DET and Google Launch ‘Map Your Dubai’ to Support Local Restaurants and Cafés

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Google have launched Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition, a new initiative designed to support Dubai’s local food and beverage sector.

Part of DET’s From Dubai, For Dubai campaign, the initiative brings together Google Maps Local Guides to create curated lists of their favorite restaurants, cafés, and hidden culinary gems across the city.

The campaign was launched at the Etihad Museum and aims to encourage residents and visitors to discover and support local businesses through recommendations and community engagement.

A total of 11 Local Guide-curated lists are now available on the campaign portal, inviting the public to explore featured venues via Google Maps and vote for their favorite collections. Voting opens on June 22 and runs until July 6, 2026, with winning Local Guides set to be recognized across official social media channels.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts to strengthen Dubai’s local economy by increasing visibility and footfall for homegrown businesses.

Anthony Nakache, Managing Director, Google MENA, said, “Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition empowers Google Local Guides to transform their authentic city knowledge into a powerful community movement. We are driven to enable, support small and homegrown F&B businesses by equipping them with tools they need to stay competitive and reach new audiences. We are deeply committed alongside Dubai Department Economy and Tourism to support the region’s F&B business sector.”

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO, Dubai SME, said, “The Map Your Dubai initiative reflects what makes Dubai distinctive: a city shaped by the diversity of its people, cultures, businesses, and experiences, and strengthened by the partnerships that bring them together. Through From Dubai, For Dubai, and in collaboration with Google, we are building on Dubai’s long-standing approach to community-led storytelling, from #MyDubai to MyDubai Communities, where residents, creators, and visitors play an active role in shaping the narrative of the city. This initiative also builds on previous collaborations with Google to highlight Dubai’s offering through digital discovery and community participation. It is a strong example of how public-private collaboration, digital platforms, and local voices can translate discovery into real economic value for Dubai-based businesses. By increasing visibility for local F&B concepts and homegrown brands, Map Your Dubai reinforces Dubai’s position as a global gastronomy hub and the best city to visit, live, and work in, while supporting long-term resilience and sustainable growth aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.”