Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Ordering food online in Dubai may soon be a lot less confusing—and a lot fairer. New rules from the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT) aim to make online food delivery safer, more transparent, and more predictable for both customers and restaurants. For UAE residents, this means fewer surprises when you hit “checkout.” Delivery fees, service charges, and promotional costs now must be clearly displayed on food delivery apps. That “free delivery” deal you’ve seen? You can rest assured it won’t come with hidden charges elsewhere. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, ordering family dinner, or trying a new restaurant, these rules make food delivery in Dubai more predictable, trustworthy, and convenient.

What it means for your next order

• Clear pricing upfront: You’ll know exactly what each order costs before confirming. • Fewer hidden charges: Subscription programs and promotions cannot unfairly increase the total cost. • Better handling of problems: Late, canceled, or incorrect orders now come with clear accountability so you’re not left in the middle. • Transparency on restaurant listings: Apps must explain how restaurants are ranked or promoted, giving you more clarity on why certain options appear first.

How the rules help restaurants

The regulations are not just for customers—they also protect restaurants. Businesses now have clear access to order data, transparent fee structures, and contracts that cannot be changed overnight without notice. This enables restaurants to plan better, price more accurately, and provide improved service for customers. “The new rules level the playing field,” said a Dubai-based restaurant owner. “We can now trust that platforms won’t impose hidden charges or force unfair agreements. That ultimately benefits the customer because we can focus on serving them well.” Dubai’s online food delivery sector has grown rapidly, but this expansion came with challenges, including hidden fees, unclear promotions, and inconsistent accountability. The new rules aim to protect consumers, support restaurants, and create a more transparent ecosystem. The result? Fewer surprises on your bill, faster resolutions when things go wrong, and a more reliable food delivery experience.

What the new rules cover

1. Fair contracts and transparency - Platforms must provide clear, accessible terms and conditions. - Any changes require a 30-day notice. - Restaurants can terminate contracts if they disagree with new terms. 2. Data access and transparency - Restaurants must have fair access to non-personal customer data, like order history and sales reports. - Platforms must disclose how listings are ranked or promoted. 3. Fees and commissions - Commission structures must be transparent, with monthly itemized statements. - Advertising or promotional fees must be optional and clearly disclosed. 4. Platform neutrality - Platforms cannot prioritize their own services or affiliates without justification. - Visibility and promotions must be applied fairly to all restaurants. 5. Order cancellations and delivery issues - Platforms must define liability for cancellations, delays, packaging errors, or delivery failures. - Restaurants are not held responsible for factors beyond their control, including system failures or third-party logistics delays. 6. Subscription and pricing models - Costs of customer subscription programs (like free or discounted delivery) cannot be unfairly passed on to restaurants. - Hidden or retroactive charges are strictly prohibited. 7. Anti-competitive practices - Rules target exclusivity arrangements, misuse of market dominance, and arbitrary pricing practices. For UAE residents, the takeaway is simple: clearer prices, transparent options, and better accountability from both apps and restaurants. Your next food order is now safer, fairer, and more predictable. ICA/Expat Media
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