Fresh Guidelines Target Hidden Costs on Food Apps in Dubai

Fresh regulations have been introduced for online food delivery platforms in Dubai to improve transparency and protect consumers. Announced by the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade, the rules require platforms to display a clear breakdown of all charges - including food costs, delivery fees, service charges and VAT - before payment. Any undisclosed fees will be considered hidden, with consumers entitled to refunds within seven working days.

The framework also mandates clearer language around pricing and ranking systems, especially when commercial agreements influence restaurant placement. Tipping must go entirely to delivery drivers, and platforms are prohibited from sharing personal data without explicit consent.