Dubai’s culinary landscape is a testament to its unbridled ambition, boasting an astonishing 13,000 food and drink establishments that range from the opulent to the everyday. Yet, as the emirate continues to push the boundaries of gastronomic extravagance, questions are emerging about the sustainability of its "growth-at-all-costs" model.
From diners suspended high above the city to underwater lounges and dishes adorned with edible gold, the city-state's eateries employ every conceivable gimmick to lure customers in one of the world's most saturated dining markets. This diverse offering, catering to every taste and budget – from inexpensive biryani to lavish fine dining – is a key weapon in Dubai's fierce competition with neighbours like Saudi Arabia and Qatar for lucrative tourist dollars.
