fusilli pesto and fi letto di branzino al cartoccio, while desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta al frutti di bosco round out the experience. Perfect for a casual yet elegant midday escape for those on holiday or an incredibly impressive business lunch guaranteed to inspire. Sundays are reserved for La Domenica Italiana, a heartwarming family-style lunch filled with the rich flavours of Italy. Guests are treated to an abundant spread featuring dishes like lemon chicken with crunchy spinach, homemade gnocchetti alla sorrentina, and tortelli with duck ragout. The immersive experience is elevated by Italian music that brings the spirit of Italy to life through a soulful celebration of food and togetherness in a stunning seaside setting. Whether you choose to enjoy a long lunch with friends, aperitivo with breath-taking views of the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab or dinner in the most dreamy spot in Dubai, Pierchic is, and will always be, the most stunning spot in the Emirates to eat, drink and be fabulous.
