GITNUXREPORT 2026

Dubai Restaurant Industry Statistics

Dubai's restaurant industry is thriving with rapid post-pandemic growth and strong tourism demand.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

62% of Dubai diners aged 25-44 in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 2

78% of consumers prefer sustainable sourcing in Dubai restaurants 2023.

Statistic 3

Average dining out frequency: 4.2 times/month per person in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 4

55% growth in vegan meal orders via apps in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 5

92% of tourists dine out at least once during Dubai visit in 2023.

Statistic 6

Health-conscious meals demand up 34% in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 7

Online reservations account for 68% of bookings in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 8

45% of diners seek Instagrammable dishes in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 9

Family dining visits: 52% of total restaurant traffic in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 10

Alcohol-free mocktail orders rose 41% in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 11

73% prefer contactless payments in Dubai restaurants 2023.

Statistic 12

Brunch is top meal choice for 61% of millennials in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 13

Fusion cuisine popularity: 48% preference increase in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 14

82% of expats dine out weekly in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 15

Low-carb/keto options demanded by 29% of diners in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 16

67% use delivery apps monthly for restaurant food in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 17

Sustainable packaging preferred by 71% in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 18

Group dining (4+ people): 39% of visits in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 19

Plant-based meat adoption: 25% trial rate in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 20

54% seek Michelin-starred experiences in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 21

Peak dining time: 8-10 PM for 58% of Dubai customers 2023.

Statistic 22

Allergy-friendly menus requested by 36% in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 23

Live music dining boosts visits by 27% in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 24

49% of Gen Z prioritize eco-friendly restaurants in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 25

Seafood consumption per capita up 15% in Dubai diners 2023.

Statistic 26

Dubai restaurant industry employed 250,000 workers in 2023.

Statistic 27

65% of Dubai restaurant staff were expatriates in 2023.

Statistic 28

Average salary for chefs in Dubai restaurants: AED 18,500/month in 2023.

Statistic 29

Female workforce in Dubai F&B rose to 28% in 2023.

Statistic 30

Waitstaff jobs in Dubai restaurants: 85,000 positions in 2023.

Statistic 31

Kitchen staff turnover rate: 22% in Dubai restaurants 2023.

Statistic 32

15,000 new jobs created in Dubai F&B in 2023.

Statistic 33

Managers in Dubai restaurants averaged AED 32,000/month salary 2023.

Statistic 34

UAE nationals in Dubai F&B: 12% of total workforce 2023.

Statistic 35

Bartenders employed: 12,500 in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 36

Training programs completed by 45,000 F&B workers in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 37

Part-time workers in Dubai restaurants: 35% of staff in 2023.

Statistic 38

Sous-chefs salary average: AED 22,000/month in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 39

Unemployment rate in Dubai F&B sector: 1.8% in 2023.

Statistic 40

Delivery riders for restaurants: 28,000 in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 41

Sommeliers employed: 1,200 in Dubai fine dining 2023.

Statistic 42

Average work hours for F&B staff: 48 hours/week in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 43

Skilled migrant workers visas for F&B: 65,000 issued in 2023.

Statistic 44

Hostess/host positions: 18,000 in Dubai restaurants 2023.

Statistic 45

Executive chefs: 3,500 employed in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 46

F&B staff with certifications: 62% in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 47

Cleaners and support staff: 40,000 in Dubai F&B 2023.

Statistic 48

Pastry chefs: 4,200 in Dubai restaurants 2023.

Statistic 49

Average age of F&B workers: 32 years in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 50

Overtime pay compliance: 95% in Dubai restaurants 2023.

Statistic 51

Dubai had 13,500 licensed restaurants as of end-2023.

Statistic 52

Fine dining establishments in Dubai numbered 1,200 in 2023.

Statistic 53

Quick service restaurants (QSR) outlets reached 4,200 in Dubai by 2023.

Statistic 54

Casual dining spots in Dubai totaled 3,800 in 2023.

