Half of UAE diners drawn to BOGO deals, restaurant discounts

At least 54% have indicated they have altered dining preferences to cut costs.

Buy one, get one offers and discounts have become especially popular amongst half of diners in the UAE as cost continues to alter dining preferences according to a report by YouGov published in October.

In a survey conducted between 11 August to 2 September 2025, 50% of diners said BOGO offers would encourage them to eat out. This is followed by discounts (46%), loyalty points/rewards (34%), and birthday and anniversary rewards (29%).

This comes amidst price pressures felt by consumers in the country. Three in four diners feel that restaurant prices have risen in the last 12 months, with 54% saying they have altered dining preferences to cut expenses.

55% have said they actively seek out discounts, whilst 49% of diners are looking for cheaper restaurants.

Diners have indicated that they look at social media the most to look for discounts. This is followed by restaurant apps and word of mouth.

Meanwhile, there has also been a growing interest in loyalty programmes, with four in 10 UAE diners saying that they have used a restaurant’s loyalty programme. Three in four have indicated that they would visit a restaurant with a loyalty programme more often.