Dining guide Great List expands its business in Dubai, offers diners flavourful experiences

Gulf Network

Gulf Today caught up with Alexander Sysoev, Founder of Great List, to discuss the latest trends in the F&B industry and the arrival of the international dining guide in Dubai/UAE. Here are some insights into what food lovers and restaurants can expect from this culinary venture.

What key trends do you observe in Dubai’s food industry that, in your opinion, influence the preferences of both locals and tourists?

Dubai’s rapidly growing and highly competitive restaurant market is currently seeing many micro-trends that all new players should pay attention to.

First, in recent years, we’ve seen the emergence of strong local groups that have become favourites among both Emiratis and expats. These groups are now expanding their Dubai-based brands worldwide, making them well-known concepts. Supporting local businesses has long become a mark of good taste, and it’s easy and enjoyable to do so—over half of the projects listed in the GreatList.ae guide was created in the UAE.

Second, many great chefs are now opening not just branches here but entirely new or improved concepts. This generates additional interest from food enthusiasts eager to visit the city. For instance, Tasca, by Portuguese genius Jose Avilles, is consistently packed, and the chef often visits personally.

The rise of new areas like Dubai Hills, City Walk, Creek, and others provides opportunities for launching entirely new concepts that once struggled to break into the market, competing with established leaders. They are becoming true neighborhood heroes. These concepts range from coffee shops to urban cafes and even everyday bistronomy (a great example being Avatara and Duo in Dubai Hills).

At the same time, everyone is working on CRM and CJM (customer journey mapping), improving their relationships with loyal guests each season. Segmentation of the target audience, the right offers for each selected group, refining scripts and all guest touchpoints—Dubai has, in recent years, become almost the best example of a service evolution based on both warm hospitality and technology. Every guest has options—quick meals with online menu browsing or a more traditional experience.

With over 1.5 million visits to GreatList.ae, what strategies have you used to attract and retain your audience, and how do you ensure your recommendations align with their changing tastes?

The brand is the most popular among high-income audiences from CIS countries. We have formed partnerships with local players—from the super-app Tawasal to specific projects with brands.