Online food delivery in Dubai has become part of daily life. With just a tap, residents and tourists alike can get everything from shawarma to sushi delivered in minutes.
But with the industry booming (set to exceed AED 5 billion in 2025), the government decided it was time to bring in clearer rules.
As of September 2025, the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT) has rolled out new guidelines for online food delivery platforms, formalized under Circular No. 2 of 2025 and aligned with Dubai Law No. 5 of 2023.
These rules focus on fairness, transparency, and consumer protection, making sure restaurants, customers, and even delivery riders benefit from a healthier, more balanced system.
So, what exactly has changed for online food delivery in Dubai?
Let’s break it down.
1. Clearer Terms & Restaurant Rights
One of the most important updates for online food delivery in Dubai is around terms and conditions. Food delivery apps can no longer change their terms overnight.
They must now provide a 30-day notice before making changes that affect restaurants or customers.
Even better, restaurants now have the right to terminate contracts if they don’t agree with the new terms. This stops online food delivery platforms from pushing through sudden changes that only benefit the app.
2. Fair Visibility for All Restaurants
If you’ve ever wondered why certain restaurants always pop up first when you open your delivery app, you’re not alone. The new rules require platforms to be transparent about ranking and promotions.
No more mystery algorithms. Every restaurant; whether it’s a global chain or a small family-owned kitchen, should get a fair shot at visibility.
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3. Transparent Commissions & Fees
Commission rates have always been a sore point between restaurants and platforms. The guidelines for online food delivery now demand clear monthly statements with itemized details on:
- Sales
- Commissions
- Refunds
- Deductions
Plus, advertising and promotional fees must be optional and cannot be hidden in contracts. Restaurants can now clearly see what they’re paying for, and decide if promotions are worth it.
4. No Preferential Treatment for Platforms
Online food delivery platforms can no longer secretly prioritize their own kitchens or affiliated restaurants unless they provide a clear, justified reason.
This prevents unfair competition and ensures customers get results based on relevance, not bias.
5. Protecting Restaurants & Customers from Delivery Issues
If a third-party delivery partner delays an order or a platform suffers a system failure, restaurants won’t be blamed or penalized. Similarly, customers won’t pay extra charges because of delays that aren’t their fault.
This shifts accountability back to the platforms, where it belongs.
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6. No Hidden or Retroactive Charges
The new online food delivery guidelines in Dubai also put an end to hidden fees and retroactive charges. What you see in your agreement is what you pay.
This makes pricing more predictable for restaurants and helps customers build trust in the system.
7. Access to Non-Personal Data
Restaurants now get access to non-personal customer data, like order history and sales reports. This helps them understand demand patterns, improve menus, and make better business decisions; all without compromising customer privacy.
8. Cracking Down on Anti-Competitive Practices
Exclusivity agreements and predatory pricing, where big players undercut smaller restaurants just to dominate, are now on the radar.
The rules make sure small and independent businesses get a fair chance to thrive in Dubai’s competitive food delivery market.
Why These New Online Food Delivery Guidelines Matter
The UAE government is aiming for:
- A level playing field: Independent restaurants get more protection against aggressive practices.
- Stronger consumer rights: Clearer pricing, fewer hidden fees, and better accountability.
- Fair treatment of delivery personnel: Less pressure from unfair practices.
- Long-term trust: Customers will feel more confident ordering online, fueling sustainable growth.
With online food delivery in the UAE growing at record speed, these rules are designed to keep innovation alive while making sure no group (restaurants, riders, or consumers) gets left behind.
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Wrap Up
Dubai’s new online food delivery guidelines aren’t just about regulation but they’re about balance. By focusing on fairness, transparency, and consumer protection, the city is setting a benchmark for how tech-driven industries should evolve.
So, whether you’re a foodie scrolling through Talabat, a small restaurant owner signing up on Deliveroo, or just someone who wants their shawarma to arrive on time; these rules are here to make the process smoother, fairer, and more trustworthy.
And in a city where dining is both a lifestyle and an experience, that’s definitely a win for everyone.
