Dubai Diners Rely on Social Media for Restaurant Choices

A new report from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism reveals that nearly two-thirds of the city’s residents choose restaurants based on social media recommendations. In 2024, Dubai issued around 1,200 new restaurant licenses, and digital interest in the emirate’s dining scene grew by 23.5%.

On average, Dubai residents eat out 2.5 times per week, with a noticeable shift toward casual and family-friendly restaurants—preferences rising from 78% to 84% in the past year. Customer satisfaction has also increased, with 70% of diners pleased with menu variety, 61% appreciating culinary innovations, and 64% praising world-class chefs.

Menu diversity plays a crucial role in restaurant selection, cited by 49% of respondents. Other key factors include hygiene, ambiance, service quality, and online reviews. Notably, 70% of diners check social media feedback before making reservations, with Instagram posts and short-form videos being the most influential.

Indian cuisine remains the most searched (34% of food-related queries), followed by Chinese (up 79% from last year) and Lebanese (up 32%). Overall, Dubai’s food searches exceeded 741,000, reflecting the city’s thriving and digitally driven dining culture.

Source: Caterer Middle East