In an exciting new initiative titled “دبي على خريطتك: أهل المدينة يقيّمون أسرار مذاقاتها على «غوغل»,” the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, in collaboration with Google, aims to support the local food and restaurant sector throughout the emirate. This project invites local guides to share their favorite dining spots, fostering community engagement and enhancing the visibility of these establishments on digital platforms.
The Launch of the Initiative
Recently unveiled at the Union Museum, this initiative has garnered attention from key stakeholders, including Ahmed Al-Roum Al-Mahiri, Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development. The initiative encourages local volunteers, known as local guides, to contribute their reviews on Google Maps, showcasing their top restaurant and cafe picks in Dubai. Following the initial sharing, an open public voting system will promote interest in these destinations, helping to boost local businesses.
A Community-Driven Approach
The “دبي على خريطتك” initiative is part of the “من دبي، ولأجل دبي” campaign, a community program launched by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism to uplift individuals, businesses, and ideas that shape daily life in the city. This campaign encourages residents and visitors, along with content creators, to explore and support local enterprises. By integrating various support efforts under a shared vision, the initiative promotes local products and companies while sharing inspiring stories behind beloved projects, ultimately building a more interconnected local economy.
Empowering Local Guides
The initiative empowers local guides in Dubai to build curated lists categorized by specific attributes directly on Google Maps, highlighting culinary secrets unique to the city. These guides act as explorers within Google Maps, contributing reviews, photos, and answers related to various locations. Their insights assist millions worldwide in discovering new experiences, reinforcing the value of community storytelling and local expertise.
Reactions from Key Stakeholders
Ahead of the launch, Ahmed Al-Roum Al-Mahiri highlighted the initiative’s significance, saying, “This project reflects one of Dubai’s core strengths, driven by the diversity of its experiences, residents, and cultural backgrounds. Through the ‘من دبي، ولأجل دبي’ campaign and our partnership with Google, we continue Dubai’s commitment to community-driven storytelling.” His remarks emphasized the initiative’s role in showcasing Dubai’s unique offerings through digital discovery and community engagement, fostering new economic value for local businesses.
Anthony Naqqash, Google’s General Manager for the Middle East and North Africa, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The ‘دبي على خريطتك’ initiative empowers local Google guides to turn their authentic knowledge of the city into a significant community movement. We aim to support the small and local food and beverage sector by providing the digital tools necessary to maintain their competitive edge and reach new audiences.”
Voting and Community Engagement
Everyone can explore 11 curated lists from these experts on the official campaign website, MapyourDubai.com. Visitors can directly engage with these lists via their personal Google Maps accounts and vote for their favorite culinary selections. Voting will open on the 22nd of this month and will continue until the 6th of July. The local guides that receive the most support will be celebrated through the initiative’s official social media channels.
In the words of Anthony Naqqash: “The initiative enables local Google guides to transform their true knowledge of the city into an impactful community movement.” Ahmed Al-Mahiri further noted: “This initiative builds on previous collaborations with Google, aimed at highlighting Dubai’s unique experiences and offerings.”