Dubai has introduced strict new rules for food delivery apps, aimed at protecting restaurants, ensuring consumer transparency, and preventing unfair practices in the fast-growing sector. The updated guidelines set clear limits on commissions, contracts, and promotions, giving more power to restaurants while improving fairness across platforms.
Dubai, UAE : As online food delivery continues to flourish across the emirate, regulators have moved swiftly to balance growth with fairness, consumer protection, and healthy competition. The Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT) has launched new guidelines aimed at curbing unfair practices and bringing clarity to commission structures, contracts, and platform behavior.
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Designed under Circular No. 2 of 2025, in alignment with Dubai Law No. 5 of 2023, the guidelines introduce a multi-faceted regulatory structure to redress imbalances and improve transparency across food delivery platforms. They address long-standing concerns from restaurants, consumers, and delivery services.
1. Fair Contracts & Advance Notice
Platforms must now present clear, easily accessible terms and conditions. Crucially, any contractual changes require a 30-day advance notice, allowing restaurants to exit the agreement if they disagree with new conditions.
2. Transparent Data Sharing
Restaurants must have fair access to anonymized but meaningful order and sales data. Platforms are also required to explain how they rank or promote listings, ensuring visibility decisions are transparent.
3. Clear Fees & Commissions
Every month, platforms must issue itemized statements detailing gross sales, commission charges, refunds, and deductions. Optional fees for advertising or promotions must be clearly identified and explained, not bundled into vague “service fees.”
4. Platform Neutrality
Platforms are prohibited from giving unfair advantages to affiliated restaurants. Promotion and visibility features must be applied fairly to all partner establishments.
5. Cancellation & Delivery Accountability
Rules clarify liability in cases of order cancellations, late deliveries, packaging errors, or other service failures. Restaurants cannot be penalized for lapses beyond their control—such as courier delays or technical glitches.
6. Transparent Subscription Models
Subscription services that offer perks like free delivery must not shift hidden costs onto restaurants via inflated commissions or undisclosed surcharges.
7. Combatting Anti-Competitive Tactics
The guidelines specifically prohibit exclusivity agreements and predatory pricing schemes that stifle fair competition.
DCCPFT’s guidelines reflect years of consultation with stakeholders across the food service and technology industries. Enforcement will focus on compliance monitoring, consumer complaints, and dispute resolution. Platforms that fall short risk warnings, fines, or even suspension of operations.
These regulations also align with broader initiatives like the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which emphasizes sustainable growth and elevated consumer trust in digital services.
Dubai’s new regulatory framework for food delivery apps signals a major shift in how the ecosystem operates—prioritizing fairness, accountability, and clarity. By mandating transparent contracts, equitable commission structures, accessible data, and clear liability guidelines, the city aims to make the service safer and more just for operators and users alike.
This initiative is not just about regulation—it’s about building a trustworthy, tech-driven food delivery ecosystem that reflects Dubai’s leadership in innovation, consumer protection, and inclusive economic growth.
