Women Now Represent 34% of All Real Estate Investors in Dubai
Dubai, 2024 — Women continue to make powerful strides in the Dubai property market, now accounting for 34% of all real estate investors in the emirate. According to insights shared by a senior official at the Dubai Land Department (DLD), women collectively invested $32.13 billion in Dubai’s real estate sector in 2024, marking a strong and growing presence in the market.
But property isn’t the only area where Dubai is seeing record-breaking growth. The city has also claimed a top spot in the global culinary scene.
Dubai Named Second Gastronomy Capital of the World in 2024
In a delicious development, Dubai emerged in 2024 as the world’s second gastronomy capital, ranking just behind global icons like Paris, London, New York, and Tokyo. According to the Dubai Gastronomy Industry Report 2024, published by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the emirate’s food and beverage (F&B) sector saw tremendous expansion, with nearly 1,200 new restaurant licenses issued.
This growth reflects Dubai’s multicultural identity, offering a wide range of cuisines to suit every palate. From luxury fine dining to vibrant street food, Dubai’s F&B landscape continues to evolve, drawing influence from over 200 nationalities living in the city.
A Key Player in Dubai’s Economic Growth
The F&B sector plays a vital role in Dubai’s economic diversification, aligning with the ambitious D33 Economic Agenda—a strategic plan to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033. The restaurant boom directly supports this vision, driving tourism, creating jobs, and boosting local supply chains.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), commented:
“Dubai’s gastronomy sector is a cornerstone of our tourism and economic strategy. Its growth reinforces Dubai’s status as a global culinary hub and contributes to our mission of making Dubai the best city to live, work, visit, and invest in.”
F&B Sector Driving Tourism and Social Buzz
The culinary surge has also fueled tourism growth. Dubai welcomed a staggering 18.72 million international visitors in 2024—a 9% increase from the previous year. Highlights like Summer Restaurant Week, featuring over 60 top restaurants, helped attract both tourists and residents.
Social media plays a crucial role in this momentum. DET data shows that 70% of UAE diners consult social media before choosing where to eat, making digital platforms essential for restaurant marketing.
Dubai’s reputation for culinary excellence was further cemented by the 2024 Michelin Guide, which featured 106 restaurants across 35 cuisines. The city saw an increase in starred establishments, including:
- 16 restaurants with 2 Michelin stars
- 14 with 1 star
- 3 awarded Green Stars for sustainability
- 18 Bib Gourmand selections
- 66 Michelin-selected eateries
Looking Ahead
As Dubai continues to attract global attention, from real estate to gastronomy, its forward-thinking leadership and vibrant cultural mix are proving to be key drivers of sustainable growth. Whether you’re a property investor, food enthusiast, or entrepreneur, Dubai is positioning itself as one of the most dynamic cities in the world to live, invest, and indulge.