Statistic 55

Cloud kitchens operating in Dubai hit 1,500 in 2023.

Statistic 56

Hotel-based restaurants in Dubai numbered 2,100 in 2023.

Statistic 57

Asian cuisine restaurants in Dubai: 2,500 outlets in 2023.

Statistic 58

Italian restaurants in Dubai reached 850 in 2023.

Statistic 59

New restaurant openings in Dubai: 1,200 in 2023.

Statistic 60

Coffee shops and cafes in Dubai: 3,200 in 2023.

Statistic 61

Vegan/plant-based restaurants: 350 in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 62

Mall-based food courts in Dubai had 450 outlets in 2023.

Statistic 63

Street food stalls licensed in Dubai: 1,100 in 2023.

Statistic 64

Arabic/Middle Eastern restaurants: 1,800 in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 65

Seafood specialists in Dubai: 420 outlets in 2023.

Statistic 66

Rooftop dining venues in Dubai: 250 in 2023.

Statistic 67

Family-style restaurants in Dubai: 2,900 in 2023.

Statistic 68

Pop-up restaurants hosted in Dubai: 180 in 2023.

Statistic 69

Brunch spots in Dubai exceeded 500 outlets in 2023.

Statistic 70

Japanese/Sushi bars in Dubai: 650 in 2023.

Statistic 71

Bakery and patisserie shops: 1,050 in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 72

Healthy eating outlets in Dubai: 780 in 2023.

Statistic 73

Indian cuisine restaurants: 950 in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 74

French bistros in Dubai: 320 outlets in 2023.

Statistic 75

BBQ and grill houses: 580 in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 76

Dessert-only shops in Dubai: 420 in 2023.

Statistic 77

Fusion cuisine venues: 750 in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 78

Lebanese restaurants: 1,200 in Dubai end-2023.

Statistic 79

Dubai's restaurant sector contributed AED 28.5 billion to the economy in 2023, representing 8.2% of the city's total GDP.

Statistic 80

The F&B market in Dubai grew by 15.4% annually from 2022 to 2023, driven by tourism recovery post-COVID.

Statistic 81

Dubai's restaurant industry is projected to reach AED 35.2 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 11.2%.

Statistic 82

In 2023, quick-service restaurants accounted for 42% of Dubai's F&B market share valued at AED 12 billion.

Statistic 83

Dubai's fine dining segment expanded by 18.7% in 2023, generating AED 4.8 billion in sales.

Statistic 84

The overall UAE F&B sector, with Dubai holding 55%, reached AED 52 billion in 2023.

Statistic 85

Dubai restaurants saw a 22% increase in turnover in H1 2023 compared to H1 2022.

Statistic 86

Cloud kitchen market in Dubai valued at AED 1.2 billion in 2023, growing 28% YoY.

Statistic 87

Dubai's casual dining sector hit AED 9.5 billion in 2023, up 14% from previous year.

Statistic 88

F&B investments in Dubai totaled AED 3.4 billion in 2023 for new openings.

Statistic 89

Dubai restaurant market CAGR projected at 10.8% from 2023-2028.

Statistic 90

In 2023, Dubai's F&B sector attracted 17 million tourist visits contributing to growth.

Statistic 91

Dubai's restaurant revenue per capita reached AED 1,850 in 2023.

Statistic 92

Full-service restaurants in Dubai generated AED 16.7 billion in 2023.

Statistic 93

Dubai F&B market share in MENA region stood at 12.5% in 2023.

Statistic 94

Street food vendors in Dubai contributed AED 850 million to F&B in 2023.

Statistic 95

Dubai's restaurant industry recovery post-2022 was 125% of pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic 96

Premium dining outlets in Dubai saw 20.3% growth to AED 3.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 97

Dubai F&B digital sales grew to AED 4.1 billion in 2023, 25% of total.

