Eat Drink Stay Dubai Newsletter 84/w21

Hi Dubai friends,

Welcome to Week 21, Edition 84

Here’s your latest edition of Dubai news, deals & tips, every Thursday, in 10 mins or less.

⚠️ Beware of ‘review slop’ in Dubai

🌞 Summer is coming

✈️ Business Class to Dubai & Asia on Gulf Air for £1,300+

⭐️ Dubai now has two MICHELIN 3 star restaurants

🕵️ DIFC - a cool place for dining and drinks

PS. You can always email me here also.

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ONE BIG DUBAI TIP

Beware the Perils of Deceptive Dubai 'Reviews'

Due diligence is important when you’re researching in Dubai, as the ‘reviews’ you may read may be ‘gamed’.

I wrote this article on Medium almost eight years ago, and it still holds true today as Dubai has more than its fair share of ‘review slop’.

To add to one of Ronald Reagan’s famous quotes, you should “not trust, but verify”. Just as you would when digging into the details of that maybe-too-good-to-be ‘true’ deal, step back and read reviews with some of the below in mind.

Platform

Not all platforms are equal, and some are more ‘gameable’ than others. Google Maps and TripAdvisor for instance, often don’t require a poster to be a paying customer to submit content.

Whilst TripAdvisor has rules, they’re often not enforced. One Dubai hotel a few years back had several reviews when it was still not even soft opened, all clearly by employees, yet despite complaints via TA’s system, they stayed up.

Environment

There’s a ‘cottage industry’ in Dubai for two paths that can lead to ‘review slop’:-

1. bulk, cheap, Fiverr-style gigs for fake accounts posting-en-masse.

2. ‘stay for praise’ blogger (blagger?) types, usually via ‘invites’ or media events.

Motivation

Even though folk in Marketing roles for hospitality businesses likely know Influencers don’t always provide a Return on Investment (ROI) or are even using ratty data to boost vanity metrics, many may still indulge in the ‘game’ because it’s either the ‘done thing’ or because it’s cheap to free.

Additionally, cutbacks to in-house media teams (writers, videographers, social media etc.) often means review-gaming just becomes another content strategy that’s effectively outsourced.

Knowledge

Is that person doing the review knowledgeable enough to judge Fine Dining, or it is just because they can go on ChatGPT to write AI blurbs and buzzwords, or shoot some snazzy video?

Realistic

Is it realistic to think that anyone on an pre-arranged invite or media trip/event will experience the visit in the same way that an anonymous, paying customer who just rocks up would do?

Disclosure

As social media gets gamed, there’s more pushback these days for disclosure (i.e. ASA and other bodies now taking action against influencers who don’t disclose ads). If you’re reading what is effectively an advertisement, it should say so.

Most ‘reviews’ won’t disclose, either because there isn’t a will to do so (because it could kill the Golden Goose) or because the platform allows ads to pass as reviews.

Feedback

Is that review full of glowing praise, or do they call out the negatives also? What you may find in some of the ‘reviews’ on social media and websites by bloggers is they will often throw in something such as they spoke with management about some issues - but why not tell the reader what those issues were? Don’t they deserve to know?

Step back and have a read and see if the review flows, and think about what it is trying to tell you? Is it full of marketing fluff and sexy copy, is it an advertisement in disguise, is it engagement or clickbait, or is just ‘content’ to add weight to some algorithm?

The oft-cited Dubai ‘law’

Blaggers often fall back on the trope that they can’t criticise or post anything remotely negative because of Dubai’s cyber laws. Honestly, that’s nonsense - at least in this instance.

Yes, the laws in Dubai about criticism and online posts are strong, and definitely not worth falling foul of off, but that shouldn’t restrict a fair, objective and balanced post especially by a trusted, authoritative source.

After all, if it’s demonstrably true and with evidence, and one can show the correct motivations (which is effectively what the essence of the whole ‘fakery’ in reviews boils down to) there should be no issue in posting a truthful, constructive criticism in a review.

Buzzwords

There’s a school of thought that when someone adds “to be honest” in a conversation, it’s actually an indicator they may be doing the opposite.

Remember this when you see a headline for a review calling it an “honest” review; if it truly is honest, they shouldn’t have to be telling you it is, should they? And whoever posts a headline with the term “dishonest”?

Just like when influencers say a venue is their ‘favourite’; what it really means is, for the duration of that content publication, until their next media invite/event.

Show, don’t tell, as the saying goes.

Tips for Avoiding ‘Review Slop’

Think like an actor

It’s a bit of a cliche, but actors are reputed to consider “what’s my motivation” when preparing - and when you read a review, think what their motivation is/was for them writing it.

