Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Google have teamed up to launch Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition, a new initiative designed to drive foot traffic and visibility for the city's local restaurant and cafe scene.
The campaign enlists Google's Local Guides — a global network of volunteer reviewers on Google Maps — to curate themed lists of their favourite Dubai dining spots. From June 22 to July 6, 2026, the public can explore 11 insider-curated lists on the official campaign portal at MapYourDubai.com and vote for their favourites through their personal Google Maps accounts. Winning lists will be celebrated across official social channels.
The initiative was unveiled at an exclusive Breakfast Club event held at the Etihad Museum, attended by Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, CEO of Dubai SME, senior officials, homegrown culinary entrepreneurs and regional food content creators.
Map Your Dubai: Insider Edition sits under From Dubai, For Dubai, DET's broader community-led movement that encourages residents, visitors and digital communities to discover and champion Dubai-based businesses.
Anthony Nakache, Managing Director at Google MENA, said the initiative was designed to equip small and homegrown F&B businesses with the tools needed to reach new audiences and stay competitive.
Ahmad Al Room Almheiri framed the campaign as a continuation of Dubai's long tradition of community storytelling, citing earlier efforts like the MyDubai Communities programme. He added that the collaboration demonstrates how public-private partnerships and digital platforms can convert online discovery into tangible economic value.
The campaign aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets long-term economic resilience and positions Dubai as a leading global gastronomy destination.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