Statistic 98

Dubai's restaurant sector employed capital worth AED 42 billion in 2023.

Statistic 99

F&B market in Dubai expected to grow 13% in 2024 to AED 32.2 billion.

Statistic 100

Dubai held 65% of UAE's total restaurant market value in 2023.

Statistic 101

Vegan restaurant segment in Dubai reached AED 450 million in 2023.

Statistic 102

Dubai's F&B export-related dining revenue was AED 2.1 billion in 2023.

Statistic 103

Hotel restaurants in Dubai generated 38% of total F&B revenue in 2023.

Statistic 104

Dubai restaurant industry saw 16.5% inflation-adjusted growth in 2023.

Statistic 105

Independent restaurants in Dubai captured 55% market share in 2023.

Statistic 106

Dubai F&B sector's productivity rose 9.2% to AED 250,000 per outlet in 2023.

Statistic 107

Chain restaurants grew 19% in Dubai, adding AED 5.6 billion in 2023.

Statistic 108

Dubai's restaurant market valuation hit USD 7.8 billion equivalent in 2023.

Statistic 109

Dubai F&B sector generated AED 28.5 billion in total revenue in 2023.

Statistic 110

Average revenue per restaurant in Dubai: AED 2.1 million in 2023.

Statistic 111

Profit margins for Dubai QSRs averaged 18% in 2023.

Statistic 112

Fine dining profit margins: 12.5% average in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 113

Online delivery sales: AED 6.8 billion for Dubai restaurants in 2023.

Statistic 114

Cost of goods sold (COGS) averaged 32% of revenue in Dubai F&B 2023.

Statistic 115

Average check size in casual dining: AED 85 in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 116

Fine dining average check: AED 450 per person in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 117

Rental costs for prime locations: 15% of revenue in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 118

EBITDA for top Dubai chains: 22% average in 2023.

Statistic 119

Alcohol sales revenue: AED 3.2 billion in licensed Dubai venues 2023.

Statistic 120

Breakfast/brunch revenue: AED 2.4 billion in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 121

Lunch sales peak: 35% of daily revenue in Dubai restaurants 2023.

Statistic 122

Dinner revenue share: 45% of total in Dubai F&B 2023.

Statistic 123

Catering revenue for events: AED 1.9 billion in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 124

Loyalty program revenue boost: 14% higher sales in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 125

Tax contributions from F&B: AED 1.2 billion VAT in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 126

Break-even occupancy rate: 65% for Dubai restaurants 2023.

Statistic 127

Merchandise sales add-on: 5% of revenue in top Dubai spots 2023.

Statistic 128

Private dining revenue: AED 850 million in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 129

Seasonal promotions lifted revenue by 11% during Dubai Food Festival 2023.

Statistic 130

Coffee/tea sales: AED 1.5 billion annually in Dubai cafes 2023.

Statistic 131

Dessert upsell contribution: 8% of bill value in Dubai 2023.

Statistic 132

Corporate event catering: AED 1.1 billion revenue Dubai 2023.

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Dubai's restaurant scene isn't just serving meals; it's serving up an economic powerhouse, with the sector dishing out a staggering AED 28.5 billion to the city's GDP in 2023 alone.

Key Takeaways

Dubai's restaurant sector contributed AED 28.5 billion to the economy in 2023, representing 8.2% of the city's total GDP.
The F&B market in Dubai grew by 15.4% annually from 2022 to 2023, driven by tourism recovery post-COVID.
Dubai's restaurant industry is projected to reach AED 35.2 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 11.2%.
Dubai had 13,500 licensed restaurants as of end-2023.
Fine dining establishments in Dubai numbered 1,200 in 2023.
Quick service restaurants (QSR) outlets reached 4,200 in Dubai by 2023.
Dubai restaurant industry employed 250,000 workers in 2023.
65% of Dubai restaurant staff were expatriates in 2023.
Average salary for chefs in Dubai restaurants: AED 18,500/month in 2023.
Dubai F&B sector generated AED 28.5 billion in total revenue in 2023.
Average revenue per restaurant in Dubai: AED 2.1 million in 2023.
Profit margins for Dubai QSRs averaged 18% in 2023.
62% of Dubai diners aged 25-44 in 2023 surveys.
78% of consumers prefer sustainable sourcing in Dubai restaurants 2023.
Average dining out frequency: 4.2 times/month per person in Dubai 2023.

