Dubai is a culinary powerhouse. A city where ambitious food entrepreneurs thrive, where luxury meets innovation, and where the restaurant industry is as dynamic as its skyline. But breaking into this market requires more than just a great concept – it demands capital, connections, and strategic backing.

The right investor doesn’t just bring funding. They bring market insight, local expertise, and often, a network that can accelerate growth. Whether you’re launching a fine-dining restaurant in DIFC, a vibrant café in Jumeirah, or a scalable casual-dining concept in Business Bay, finding the right investment partner is critical.

Dubai’s Expanding F&B Market

Dubai’s restaurant industry is growing at an exceptional pace. With a projected CAGR of 6.8%, the UAE’s food and beverage sector is expected to surpass $37 billion by 2025. The city’s status as a tourism and business hub fuels constant demand for new dining experiences, creating opportunities for restaurants across all segments – from high-end to fast-casual.

Real estate developments in Dubai Creek Harbour, JLT, and Al Quoz are opening doors for new F&B concepts, while established districts like Downtown Dubai and Palm Jumeirah continue to attract luxury dining investors. But with competition at an all-time high, investors are looking for well-structured deals with clear exit strategies.

Dubai-Based Restaurant and Café Investors

Below is a list of investors actively involved in Dubai’s restaurant and café scene. Each brings a unique approach, whether through equity investment, strategic partnerships, or franchise development.

• Kjøller – A UAE-based investment firm with a sharp focus on structured deals and cash flow-positive investments. Known for co-investing with clear return mechanisms.
• Al Habtoor Investment – A powerhouse with strong hospitality and F&B investments.
• Majid Al Futtaim Ventures – Backers of premium restaurant franchises and emerging food brands.
• Shamal Holding – Focuses on luxury hospitality investments, including high-end dining experiences.
• AWJ Investments – The force behind brands like Operation: Falafel and Catch22.
• Alshaya Group – A leading investor in restaurant franchises and new concept rollouts.
• Jumeirah Group Investments – Specialises in luxury hospitality and F&B ventures.
• Ennismore Middle East – Invests in boutique hospitality concepts, including restaurants and cafés.
• Sunset Hospitality Group – Known for high-energy F&B and lifestyle investments.
• The First Group – A real estate and hospitality investment firm with a strong F&B division.
• Gastronomica – A Kuwait-based group with a significant presence in Dubai’s restaurant industry.
• Pragma Group – Investors in nightlife-driven and fine-dining concepts.
• Arenco Group – Focuses on hospitality, restaurants, and F&B retail investments.
• Seven Management – The group behind some of the region’s most popular dining and nightlife brands.
• BinHendi Enterprises – One of Dubai’s most established F&B and lifestyle investment firms.
• Al Rostamani Group – Invests in upscale restaurant franchises and dining concepts.
• The Restaurant Investment Group – Specialises in high-growth casual and fine-dining opportunities.
• Kitopi Ventures – Experts in cloud kitchens and scalable F&B models.
• Beehive UAE – A crowdfunding network with investors open to F&B investments.
• Mohammed Bin Rashid Fund for SMEs – Supports local entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry.

Structuring Your Investment Deal

Investors in Dubai’s restaurant scene are strategic. Many prefer structured deals that ensure a return on investment through revenue-sharing models, franchising, or secured debt financing. Some offer hybrid agreements where equity stakes are combined with performance-based payouts. If you’re new to structuring deals, check out DealStructuring.com for expert guidance on crafting investment agreements that attract serious backers.

Final Thoughts

Dubai’s restaurant industry is thriving, but competition is fierce. Securing the right investor can make or break your concept. Whether you’re seeking expansion capital or a strategic partnership, aligning with an investor who understands the market is crucial. Start your outreach, pitch smartly, and position your business for long-term success.