Counting the number of outlets opened in 2018 during the first half has reached an impressive 470, said the Dubai Municipality.

With More than two food outlets being opened daily in Dubai , the first six months of 2018 saw 473 new food stores/ eateries soaring the market , showing a 7 percent increase when compared to the same period as last year, said Sultan Ali Al Taher, acting director of Food Safety Department, Dubai Municipality.

He informed that the food and beverage sector is growing at a high pace in Dubai, due to the growth in urban development in the city. This has made the food industry a very attractive and lucrative investment. He further added that the total number of outlets have reached an outstanding 16,518, with most of them located in new areas of Dubai.

Furthermore the number is expected to rise significantly in the run – up to expo 2020, he added.

Last month, Dubai cut down the municipality fees from 10 percent to 7 percents on sales at local restaurants and hotels. The move was ordered by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, which is created to lower the cost of doing business in Dubai. This will promote Dubai as a favorable destination for all.

Statistics revealed the imports had the lions share with AED44.6 billion, followed by exports with AED12.6 billion and re-exports with AED12.9 billion; as per the records of Dubai customs matching that of Gulfood 2018. To add on Dubai's food trade exceeded AED70 billion ($19 billion) during the first nine months of 2017.