• Guidelines developed in collaboration with the public and private sectors to support growth and digital economy development in line with Dubai Economic Agenda, D33
  • Framework sets out best practices to maintain high business standards and attract further investment into the sector

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has launched a dedicated working group bringing together public and private sector stakeholders for the city’s online food delivery sector. As part of its efforts to support the sector, DCCPFT has complemented the formation of the working group by issuing new guidelines, developed in consultation with the industry, which aim to maintain the sector’s competitiveness and high business standards, and attract further investment into the market.

The guidelines, circulated to owners and operators across the industry, outline recommended best practices covering key areas, including platform terms of engagement with food establishments, data access, and transparency. The framework, based on extensive feedback from delivery operators, food establishments, and other stakeholders, is designed to encourage open competition and support sector growth.

While focused on operators, the guidelines aim to benefit the wider food delivery ecosystem, reflecting DCCPFT’s mandate and Dubai’s ongoing commitment to supporting a fair and competitive digital economy under the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.

Ahmad Ali Moosa, Director of Fair Trade & Business Protection at Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection & Fair Trade, said: “The online food delivery sector has witnessed robust growth in recent years, and we recognise the vital role the delivery platforms play in contributing to the overall growth and innovation of Dubai’s food and hospitality sector. Dubai prides itself on its public and private sector partnerships, and we have formed this working group and developed these guidelines hand-in-hand with the industry to encourage sustainable growth and further elevate business standards, while promoting collaboration, transparency and fair competition for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

According to research by Statista, revenues in the online food delivery market in the UAE are projected to exceed AED5 billion in 2025, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 3% over the coming years set to take this figure to close to AED6 billion by 2030. The wider accommodation and food services sector accounted for 3.4% of Dubai’s GDP in 2024, underscoring its role as a key driver of economic growth.

Building on the introduction of the guidelines and the collaborative approach behind their development, DCCPFT will continue to work closely with stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to assess industry feedback and make recommendations on future measures to support continued sector growth and fair competition.

To check the full guidelines, please visit: (https://www.dubaidet.gov.ae/ar/legislative-news/dubai-online-food-delivery-platforms-circular)

About the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET):

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for business and leisure.

Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to visit, live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for planning, supervising, developing and marketing Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for licensing and classifying all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. DET’s portfolio includes Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), Dubai Business Registration and Licensing Corporation (DBLC), Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), Dubai SME, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) and Dubai College of Tourism (DCT).

About Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection & Fair Trade (DCCPFT):

Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection & Fair Trade (DCCPFT) is a subsidiary of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). DCCPFT seeks to create a conducive environment for fair trade and competition, drive economic stability by ensuring consumer and business protection and enhance the competitiveness of the business sector by curbing practices that negatively impact the market. It also ensures that new regulations are implemented in a business-friendly manner; promotes justice, transparency and fair competition; and supports the optimal functioning of the market for enterprises.

DCCPFT is also tasked with developing plans and policies related to fair trade and competitiveness and protection of consumer rights. The Corporation develops programmes and initiatives aligned with DET’s strategy and the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to protect intellectual property rights, review and resolve complaints filed by commercial establishments and consumers and organise awareness campaigns to promote consumer rights, fair trade and competition.