Dubai's restaurant industry is thriving with rapid post-pandemic growth and strong tourism demand.

Consumer and Trends

62% of Dubai diners aged 25-44 in 2023 surveys.
78% of consumers prefer sustainable sourcing in Dubai restaurants 2023.
Average dining out frequency: 4.2 times/month per person in Dubai 2023.
55% growth in vegan meal orders via apps in Dubai 2023.
92% of tourists dine out at least once during Dubai visit in 2023.
Health-conscious meals demand up 34% in Dubai 2023.
Online reservations account for 68% of bookings in Dubai 2023.
45% of diners seek Instagrammable dishes in Dubai 2023.
Family dining visits: 52% of total restaurant traffic in Dubai 2023.
Alcohol-free mocktail orders rose 41% in Dubai 2023.
73% prefer contactless payments in Dubai restaurants 2023.
Brunch is top meal choice for 61% of millennials in Dubai 2023.
Fusion cuisine popularity: 48% preference increase in Dubai 2023.
82% of expats dine out weekly in Dubai 2023.
Low-carb/keto options demanded by 29% of diners in Dubai 2023.
67% use delivery apps monthly for restaurant food in Dubai 2023.
Sustainable packaging preferred by 71% in Dubai 2023.
Group dining (4+ people): 39% of visits in Dubai 2023.
Plant-based meat adoption: 25% trial rate in Dubai 2023.
54% seek Michelin-starred experiences in Dubai 2023.
Peak dining time: 8-10 PM for 58% of Dubai customers 2023.
Allergy-friendly menus requested by 36% in Dubai 2023.
Live music dining boosts visits by 27% in Dubai 2023.
49% of Gen Z prioritize eco-friendly restaurants in Dubai 2023.
Seafood consumption per capita up 15% in Dubai diners 2023.

Consumer and Trends Interpretation

Dubai's diners are a hungry, socially conscious crowd who want their sustainable, Instagrammable avocado toast delivered via app at 9 PM, just after their plant-based brunch and before their alcohol-free, keto-friendly mocktail at a Michelin-starred spot the whole family can enjoy.

Employment and Labor

Dubai restaurant industry employed 250,000 workers in 2023.
65% of Dubai restaurant staff were expatriates in 2023.
Average salary for chefs in Dubai restaurants: AED 18,500/month in 2023.
Female workforce in Dubai F&B rose to 28% in 2023.
Waitstaff jobs in Dubai restaurants: 85,000 positions in 2023.
Kitchen staff turnover rate: 22% in Dubai restaurants 2023.
15,000 new jobs created in Dubai F&B in 2023.
Managers in Dubai restaurants averaged AED 32,000/month salary 2023.
UAE nationals in Dubai F&B: 12% of total workforce 2023.
Bartenders employed: 12,500 in Dubai 2023.
Training programs completed by 45,000 F&B workers in Dubai 2023.
Part-time workers in Dubai restaurants: 35% of staff in 2023.
Sous-chefs salary average: AED 22,000/month in Dubai 2023.
Unemployment rate in Dubai F&B sector: 1.8% in 2023.
Delivery riders for restaurants: 28,000 in Dubai 2023.
Sommeliers employed: 1,200 in Dubai fine dining 2023.
Average work hours for F&B staff: 48 hours/week in Dubai 2023.
Skilled migrant workers visas for F&B: 65,000 issued in 2023.
Hostess/host positions: 18,000 in Dubai restaurants 2023.
Executive chefs: 3,500 employed in Dubai 2023.
F&B staff with certifications: 62% in Dubai 2023.
Cleaners and support staff: 40,000 in Dubai F&B 2023.
Pastry chefs: 4,200 in Dubai restaurants 2023.
Average age of F&B workers: 32 years in Dubai 2023.
Overtime pay compliance: 95% in Dubai restaurants 2023.