It could be for instance, that it’s some sort of barter agreement whereby a PR or venue may get a ‘review’ in return for a freebie, a meal or something else.

It could be they’re a bit giddy, and honestly had a wonderful experience and just want to share it, for positive reasons.

It could also be a bad faith or highly-motivated act, either as part of a wider disgruntlement or for excessive praise. Often in these instances, the review is even less objective and the truth of the matter is somewhere less dramatic. This is often seen when the fault lies with the guest/customer, because it’s easier to blame others than to be honest, fair and reflective with personal responsibility.

Timing

Rather than look at one review, step back and see if there are of a flurry of reviews around the same time. This may indicate it’s from either a media event, eg a launch, and they’re all posting after-action ‘reviews. Or it could be a campaign, led by one person on a ‘gig’ with several accounts/profiles; these are often done at the weekend in Dubai as a ‘side hustle’.

Profile

Look at the bio or profile of the poster. Are they newish, with low counts? Do they often post similar-sounding reviews of different places? Do they often post glowing, or critical reviews?

Call Outs

This isn’t always a sign of a spurious reviews, but call outs including staff members names is often a sign of an underlying motivation. For example, I stayed in a hotel recently and almost every member of staff gave a card with a QR code and their name on it, and if their name was mentioned in the Google review they would get a small cash bonus.

In a way, this is an extension of the industry as a whole, as they chase ‘user generated content’ and to be seen in places like Google, Trip Advisor etc. It’s also a bit of a dirty secret that some establishments use this a performance metric in terms of salary and/or bonuses, not as an incentive but that employees must be publicly noticed in reviews otherwise they’re considered as not giving good service. It makes no allowance that some folk just don’t leave reviews, or are tired of the constant nagging for feedback.

Responses

Platforms like Google allow the owner/manager to respond, and whilst this may seem nice or good mannered, it’s sometimes to do with trying to game engagement. Check out the responses, as they’re often boilerplate or meaningless, and often will say things like “we hope to see you again” when a poster has stated they’ll never return. They seem to think the more they post/respond, the reviews will gain more traction and may bubble up to the top of views.

If a venue, manager or owner really wants to make things right with a customer, they should contact them directly and confidentially, not posting over social media and platforms.

Sometimes venues deserve a right to response though, especially when a review is not objective or fair. You can often tell if it’s a stock response or something that’s been written fresh each time.

Paying Customer, or not?

I would generally advise, especially if it’s a hotel, to check the hotel’s direct, official site for reviews first and foremost. Chains such as Marriott will post survey requests to paying customers, so at least there’s a bit more trust that a review listed on Marriott about a hotel is from a paying customer, rather than a freeloading ligger.

Ignore the outliers

If a review system allows five stars ignore the outliers and focus on 2, 3 or 4 starred. One star is often someone disgruntled, and occasionally someone who may be chasing clicks or attention as they didn’t address the ‘issue’ at the time, and a five star is often too glowing or praiseworthy. Whereas those that post between two and four star often will have a more balanced and measured approach, and often not just gripe or glow excessively

Conclusion

To be clear, not all reviews are dodgy. But in Dubai, there is review gaming going on, and especially given there’s a disproportionate amount of influencers, PRs, marketers etc and because the industry may seem to tacitly allow it. Even with greater calls for disclosure and responsibility, whilst there’s a benefit to doing it, it will likely continue.

The main thing to bear in mind is how to deal with it, and hopefully the above will go some way to helping that.

DUBAI NEWS

Summer Starts on 21 June in Dubai

It’s official. As 21 June is the summer solstice in Dubai, it will be both the longest day of the year and the official start of the summer. As that article indicates, temperatures tend to rise by 2 to 3 degrees in June and bring high humidity levels, especially close to the coast.

Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2025 will run from 27 June through to 31 August, and will be split into three themed shopping ‘windows’:-

1. Summer Holiday Offers (27 June to 17 July)

2. Great Dubai Summer Sale (18 July to 10 August)

3. Back to School (11-31 August)

Summer Restaurant Week runs from 04 to 12 July. Hotels and attractions will also offer promotions and discounts, and there will also be entertainment and events ongoing.

Global Village welcomed over 10.5 million visitors this season.

One of my Top 3 comedians, Jim Jefferies, will be performing this Saturday when he brings his Son of a Carpenter tour to Coca Cola Arena. He’s toned down a bit over the years (he used to say he’d never visit Dubai/UAE because his material was too OTT!) but he’s still a very funny, natural guy.

What’s On have a nice interview with him here.

McGettigans are bringing Madness to Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on 22 November.

