United Arab Emirates Food Guide
Content Information
Recently updated🔥Current Food Trends 2025
What's happening in United Arab Emirates's culinary scene right now
UAE's culinary landscape in December 2025 celebrates fusion of traditional Emirati heritage with cutting-edge gastronomy. Michelin-starred restaurants flourish - Erth (world's first Michelin-starred Emirati restaurant), STAY by Yannick Alléno, 11 Woodfire lead fine dining renaissance. December weather (18-26°C/64-79°F) enables outdoor dining boom across Dubai Marina, JBR, Downtown. Traditional Emirati cuisine revival: Al Fanar Restaurant, Siraj, Al Khayma Heritage champion machboos, harees, luqaimat in authentic settings. December marks UAE National Day celebrations (Dec 2) with patriotic food festivals, Emirati pop-ups. Sustainability movement: Bustanica vertical farm (world's largest), lab-grown meat innovations, sustainable Gulf seafood focus. Multicultural reality intensifies - 200+ nationalities create unparalleled diversity: Filipino, Indian, Pakistani, Lebanese cuisines thrive. Expo 2020 legacy continues with international fusion concepts. Date culture celebrated - premium varieties (Medjool, Khalas), date syrup innovations, date-stuffed desserts mainstream. Street food remains accessible despite luxury boom: shawarma, koshari, manakish widely available. Festive season brings international holiday dining, New Year's Eve extravaganzas. Dubai Food Festival winter edition showcases global culinary talent.
Food Safety Tips
Essential food safety information to help you enjoy United Arab Emirates's cuisine safely and confidently.
Tap water is generally safe
Tap water is safe for brushing teeth and showering, but many visitors and residents prefer bottled water for drinking.
High food safety standards
The UAE maintains very high food safety standards, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Most restaurants follow strict hygiene protocols.
Be cautious during Ramadan
If visiting during Ramadan, be respectful of fasting hours and aware that some restaurants may have different operating hours.
Stay hydrated
Due to the extreme heat, especially in summer months, dehydration is a risk. Drink plenty of water, particularly when outdoors.
Dietary Options
vegetarian
HIGH AVAILABILITYDue to the multicultural nature of the UAE, particularly Dubai, vegetarian options are widely available in most restaurants.
vegan
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYVegan options are increasingly common, especially in tourist areas and international restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
gluten-free
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYMany international restaurants offer gluten-free options, though it is less common in traditional Arabic restaurants.
halal
HIGH AVAILABILITYAs a Muslim country, nearly all locally-produced meat is halal. Non-halal food is typically only served in specific areas of international hotels.
kosher
VERY LOW AVAILABILITYKosher food extremely rare in UAE with minimal Jewish community infrastructure. Chabad of UAE operates in Dubai providing some kosher services. Abraham Accords (2020) with Israel opened possibilities, but kosher restaurants remain scarce. Observant travelers should bring provisions or rely on sealed international kosher products available in some Dubai supermarkets.
Common Allergens
Nuts
HIGH PREVALENCENuts are common in Emirati and Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly in desserts and some savory dishes.
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Dairy
MEDIUM PREVALENCEYogurt and cheese are common ingredients in many Middle Eastern dishes.
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Wheat
HIGH PREVALENCEWheat is a staple in Arabic bread and many other dishes.
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Seafood
MEDIUM PREVALENCEGiven the coastal location, seafood is common in traditional Emirati cuisine.
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Essential Food Experiences
These iconic dishes represent the must-have culinary experiences that define United Arab Emirates's food culture for travelers.
Al Machboos
The most popular rice dish in Emirati cuisine, similar to biryani. Prepared with chicken, lamb, or fish, seasoned with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, lemon, and sometimes saffron. A staple at family gatherings and celebrations.
Al Harees
One of the most prestigious Emirati dishes, especially during Ramadan and Eid. Made with cracked wheat and meat (chicken or lamb) slow-cooked for hours in clay pots until it reaches a creamy porridge-like consistency, topped with ghee or cinnamon.
Luqaimat
Beloved Emirati dessert of deep-fried dough balls, crispy outside and fluffy inside, drizzled with date syrup or honey. Traditionally served during Ramadan, representing the spirit of sharing and generosity in Emirati culture.
Balaleet
Traditional Emirati breakfast dish of sweet vermicelli noodles flavored with cardamom, saffron, and rose water, topped with a savory omelet. The combination of sweet and savory is uniquely Emirati.
Shawarma
Though Levantine in origin, shawarma is ubiquitous in UAE. Thinly sliced marinated meat (chicken, lamb, or beef) wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce, pickles, and vegetables. Found on every corner.
Camel Meat
A traditional Emirati delicacy served during special occasions and celebrations. Camel meat can be grilled, stewed, or made into burgers. High in protein and lower in fat than beef.
Knafeh
Sweet cheese pastry with thin noodle-like pastry soaked in sugar syrup and layered with cheese, topped with crushed pistachios. A Middle Eastern favorite found in every bakery.
Fatayer
Triangular or boat-shaped pastries filled with spinach, cheese, or minced meat. Popular as breakfast or snack items, served warm with yogurt.
Madrouba
Comforting Emirati dish of chicken or fish cooked with rice and spices until it becomes a thick porridge-like consistency. Often served during Ramadan.
Karak Chai
The unofficial national drink of UAE. Strong milky tea brewed with cardamom, saffron, and evaporated milk. Served in small cups throughout the day at cafes and homes.
Stuffed Camel
Perhaps the most extravagant Emirati dish, traditionally served at weddings and major celebrations. A whole camel stuffed with lamb, stuffed with chicken, stuffed with fish and eggs.
Regional Specialties & Local Favorites
Discover the authentic regional dishes and local favorites that showcase United Arab Emirates's diverse culinary traditions.
Chebab
Emirati pancakes flavored with cardamom and saffron, typically served with date syrup or honey for breakfast.
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Manakish
Levantine flatbread topped with zaatar, cheese, or minced meat. A popular breakfast and snack item found in every bakery.
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Sambousa
Triangular pastries filled with spiced meat, cheese, or vegetables, deep-fried until golden. Essential during Ramadan iftar.
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Hummus
Creamy chickpea dip blended with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. Served with warm pita bread at nearly every meal.
Tabbouleh
Fresh parsley salad with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, mint, onion, and lemon dressing. Light and refreshing.
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Ghuzi
Roasted lamb served on a bed of rice mixed with vegetables and nuts. A festive dish for special occasions.
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Manousheh
Lebanese-style flatbread pizza topped with zaatar, cheese, or labneh. Popular breakfast on the go.
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Labneh
Thick strained yogurt cheese drizzled with olive oil, often served with bread for breakfast.
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Falafel
Deep-fried chickpea balls seasoned with herbs and spices. Served in pita with tahini sauce and vegetables.
Umm Ali
Egyptian bread pudding made with puff pastry, milk, sugar, and nuts. The Middle Eastern equivalent of bread pudding.
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