DUBAI, UAE – The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has teamed up with Google to unveil an exciting new initiative called Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition. This initiative aims to bolster the local food and beverage industry by leveraging the expertise of local guides—volunteers who actively contribute reviews and recommendations on Google Maps. These passionate individuals will curate their favorite dining spots, ultimately encouraging the community to vote for their preferred choices, thereby promoting local businesses.

Launch Event Highlights

The launch took place during an exclusive event at the renowned Etihad Museum, attracting key figures such as Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME). The event also hosted local culinary entrepreneurs and influential food content creators from the region. This gathering underscored the collective commitment to enhancing the food scene in Dubai by enabling residents and visitors to explore unique dining experiences.

Community-Led Movement

As part of the From Dubai, For Dubai campaign, the Map Your Dubai initiative seeks to unite residents, tourists, and digital communities in discovering and promoting local businesses. This collaborative effort encourages everyone to choose local options, share their favorite culinary stories, and contribute to a more interconnected local economy. By compiling various initiatives under a single narrative, the campaign aims to bring vital attention to homegrown F&B businesses that often go overlooked.

Empowering Local Guides

Through this initiative, the Local Guide community in Dubai is empowered to create well-curated thematic lists on Google Maps, focusing on the city’s hidden culinary gems. These guides are dedicated users who shape the platform by providing reviews, uploading visuals, and answering questions related to local businesses. Starting today, the public can access 11 specially curated lists on the official campaign portal (MapYourDubai.com), allowing them to discover and vote for their favorite culinary options. The voting period will run from June 22 to July 6, 2026, with the top local guides being celebrated on various official social media platforms.

Supporting Small Businesses

Anthony Nakache, Managing Director at Google MENA, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating that it empowers Local Guides to share their genuine experiences while also creating a vibrant community movement. This collaborative effort aims to uplift smaller, homegrown businesses by providing them with the tools and visibility required to compete effectively in the ever-evolving market. The commitment from both Google and DET showcases a strong focus on fostering the region’s food and beverage landscape.

A Diverse Culinary Experience

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri further emphasized the initiative’s role in showcasing Dubai’s diversity through its culinary offerings. The campaign harnesses community-led storytelling and aims to enhance the visibility of local dining experiences, allowing residents and visitors alike to play an active role in shaping Dubai’s culinary narrative. This empowers the city to establish itself as a leading global gastronomy hub, making it an attractive destination for individuals seeking exceptional dining experiences.

Discover Local Culinary Delights

With nearly 100 local dining concepts being featured across this campaign, both residents and tourists will find it easy to support local businesses and uncover new culinary delights. Additional content highlighting local guides will be shared throughout the voting phase, amplifying community engagement in the initiative. By visiting MapYourDubai.com, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary landscape of the city and lend your support to the local food scene.