FLIGHT DEALS

Business Class to Dubai & Asia From £1,286

Skip at Luxury Flight Club posted a great deal this week, for Gulf Air Business Class. It’s an email-centric deals alert service, and whilst you can get a free weekly deal by email there is also a paid service with more deals available.

This alert offers good availability to a range of destinations including Dubai (DXB), Singapore (SIN) and Bangkok (BKK) and rates around 1,300-2,100 Euros, it could be worth considering.

Whilst it’s possible to search around on Google Flights and likely find similar deals, the advantage with these type of services is they often offer click-through links to take you directly to the lowest fares/date combinations.

FOOD & DRINK

Last Three Days for Dubai Restaurant Week

Gentle reminder: Dubai Restaurant Week runs until 25 May, so be quick if you’re looking to bag a great dining deal, such as a two course set lunch for 125 AED or three course dinner for 250 AED at Ariana’s Persian Kitchen or four other restaurants at Atlantis The Royal.

If you were a fan of the old Folly at Madinat Jumeirah, be sure to check out their latest incarnation, Folly Brasserie, at Address Montgomerie Hotel, Emirates Hills.

Congratulations to FZN by Bjorn Franzen and Tresind Studio, both earning the first Three MICHELIN stars since the guide launched in Dubai back in 2022

If you’re ever looking for an authentic Dubai experience that doesn’t break the bank (and isn’t an abra ride), how about a cup of karak chai (tea)?

Whilst Arabian Tea House is often the default choice, be sure to check out Project Chaiwala out also as they have a few locations around Dubai.

Dubai International Finance Centre/Centre (DIFC for short) is somewhat of a hidden treasure for dining and drinks. It’s a bit more sedate and less touristy than Downtown or Marina, yet still a great spot to hangout with some nice bars, lounges and restaurants around.

Cipriani, Carnival by Tresind, Hutong, Josette, La Cantine du Faubourg - the list goes on, and many are on the deals apps and promotions too.

Brewdog will officially open on Friday, 23 May, at Bluewaters. The Scottish brand are hoping will be their first of eight bars they plan on opening in Dubai.

If more budget dining is your bag, check out these 32 ‘best’ budget restaurants, including the terrific 3 Fils, Al Ustad Special Kabab, Jailbird and the incomparable Ravis.

Even though there’s no Fountain show at present, if you’re ever heading to Downtown or Dubai Mall, be sure to check out Time Out Market Dubai. It’s on the upper floor above Souk al Bahar, and offers some of Dubai’s best ‘pop up’ dining around a food court concept.

From time to time they run special events, such as this Editor’s Table Experience via Mastercard Priceless.

If ever you’re short on time in Dubai, or looking to maximise your visit, how about combining a high-level (in terms of altitude!) restaurant that offers terrific food with smashing views?

Whilst there are so many to pick from in Dubai, Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant is unique (the only of its type in Dubai) and is on Entertainer for two for one, Main Course or brunch. Ce La Vi tends to get the blingy types and is somewhat of a ‘go to’ for Downtown snaps for the ‘gram.

I’d tip Sushisamba and Tapasake for something different, either location or architecture respectively, and I’d always say Marriott Harbour Hotel’s Observatory for Marina views (especially with their new ladies night and brunch at Observatory Lounge). If you like steak, try out Prime 68 at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai or Prime 52 at Observatory also.

KNOW MORE ABOUT DUBAI

RTA Plans More Bus/Taxi Lanes to Improve Efficiency

Dubai’s public bus network now covers over 88% of the city’s urban areas, and transported 188 million riders last year. Each day over 500,000 riders complete 11,000 trips daily.

As part of RTA’s ongoing improvements, there will be six new dedicated bus and taxi lanes, which will bring the total to 20 kilometres, saving up to 41% on journey durations.

I love looking at older pictures of Dubai to reflect on the rapid pace of development, and these 22 pictures go back to the 50s.

Here’s a great Instagram profile to follow, Dubai History, if you like this sort of stuff.

Talking of Dubai’s history and heritage, here are seven cultural spots worth checking out.

There’s far more to Old Dubai other than souks, Al Seef and cheap abra rides across the Creek.

For example, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (previously known as Al Bastakiya) includes Dubai Museum, Arabian Tea House and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding.

There’s a new public health law in place related to infectious diseases, which visitors should be aware of as there are severe penalties for non-compliance.

DUBAI DEALS

6,000 DTC Taxis Now on Bolt. 30% Discount First 3 Rides

Bolt recently launched in Dubai as another ride-hailing platform/app, offering Bolt Rides and airport transfers.

They have expanded their collaboration with Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) to now provide access to 6,000 taxis, including People of Determination taxis, Ladies taxis and Family taxis.

To celebrate, Bolt are offering 30% discount on the first three rides.