Mega malls and lofty skylines aside, the UAE’s real crowd puller for global travellers in 2026 is what’s on the menu.
At the UAE Restaurant Group’s (UAERG) first board meeting of the year held on 9 January, industry leaders and the Ministry of Economy & Tourism dished up a bold strategic vision. And that is the UAE’s food and beverage scene isn’t a garnish on tourism, it’s the main course.
With everything from Michelin-rated restaurants in Abu Dhabi to star chef visits and influencer-fuelled buzz, the UAE has become one of the world’s most exciting culinary destinations, and that’s a major reason visitors are booking flights.
Food strategy meets tourism strategy
The UAERG was essentially a tactical masterclass in aligning the F&B sector with national economic and tourism goals. Key priorities included:
- Public – private collaboration to boost industry alignment
- Tourism clusters where food, culture and hospitality intertwine
- Support for homegrown concepts and local ingredients
- High-impact community food events that reflect the nation’s culinary identity
And sustainability wasn’t an afterthought either, with pilot programmes on food circularity, waste reduction, and even converting used cooking oil into lower-carbon fuels taking centre stage. Clear operational roll-outs, scalable pilot projects and simple participation models were all flagged as priorities.
As H.E. Dr. Maria Hanif Al Qassim of the Ministry said:
“The food and beverage sector plays a vital role in the UAE’s economic and tourism landscape… Open dialogue like this allows progress to be practical, inclusive, and aligned with the UAE’s wider goals.”
Michelin and culinary credibility
If F&B were an Olympic sport, the UAE would be on the podium. Abu Dhabi’s 2026 MICHELIN Guide now features 56 restaurants, with three retaining One MICHELIN Star status, including Erth, Hakkasan and Talea by Antonio Guida; along with a host of new Bib Gourmand winners recognised for outstanding food at great value.
More than just bragging rights, this is global culinary validation. Michelin’s continued investment and expansion underline that Abu Dhabi more than a political and cultural capital. It’s also very much a world-class food destination worth a special trip.
Add to that Michelin-backed festivals featuring star chefs and curated menus, and you’ve got real destination-level experiences that tourists book around.
Celebrity chefs and star power
While the UAE’s food scene continues to earn accolades from critics, it’s also drawing celebrity chef and influencer attention globally. Legendary names like Nobu Matsuhisa have been spotted in Dubai, engaging with local markets and ingredients, a clear sign that the region matters to the world’s most influential culinary creators.
And speaking of sights set on the UAE, the Taste of Dubai 2026 festival (6–8 Feb) is on track to attract around 25,000 foodies with 16 top restaurants and a celebrity chef lineup featuring the likes of Gino D’Acampo, Matt Preston, Rachel Allen and more, plus live entertainment and VIP experiences.
This trend mirrors wider momentum – Abu Dhabi’s own Taste of Abu Dhabi festival has brought crowds and chef-led pop-ups to Yas Island with thousands of attendees.
Beyond festivals, initiatives like GreatList Sessions are spotlighting Dubai’s top chefs abroad, connecting local talent with global audiences and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a gastronomic capital.
Influencers and viral food culture
From Instagram food bloggers with millions of followers to TikTok-worthy snacks like the viral Dubai chocolate phenomenon that’s now stocked globally, the UAE’s food scene is buzzing on social platforms and shaping how people around the world think about the destination.
Influencer content is doing much more than generating double-taps. It’s effectively driving foodie tourism. Research by Seven Rooms showed that a significant portion of dining decisions among travellers is shaped by online food content, particularly from trends, influencers and user-generated social posts.
Foodies know what they want, and the UAE delivers
Today’s culinary travellers are sophisticated. They want, and expect, stories on a plate, experiences they can’t Instagram elsewhere, heritage with a modern twist, and authentic local flavour. Whether it’s Emirati-inspired menus at Michelin-recognised venues or immersive food festivals that masterfully fuse global talent with local produce, the UAE is delivering on every front.
From luxury eateries with world-class chefs to community markets celebrating fresh local ingredients, the UAE’s food scene is future-proofing tourism by tapping into what foodies crave – culture, creativity and connection.
So what is the UAE’s formula for its F&B sector? Basically, flip the script so it’s no longer a supporting act to tourism, but the actual headline performer. With strategic government backing, Michelin legitimacy, chef celebrity appeal, influencer visibility and world-class food experiences, the UAE is serving up one of the most compelling and sustainable tourism narratives on the planet. And it’s pulling the world in.