Employment and Labor Interpretation

Dubai's dining scene, a global bazaar of talent, sustains a quarter-million livelihoods while grappling with relentless turnover, yet its high wages and hungry job market prove that even in a transient city, you can build a career one meticulously plated dish at a time.

Establishments and Outlets

Dubai had 13,500 licensed restaurants as of end-2023.
Fine dining establishments in Dubai numbered 1,200 in 2023.
Quick service restaurants (QSR) outlets reached 4,200 in Dubai by 2023.
Casual dining spots in Dubai totaled 3,800 in 2023.
Cloud kitchens operating in Dubai hit 1,500 in 2023.
Hotel-based restaurants in Dubai numbered 2,100 in 2023.
Asian cuisine restaurants in Dubai: 2,500 outlets in 2023.
Italian restaurants in Dubai reached 850 in 2023.
New restaurant openings in Dubai: 1,200 in 2023.
Coffee shops and cafes in Dubai: 3,200 in 2023.
Vegan/plant-based restaurants: 350 in Dubai 2023.
Mall-based food courts in Dubai had 450 outlets in 2023.
Street food stalls licensed in Dubai: 1,100 in 2023.
Arabic/Middle Eastern restaurants: 1,800 in Dubai 2023.
Seafood specialists in Dubai: 420 outlets in 2023.
Rooftop dining venues in Dubai: 250 in 2023.
Family-style restaurants in Dubai: 2,900 in 2023.
Pop-up restaurants hosted in Dubai: 180 in 2023.
Brunch spots in Dubai exceeded 500 outlets in 2023.
Japanese/Sushi bars in Dubai: 650 in 2023.
Bakery and patisserie shops: 1,050 in Dubai 2023.
Healthy eating outlets in Dubai: 780 in 2023.
Indian cuisine restaurants: 950 in Dubai 2023.
French bistros in Dubai: 320 outlets in 2023.
BBQ and grill houses: 580 in Dubai 2023.
Dessert-only shops in Dubai: 420 in 2023.
Fusion cuisine venues: 750 in Dubai 2023.
Lebanese restaurants: 1,200 in Dubai end-2023.

Establishments and Outlets Interpretation

Dubai's culinary scene is a remarkable buffet of ambition, where 13,500 restaurants prove you can have your 1,200 fine-dining gold leaf cake and eat your 4,200 quick-service burgers too.

