Food delivery in the UAE is a daily convenience, but costs can add up quickly. With the right strategies, you can enjoy your favorite meals without overspending. Here at SavePlus UAE, we specialize in finding the best money-saving tips. Follow these expert hacks to get more value from your food delivery orders. 

Use Food Delivery Promo Codes 

Promo codes offer instant discounts, making your food delivery more affordable. Most UAE food apps release frequent discounts for both first-time and regular users. Using promo codes strategically can help you save a substantial amount on your orders. Websites like SavePlus UAE consistently update and list the latest discount codes. Additionally, many UAE banks and telecom providers offer exclusive promo codes for their customers.

• Talabat, Zomato, and Deliveroo frequently update promo codes, so check before ordering.
  
  
• SavePlus UAE regularly lists verified promo codes to maximize savings.
  
  
• Bank & telecom providers such as FAB and Etisalat Smiles offer customer-exclusive discounts.

Pro Tip: Always stack a promo code with a bank offer for extra savings.

Subscribe for Free Delivery Plans

For frequent food delivery users, a subscription plan can significantly cut down costs. UAE food apps have introduced cost-effective plans that eliminate delivery fees. These plans are ideal for individuals or families who order at least four times a month. Besides free delivery, some plans provide additional perks, such as discounts on meals and priority service. Assess your monthly order volume to determine if a subscription is worth it.

• Talabat Pro (AED 19/month) provides unlimited free delivery from participating restaurants.
  
  
• Deliveroo Plus (AED 29/month) removes delivery fees on orders above AED 80.
  
  
• Zomato Gold members enjoy exclusive discounts on food delivery and dine-in meals.

Pro Tip: Choose the plan that matches your order frequency for maximum savings.

Order During Off-Peak Hours

Ordering food at the right time can help you save on delivery fees and avoid long wait times. UAE food apps tend to charge higher delivery fees during peak meal hours. Late-night or mid-afternoon orders are often cheaper due to lower demand. Some restaurants even offer discounts during non-peak hours to encourage more orders. Keep an eye on special discounts available outside traditional meal times.

• Avoid peak hours (1 PM - 3 PM & 7 PM - 10 PM) when delivery charges are usually higher.
  
  
• Look for late-night deals, as many restaurants lower prices after 10 PM.
  
  
• Order breakfast and lunch before noon to take advantage of early-bird discounts.

Pro Tip: Some apps offer special discounts during non-peak hours—check before ordering.

Use Restaurant-Specific Discounts

Many UAE restaurants offer exclusive discounts when you order directly from their website or app. Third-party delivery apps charge commissions, which sometimes increase menu prices. By ordering directly, you can access restaurant-exclusive deals and lower prices. Some brands also provide loyalty rewards, accumulating into discounts on future orders. Make it a habit to compare prices between the restaurant's own app and delivery platforms before ordering.

• McDonald’s, KFC, and Pizza Hut UAE provide app-exclusive discounts that reduce total cost.
  
  
• Ordering directly from restaurant websites or apps often includes exclusive deals.
  
  
• Check brand websites for promo codes that may not be available on third-party platforms.

Pro Tip: Some brands offer loyalty rewards that accumulate into future discounts.

Look for ‘Buy One Get One Free’ Deals

BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) deals are a great way to maximize your food budget. Many UAE-based apps and banks offer BOGO promotions, making dining more affordable. These deals are perfect for ordering with family or friends. Some apps, such as the Entertainer UAE, specialize in providing exclusive BOGO offers on various restaurants. Always check your food delivery app’s promotions section for these deals.

• Entertainer UAE has premium BOGO deals on meals across different restaurants.
  
  
• Zomato Gold offers exclusive meal discounts and Buy One Get One Free deals.
  
  
• Etisalat Smiles provides BOGO offers on meals from selected premium restaurants.

Pro Tip: Use these deals when dining with a friend or ordering in bulk.

Combine Orders to Avoid Delivery Fees

Placing multiple small orders can lead to unnecessary delivery charges. Instead, combining orders can help you reach the free delivery threshold. UAE food apps often waive delivery fees if a minimum order amount is met. Bulk ordering also allows you to take advantage of combo deals, making your meals more cost-effective. Coordinate with family or friends to place joint orders.

• Share orders with family or friends to meet the minimum spend for free delivery.
  
  
• Opt for bulk meal deals, as they usually offer better value than separate meals.
  
  
• Use group ordering features on apps like Talabat and Deliveroo to streamline purchases.

Pro Tip: Pre-plan weekly meals and order in bulk to reduce extra charges.

