The UAE Restaurant Group (UAERG) and the nation’s Ministry of Economy & Tourism have outlined shared priorities for the food and beverage (F&B) sector in 2026, emphasizing sustainable growth, tourism-led initiatives, and business competitiveness.
At its first board meeting of the year, the UAERG, an official representative body for the UAE’s dining and hospitality sector, received a briefing from the Ministry of Economy & Tourism on coordinated efforts to support the F&B ecosystem. In 2026, the UAE will be focused on several key areas as it continues to develop its position as a top tourist and dining destination. These key areas are: Industry Expansion, Sustainability, Workforce Development, and Global Positioning.
The UAE’s collaboration with various organisations to strengthen the hospitality industry’s contribution to the broader economy demonstrates that the government is committed to supporting the hospitality sector’s contribution to the total economy through projects that will enhance dining infrastructure and encourage culinary innovation for local residents and those travelling from abroad.
The alignment of public policy in this respect will allow for greater integration of Food and Beverage (F&B) growth with the Tourism Strategy goals, thereby generating greater interest from potential global markets and enhancing the UAE’s reputation as one of the world’s leading Tourist Hubs.
The UAE has aligned its public-sector strategy with the leadership of the food and beverage (F&B) industry. This enables the F&B industry to play a dual role in the UAE, creating an opportunity to serve as both an economic driver and a representative of the UAE’s culture. In this time of increased international travel, this approach will help the UAE develop a formula for success in other markets, strike a balance between hospitality and sustainable tourism, and compete globally.
