Dubai’s cosmopolitan environment makes it a welcoming home for diverse communities, including a rising Portuguese community. With around 3,000 Portuguese expats, Dubai hosts the largest Portuguese community in the region. These individuals are primarily professionals working in sectors such as technology, trade, health, and manufacturing.
Their presence highlights the city’s appeal as a hub for skilled talent. The Portuguese in Dubai contribute to the city’s multicultural fabric, blending their cultural influences into the local scene. “Portuguese in Dubai: Business, Tourism, and Restaurants” showcases the community’s impact on the city’s economy, tourism appeal and diverse culinary experience.
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Tourism:
As of the first half of 2024, visitors from Western Europe constituted around 20% from the total number of visitors, which was over 9.3 million. As per the latest data we have gathered, Portuguese visitors to Dubai during pre-pandemic times exceeded 130,000 annually. This growing tendency is expected to have grown further due to Dubai’s position as a touristic hub worldwide.
Various road shows have continued to take place to attract Portuguese visitors. For instance, the Dubai Tourism Roadshow, that took place on March 12th and 13th of this year in Lisbon has been a great success, where the Portuguese public were introduced to Dubai as a worldwide leading touristic destination,
Restaurants:
Cuisine options in Dubai are diverse, and within this diversity rises prominent Portuguese and Portuguese-style restaurants to accommodate all needs. Below are some of the popular Portuguese restaurants in Dubai.
1. Tasca by Jose Avillez
Located at the Jumeirah Beach Road, Tasca is a Mediterranean-Portuguese style restaurant by the culinary genius Jose Avillez. Tasca in Dubai is the Chef’s first international opening, which quickly earned this restaurant a Michelin-star.
Average Cost for two: 147 euros.
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2. Lana Lusa
This restaurant/bar concept is located in Jumeirah 2 and offers dishes and flavors inspired by Portuguese roots. Visitors can enjoy a nice drink at the bar, grab a table to enjoy a delicious meal or have a casual meal at the open terrace.
Average Cost for two: 100 euros.
3. Oanjo
Located at the Sheraton, Mall of the Emirates, Oanjo offers a fusion of Southern European flair mixed with delicate, oriental flavors from Portugal and Japan. Visitors can enjoy dishes of sensational flavors amidst the 360-degree panoramic views of Dubai.
Average Cost for two: 90 euros.
