Last Tuesday, I was sitting in a quiet bistro near Jumeirah Beach Road, watching the lunch rush—or rather, the lack of one.

Opening a restaurant in Dubai or Riyadh right now feels a bit like trying to board a moving train. The pace is incredible, the competition is world-class, and the stakes are high.

The following food and beverage consultants operate out of the United Arab Emirates but may have operations in other parts of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Last spring, I was wandering around DIFC in Dubai, just killing time and grabbing a coffee. The sun was warm, people were chatting, heels clicking. Some restaurants nearby were packed, full of energy.

Creating a contemporary restaurant brand is about more than just a great idea. This requires strategy, creativity and execution.

In the competitive food and beverage industry, great service is just as important as great food. Many restaurants now invest in guest experience consulting Dubai to understand customer expectations and create smooth, memorable dining experiences.

Branding is more than choosing a logo or colour. It includes storytelling, visual identity, menu style, guest journey, and overall personality. Services like restaurant brand development help owners build a restaurant that feels unique and recognisable.