Map Your Dubai: Google and DET Launch F&B Initiative

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Google have launched Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition, an initiative that empowers Google Local Guides to curate restaurant lists for public voting. According to the joint announcement, the programme features over 100 homegrown F&B businesses across 11 curated lists, with voting scheduled to open on 22 June 2026.

What is the Map Your Dubai initiative?

Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition transforms Google's Local Guides community into curators of Dubai's culinary scene. According to Google MENA, Local Guides create thematic lists directly on Google Maps, spotlighting neighbourhood hidden gems and best-kept culinary secrets across the city.

The initiative operates through a simple three-step process. Google Local Guides first compile curated restaurant lists featuring homegrown F&B concepts. These lists are then consolidated on the official MapYourDubai.com portal, where residents and visitors can explore the recommendations. Finally, the public votes for their favourite lists between 22 June and 6 July 2026.

This community-driven approach builds on Dubai's existing digital discovery programmes, leveraging Google Maps' platform to drive real visits to local businesses. The winning Local Guides will be celebrated across official social channels after voting concludes.

How does the partnership support local businesses?

According to Anthony Nakache, Managing Director at Google MENA, the initiative aims to "enable and support small and homegrown F&B businesses by equipping them with tools they need to stay competitive and reach new audiences." The programme directly connects digital discovery with economic value for Dubai-based businesses.

The strategic value lies in leveraging Google Maps' massive user base to drive foot traffic to local establishments. By featuring almost 100 restaurants, cafés, and neighbourhood dining concepts, the initiative provides visibility that smaller businesses might struggle to achieve independently. This visibility translates into measurable visits through Google Maps' integrated navigation and discovery features.

Looking forward, this suggests a replicable model for supporting local economies through digital platforms. The initiative demonstrates how public-private partnerships can create scalable solutions that benefit both tech platforms and local business communities.

What makes this different from typical marketing campaigns?

According to Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of Dubai SME, Map Your Dubai "reflects what makes Dubai distinctive: a city shaped by the diversity of its people, cultures, businesses, and experiences." This community-centric approach distinguishes it from traditional top-down marketing campaigns.

The initiative builds on Dubai's established #MyDubai and MyDubai Communities programmes, where residents and visitors actively shape the city's narrative. Rather than external promotion, Map Your Dubai relies on authentic recommendations from Local Guides who have genuine knowledge of Dubai's culinary landscape.

This organic discovery model creates more credible recommendations than paid advertising. When Local Guides curate lists based on personal experience, the resulting recommendations carry community authenticity that resonates with both residents exploring their city and visitors seeking genuine local experiences. The best burger spots and hidden gems gain recognition through community consensus rather than marketing budgets.

How does this align with Dubai's economic strategy?

The initiative directly supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets sustainable growth and economic resilience. According to Dubai SME's CEO, Map Your Dubai "reinforces Dubai's position as a global gastronomy hub" while supporting "long-term resilience and sustainable growth aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33."

The strategic significance extends beyond individual restaurant promotion. By strengthening Dubai's F&B sector through digital discovery, the initiative contributes to the city's broader economic diversification goals. The programme creates a repeatable framework for supporting local businesses across multiple sectors.

This public-private collaboration demonstrates how digital platforms can translate discovery into measurable economic value. The model could potentially expand to other business categories, creating a comprehensive local discovery ecosystem that supports Dubai's economic agenda while enhancing the city's reputation as a destination for authentic experiences.

When and how can residents participate?

Participation begins immediately through MapYourDubai.com, where residents and visitors can explore the 11 curated lists. According to the announcement, voting opens on 22 June 2026 and remains open until 6 July 2026, giving the community two weeks to explore and vote for their favourite culinary lists.

The process integrates seamlessly with Google Maps, allowing users to explore recommendations directly through their personal Google Maps accounts. This integration means participants can navigate to featured restaurants, read reviews, and plan visits using familiar tools.

Additional campaign content and Local Guide highlights will be shared across official channels throughout the voting period. This extended engagement keeps the initiative visible and encourages ongoing participation beyond the initial launch excitement.

Initiative details

The Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition initiative launches today with voting scheduled from 22 June to 6 July 2026. Participants can explore curated lists at MapYourDubai.com and vote for their favourite recommendations. The programme features over 100 homegrown restaurants and cafés across 11 themed lists curated by Google Local Guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition initiative?

It's a collaboration between Dubai DET and Google to support local F&B businesses by having Google Local Guides curate restaurant lists for public voting. The initiative features over 100 homegrown restaurants across 11 themed lists.

How can I participate in Map Your Dubai?

You can explore the curated lists on MapYourDubai.com, visit the businesses through Google Maps, and cast your votes for your favourite culinary lists during the voting period.

When does voting open for Map Your Dubai?

Voting opens on 22 June 2026 and closes on 6 July 2026. The winning Local Guides will be celebrated across official social channels after voting concludes.

Which organisations are behind Map Your Dubai?

The initiative is a joint effort by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Google, with support from Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME).

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