Dubai, September 2, 2025 – Ordering food online in Dubai is about to get clearer and fairer. The emirate has rolled out strict new guidelines for food delivery platforms, targeting hidden charges and vague pricing practices to protect consumers and boost trust in the fast-growing online delivery market.
Clear Pricing Rules for All Platforms
The new framework, issued by the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT) under Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), requires all online food delivery companies to fully disclose delivery fees, service charges, commissions, and taxes before checkout.
The rules apply across websites, mobile apps, and tablet versions on both iOS and Android, ensuring transparency regardless of how customers order.
According to the guidelines, platforms must:
- Use plain, simple, and easily understood language
- Clearly display all charges in a noticeable way
- Provide detailed breakdowns of food cost, delivery fees (including location-based variations), service/convenience charges, and applicable taxes
- Avoid hiding or omitting information that could influence a customer’s choice
Any fee added after payment, or changes made without notice, will be deemed inconsistent with the guidelines.
No More Misleading ‘Exclusives’
The framework also tackles misleading marketing practices. If a platform labels a deal as “exclusive,” it must be factually accurate and clearly state whether the offer is available only through that platform and not elsewhere. Vague or ambiguous language is strictly prohibited.
Subscription Models Under Scrutiny
For platforms offering subscription-based delivery models, the guidelines forbid passing hidden costs onto restaurants through inflated commissions, bundled charges, or disguised delivery fees. Instead, platforms must ensure that benefits offered to customers are transparent and not at the expense of food businesses.
Boosting Confidence in Dubai’s Food Sector
“The online food delivery sector has witnessed robust growth in recent years, and we recognise the vital role delivery platforms play in contributing to the overall growth and innovation of Dubai’s food and hospitality sector,” said Ahmad Ali Moosa, Director of Fair Trade & Business Protection at DCCPFT.
Officials said the new transparency rules are designed not only to protect consumers but also to raise industry standards, making Dubai an even more attractive destination for investment in the food delivery and hospitality ecosystem.
With hidden delivery charges now outlawed, Dubai aims to set a new benchmark for transparency in online food delivery pricing. For consumers, it means peace of mind when ordering their next meal. For businesses, it signals a push towards fairness and trust in a rapidly expanding sector.