Market Size and Growth

Dubai's restaurant sector contributed AED 28.5 billion to the economy in 2023, representing 8.2% of the city's total GDP.
The F&B market in Dubai grew by 15.4% annually from 2022 to 2023, driven by tourism recovery post-COVID.
Dubai's restaurant industry is projected to reach AED 35.2 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 11.2%.
In 2023, quick-service restaurants accounted for 42% of Dubai's F&B market share valued at AED 12 billion.
Dubai's fine dining segment expanded by 18.7% in 2023, generating AED 4.8 billion in sales.
The overall UAE F&B sector, with Dubai holding 55%, reached AED 52 billion in 2023.
Dubai restaurants saw a 22% increase in turnover in H1 2023 compared to H1 2022.
Cloud kitchen market in Dubai valued at AED 1.2 billion in 2023, growing 28% YoY.
Dubai's casual dining sector hit AED 9.5 billion in 2023, up 14% from previous year.
F&B investments in Dubai totaled AED 3.4 billion in 2023 for new openings.
Dubai restaurant market CAGR projected at 10.8% from 2023-2028.
In 2023, Dubai's F&B sector attracted 17 million tourist visits contributing to growth.
Dubai's restaurant revenue per capita reached AED 1,850 in 2023.
Full-service restaurants in Dubai generated AED 16.7 billion in 2023.
Dubai F&B market share in MENA region stood at 12.5% in 2023.
Street food vendors in Dubai contributed AED 850 million to F&B in 2023.
Dubai's restaurant industry recovery post-2022 was 125% of pre-pandemic levels.
Premium dining outlets in Dubai saw 20.3% growth to AED 3.2 billion in 2023.
Dubai F&B digital sales grew to AED 4.1 billion in 2023, 25% of total.
Dubai's restaurant sector employed capital worth AED 42 billion in 2023.
F&B market in Dubai expected to grow 13% in 2024 to AED 32.2 billion.
Dubai held 65% of UAE's total restaurant market value in 2023.
Vegan restaurant segment in Dubai reached AED 450 million in 2023.
Dubai's F&B export-related dining revenue was AED 2.1 billion in 2023.
Hotel restaurants in Dubai generated 38% of total F&B revenue in 2023.
Dubai restaurant industry saw 16.5% inflation-adjusted growth in 2023.
Independent restaurants in Dubai captured 55% market share in 2023.
Dubai F&B sector's productivity rose 9.2% to AED 250,000 per outlet in 2023.
Chain restaurants grew 19% in Dubai, adding AED 5.6 billion in 2023.
Dubai's restaurant market valuation hit USD 7.8 billion equivalent in 2023.

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

Dubai's restaurant industry, now flourishing at 125% of its pre-pandemic vigor, serves as the city's economic engine room—one where a staggering AED 28.5 billion proves that whether it's a quick falafel or a fine-dining spectacle, the world's appetite for Dubai is very much open for business.

Revenue and Financials

Dubai F&B sector generated AED 28.5 billion in total revenue in 2023.
Average revenue per restaurant in Dubai: AED 2.1 million in 2023.
Profit margins for Dubai QSRs averaged 18% in 2023.
Fine dining profit margins: 12.5% average in Dubai 2023.
Online delivery sales: AED 6.8 billion for Dubai restaurants in 2023.
Cost of goods sold (COGS) averaged 32% of revenue in Dubai F&B 2023.
Average check size in casual dining: AED 85 in Dubai 2023.
Fine dining average check: AED 450 per person in Dubai 2023.
Rental costs for prime locations: 15% of revenue in Dubai 2023.
EBITDA for top Dubai chains: 22% average in 2023.
Alcohol sales revenue: AED 3.2 billion in licensed Dubai venues 2023.
Breakfast/brunch revenue: AED 2.4 billion in Dubai 2023.
Lunch sales peak: 35% of daily revenue in Dubai restaurants 2023.
Dinner revenue share: 45% of total in Dubai F&B 2023.
Catering revenue for events: AED 1.9 billion in Dubai 2023.
Loyalty program revenue boost: 14% higher sales in Dubai 2023.
Tax contributions from F&B: AED 1.2 billion VAT in Dubai 2023.
Break-even occupancy rate: 65% for Dubai restaurants 2023.
Merchandise sales add-on: 5% of revenue in top Dubai spots 2023.
Private dining revenue: AED 850 million in Dubai 2023.
Seasonal promotions lifted revenue by 11% during Dubai Food Festival 2023.
Coffee/tea sales: AED 1.5 billion annually in Dubai cafes 2023.
Dessert upsell contribution: 8% of bill value in Dubai 2023.
Corporate event catering: AED 1.1 billion revenue Dubai 2023.

Revenue and Financials Interpretation

While the fine dining scene glitters with AED 450 checks, it’s the humble AED 85 casual meal, the AED 6.8 billion in delivery orders, and the 18% profit from a quick burger that truly fuel Dubai’s AED 28.5 billion culinary engine, proving that in this city, you profit more from the people’s everyday cravings than from their rare indulgences.

Sources & References

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