Dubai has taken an essential step to protect consumers and establish consumer trust in the digital economy. The Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) recently issued new, clear online pricing guidelines for food delivery platforms that require fees and commissions to be disclosed at the time. The guidelines address growing consumer complaints concerning unexpected additional charges that typically show up at the end of a food delivery order.
The new policy addresses the concern that every consumer will know the exact price they are paying before confirming the order. Whether it is the delivery fees, service charges, or commissions, the consumer will be aware of all the fees. This new policy will strengthen consumer rights and elevate e-commerce standards in the UAE.
For details, you can check the official DET announcement here.
No More Hidden Food Delivery Fees in Dubai
One of the most impressive provisions of the announced regulations is the end of secret food delivery fees, and not just special fees, just fees! Customers have been reporting that when they place an order online, they are surprised by additional fees shown after they place their order. Many of these unclear charges not only create frustration for users, but also detriment user trust in the digital platform. 
With the new regulations, all online delivery platforms must:
– Provide the final prices upfront before checkout on the platform.
– Show delivery fees, commissions and service charges upfront.
– Not offer any misleading or vague pricing.
The reasons for having these regulations are to protectcustomers from unfair practices and improve customer perception of a business that abides by regulations. For restaurants and aggregators, it is a chance to build consumer trust by being upfront about what the customer ultimately pays.
Effect of Dubai's Clear Online Pricing Rules in businesses
These clear online pricing rules will not only benefit customers but also encourage businesses to operate with more accountability, too. Food delivery firms will be changing their apps and sites to adhere to the new guidelines. While this might mean some extra work for food delivery companies, the benefits of change will be significant in the future.
- Businesses that follow the above guidelines will reap the rewards:
- Higher customer loyalty due to fair and transparent practices
- Lower levels of customer complaints and disputes
- Enhanced reputation in the competitive market for food delivery in Dubai
At the same time, restaurateurs working with delivery platforms would also have clearer insight into commissions and fees, allowing them to have better transparency for their financial situation.The new policy ensures that every customer will know the exact amount they are paying before confirming an order. Whether it’s delivery fees, service charges, or commissions, everything must be displayed clearly. This move strengthens consumer rights and sets higher standards for e-commerce in the UAE.
Why Clear Online Pricing Matters for the Future
Dubai has always been a leader in innovation and customer-focused regulation. Clear online pricing, enforced by Dubai, demonstrates fairness for both digital transactors and sets an example for other markets to follow.
The benefits will not be limited to food delivery—instead, these rules will show us just how transparency can build a healthier foundation for consumer trust across all sectors. For consumers, this means freedom from worry; for businesses, it means being able to grow in a fair manner.
Final Thoughts
Dubai DET’s decision to mandate transparency in online pricing and prohibit secret food delivery charges is a success for both the customer and the business, as customers at home get peace of mind and businesses can create more trust and loyalty. This is an example of how online policies should be regulated for digital businesses in the UAE.
