Dubai is an international playground and the dynamic food capital of the world. This shines through in an understandable manner and there are many factors as to why. Home to many nationalities, a top tourist hotspot, catering to unique flavour profiles and preferences, and several culinary brands, this cosmopolitan city is definitely one of the most powerful places on the planet to play in the hospitality industry. This emotes a solid standpoint to observe a pattern across various industries with a direct impact on the economic landscape of the country.
For instance, about two decades ago, global consumers flocked to London, New York, or Paris as brands have spent years establishing themselves in these destinations. The seasonal travel to these places were filled to the brim with audiences wanting a piece of everything in one destination with an eagerness to spend for the best of what could be offered.
This behaviour is how global hospitality brands have come to realize that bringing audiences to their threshold is just as important as bringing their concepts to a global stage. And within a short span, Dubai has joined this champion’s league of attracting brands, consumers, and travellers alike.
This development is in tangent with the scale of global events the UAE hosts, bringing the world’s intrigue to its doorstep. Mega events such as Formula One, Expo 2020, music concerts with international artists, and many other culturally driven events are pulling the world to visit the UAE. These global events drive a massive economic influence on the country, moreover, they cause a ripple effect to bring in brands across many sectors to invest in the long term.
International brands and their impact in the hospitality sector
Closing in on the hospitality, renowned international brands such as Zuma, Coya, and many more, have made Dubai a part of their destination portfolio, as a necessity in the current landscape. There is demand and it had definitely been supplied in the last decade making the city what it is today.
As dominant F&B brands are contributing positively to the country’s growing popularity and economy, this encourages similar establishments to find foothold in the UAE, and other upcoming markets of the Middle East. One instance close to heart is Rüya Dubai, which opened its doors last December on the iconic Palm Island at The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm. From London, this concept made its way to impress Dubai.
However, it doesn’t stop here; we launched a pop–up in Doha during last year’s football season. The appreciation received from Doha is a testimonial in itself on how important it is to further explore the region. From Dubai to Doha, KSA, Bahrain, and Oman, our brands in luxury dining such as Rüya, Zuma, Coya, Amazonico, and Nusr–Et are thriving, with the potential to grow further. Recently, it is evident that the regional economy thrives on its F&B players, and the more the merrier as it only adds to the quality, service, and offering as these players compete on a regional and international scale to stay relevant.
Seemingly, the king pin of it all is Dubai, a city evolving dynamically across many industries. In addition, with the explosion of social media, culinary content creators can further drive awareness for new openings, places to eat, staycation spots, and a load of exposure across several areas.
Dubai’s Thriving Restaurant Scene: Impact on the Economy and Tourism
Last year was an incredibly prosperous year for the UAE and the region’s F&B industry. We even witnessed new global hotel chain brands entering countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. There is a real expectation of ‘hospitality’ in the Middle East, and with new hotel and dining concepts being created, along with many that are reinventing themselves to keep their audience intrigued. There is a correlation of both local consumers and international guests’ demands constantly growing, while brands up their game to appease them.
The real estate segment also gain tenants as we find family–friendly, cloud kitchens, grab–and–go, boutique, and fine dining restaurants scattered across the city in various locations, including luxury hotels and malls, leaving no area unconquered. It demonstrates how Dubai aims to ensure all target segments are catered to, with a direct and notable impact on the economy.
From across the world, several skilful people have found their new home and bring their culture and a variety of culturally influenced spending behaviours. This has an optimistic impact on the economy as the residents and citizens are comfortable to contribute to a healthy economy with the varied options available. The same resonates with the in–bound traveller to UAE or the wider region.
The global tourist has ample options from luxury to budget stays, and a variety of both world–renowned and home–grown dining options that they can experience, which throws a wide net on the spending capacities. Though one might consider this a hindrance, I believe the freedom to experience a range of activities is liberating to a traveller. This affirmative behaviour pulls more tourists to the destination for the flexibility it gives, resulting in a positive impact on the regional economy.
The snowball effect in this golden desert state has an enormous shift that goes beyond, and seeps into many sectors that are thriving in Dubai, and the UAE. From humble beginnings to hosting Michelin–starred restaurants, it is no regular feat to achieve.
Let us not forget the population of Dubai is not as large as Paris or New York. However, the number of luxury F&B brands is high. So, the intensity at which hospitality brands are experienced by customers is incredible. This quality–driven standard is what makes Dubai the golden ticket of many hospitality houses. It continuously attracts the best of the world to course–altering projects that are born in the Middle East.
Owing to the UAE’s commendable protocols, Dubai’s successful tourism recovery strategy welcomed 3.9 million international visitors in the first 3 months of 2022, reaffirming the city’s position as the first destination of choice for global travellers and earning a rank of No.1 in global hotel occupancy in the first quarter of 2022. It is a testament to the fact that Dubai is at the forefront of global tourism recovery with its adaptability and innovation. In just over 50 years of creating their nation, the UAE has joined the leagues of hospitality world power players, making a strong mark in the economic landscape of the region and the world.
Umut Özkanca, Vice Chairman of Doğuş Hospitality & Retail Group
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