Dubai cracks down on delivery apps with new rules to protect consumers, restaurants
Guidelines designed to boost growth of $1.36bn online food delivery market
DUBAI’s booming food delivery industry is undergoing its most significant shake-up yet. With millions of online orders placed every month, the emirate has issued new rules to regulate digital platforms, safeguard restaurants, and protect consumers.
The Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT) has rolled out Circular No. 2 of 2025, building on Dubai Law No. 5 of 2023. The regulations aim to curb unfair practices, improve transparency, and set clear standards for how platforms, restaurants, and customers interact.
The framework arrives at a time when the UAE’s online food delivery market is forecast to surpass Dh5 billion ($1.36bn) in 2025, with growth projected to push it close to Dh6bn by 2030. Officials say the guidelines will not only regulate but also strengthen confidence in one of Dubai’s fastest-growing digital sectors.
What do the rules cover?
The measures touch every part of the delivery ecosystem. Platforms must now give restaurants 30 days’ notice before changing terms, and eateries can terminate contracts if they reject new conditions. Fees, commissions, and advertising charges must be transparent, with monthly statements issued to all partners.
Restaurants will also gain fair access to non-personal customer data, such as order volumes and sales reports, while platforms are banned from prioritising their own affiliates without justification. Anti-competitive practices like exclusivity agreements and predatory pricing are explicitly prohibited.
How will consumers benefit?
For Dubai’s residents, the changes are designed to improve service reliability and pricing clarity. Platforms are required to define responsibility for cancellations, delays, or packaging issues, ensuring restaurants are not penalised for failures beyond their control. Subscription models, such as free delivery programmes, cannot unfairly shift costs onto restaurants, and hidden charges are outlawed.
DCCPFT said these provisions will build consumer trust in delivery platforms while levelling the playing field for smaller food outlets. The new structure also considers delivery personnel, with measures intended to prevent unfair practices within the workforce.
How were the guidelines developed?
The rules were introduced after extensive consultations between the government and industry stakeholders. Alongside the framework, DCCPFT has formed a working group uniting public and private players in the food delivery market. The aim is to maintain high standards, attract investment, and align the sector with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Ahmad Ali Moosa, Director of Fair Trade & Business Protection at DCCPFT, said: “The online food delivery sector has witnessed robust growth in recent years. We developed these guidelines hand-in-hand with the industry to encourage sustainable growth, elevate standards, and promote fair competition for the benefit of all stakeholders.”