Dubai Dining Dilemma: Is the City's Food Boom Sustainable?

Dubai's bustling restaurant scene, replete with underwater lounges and suspended tables, sees fierce competition among 13,000 establishments. As the emirate outpaces Saudi Arabia and Qatar in attracting tourists, its diverse offerings cater to all budgets, though sustainability questions linger.

High rents in prime areas, often mirroring the most expensive cities worldwide, contribute to high failure rates among eateries. Despite this, over 1,200 new restaurant licenses were issued recently. Navigating road congestion poses another challenge, even as food delivery services become crucial.

As construction transforms Dubai's skyline, more eateries emerge, driven by pressure to expand from corporate investors. With ongoing regional economic shifts, critics warn of a bubble. Still, Dubai remains committed to its gastronomic ambitions, vying to cement its status as a culinary capital.

(With inputs from agencies.)