Follow Restaurants on Social Media

Restaurants in the UAE frequently post flash sales and discount codes on their social media pages. By following your favorite eateries on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you can catch limited-time deals. Some brands even provide social media-exclusive discount codes. Checking daily posts and stories can help you unlock instant savings. Additionally, food delivery Facebook groups often share the latest active promo codes.

• Follow Instagram & Facebook pages for exclusive discounts not listed elsewhere.
  
  
• Check daily Stories, as many brands share time-sensitive discount codes.
  
  
• Join Facebook groups, where users post and exchange food promo codes regularly.

Pro Tip: Enable notifications for your favorite brands to catch flash sales.

Use Referral Programs for Free Meals

Referral programs allow you to earn free meal credits when you invite new users to a food delivery app. The more people you refer, the more rewards you earn. UAE food delivery apps like Talabat and Deliveroo offer generous referral incentives. Sharing your referral code with friends or in social media groups can help you maximize your free credits.

• Talabat gives AED 20 in credits when a referred user places their first order.
  
  
• Noon Food rewards AED 25 per successful referral to their platform.
  
  
• Deliveroo offers AED 30 in referral credits for every new user that signs up.

Pro Tip: Share referral links in WhatsApp groups to maximize rewards.

Time Orders Around UAE Festivals & Events

During UAE festivals and special events, food delivery apps introduce massive discounts. Ramadan, National Day, and the Dubai Shopping Festival bring exclusive promotions. Planning your food delivery orders around these events can help you save significantly. Look out for festive deals that include free delivery, meal discounts, and combo offers.

• Ramadan Iftar Deals provide special savings for those breaking fast.
  
  
• Dubai Shopping Festival promotions include massive food delivery discounts.
  
  
• National Day celebrations bring Buy One Get One Free offers on popular meals.

Pro Tip: Plan meals ahead during holiday promotions to stock up on discounts.

Try Local Meal Subscription Services

Meal subscription services in the UAE offer budget-friendly, pre-planned meals. These services can be a more affordable alternative to daily food deliveries. Many platforms provide customizable plans, allowing you to select healthy and cost-effective meal options. Some services even offer discounts on long-term subscriptions. Comparing meal plans can help you find the best deal for your budget and lifestyle.

• Kitopi, Kcal, and Hello Chef offer discounted meal plans with healthy options.
  
  
• Long-term subscriptions help reduce per-meal costs compared to ordering daily.
  
  
• Customizable plans allow you to pick specific meal preferences and portion sizes.

Pro Tip: Use promotional codes or refer friends to get extra discounts on meal plans.

Take Advantage of Loyalty Programs

Many food delivery platforms and restaurants in the UAE offer loyalty programs. These programs allow you to earn points on every order, which can be redeemed for discounts or free meals. By consistently ordering from the same platform, you can accumulate savings over time. Some credit card providers also offer cashback or points that can be used for food delivery.

• Talabat Rewards, Deliveroo Plus, and Zomato Gold provide loyalty-based savings.
  
  
• Bank credit cards often offer cashback on food deliveries, helping you save money.
  
  
• Accumulated points can be redeemed for discounts or even free meals on future orders.

Pro Tip: Always check if your favorite restaurants have a loyalty program for additional savings.

Conclusion

Saving on food delivery in the UAE is easier than ever with these simple yet effective strategies. By using promo codes, subscription plans, and smart ordering habits, you can cut costs significantly. Take advantage of loyalty programs and special deals to maximize savings. Start applying these hacks today and enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank!

Discover the magic of savings at SavePlus with exclusive deals, handy coupons, and professional tips. Happy shopping!

FAQ 

How can I get free delivery on food orders in the UAE?
Many apps offer free delivery with subscription plans like Talabat Pro or Deliveroo Plus. Additionally, some restaurants provide free delivery when ordering directly from their website.

Which food delivery app has the best discounts in the UAE?
Talabat, Zomato, and Deliveroo frequently offer promo codes and cashback deals. Checking SavePlus UAE ensures you get the latest discount codes for all major platforms.

Are food subscription plans worth it in the UAE?
Yes! If you order frequently, plans like Talabat Pro or Deliveroo Plus can save you money on delivery fees and offer additional meal discounts.

How can I find restaurant-exclusive deals?
Many restaurants provide app-exclusive discounts or loyalty rewards when ordering directly. Always compare prices on restaurant websites before using third-party delivery apps.

Do UAE banks offer cashback on food delivery?
Yes! Many banks like FAB, ADCB, and Emirates NBD offer cashback or rewards points on food delivery purchases. Using a bank card with discounts can help save more.