Frequently Asked Questions
Answers about the platform, suppliers, venue owners, and opportunities, grouped by topic.
What is HorecaLinks?
An integrated Emirati platform for the hospitality sector: Suppliers, Opportunities, Jobs and Practical Expertise. Our role is strictly as an introductory intermediary only — there are no fees or commissions within the platform except in certain cases, such as packages and premium subscriptions for featured visibility among advertisers.
Is the platform available in Arabic and English?
Yes. The platform is fully bilingual (Arabic RTL / English LTR) with easy language switching at any time.
How does a supplier join?
A supplier creates an account with company details, logo, short description, WhatsApp link, products/services list, category, and the emirates they serve. After admin approval, their public page appears in the directory.
Is there a paid subscription for suppliers?
The MVP focuses on the directory and contact flow. Paid subscriptions for extra features (such as higher search ranking) are architected for a later phase.
Is the platform free for restaurant owners?
Yes. Browsing, search, filters, and WhatsApp contact are completely free for restaurant, café, and hotel owners and managers. An account is optional for saving preferences.
How do I find a supplier?
Search by company name or by service/product type, filter by emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah… or all emirates), open the supplier page, and tap Contact via WhatsApp.
Why WhatsApp-only contact?
Because we are an introductory intermediary platform only - our role ends at connecting both parties, and all agreements and negotiations are done directly between you outside the platform with full freedom. We chose WhatsApp as the primary contact channel for three reasons that serve you first: 1. Documentation and safety for you: The WhatsApp conversation remains documented between both parties, protecting you in case of any disagreement, unlike phone calls which leave no record. 2. Speed and direct access: It connects you directly with the decision-maker without intermediaries or waiting. 3. Protection from spam: It reduces random calls and keeps communication focused and serious, and it also helps us technically verify the seriousness of contacts and improve listing quality without accessing the content of your conversations.
What are the Opportunities, Jobs, and Ask the Expert sections?
The platform is divided into 3 main sections in addition to the Suppliers Directory: 1. Opportunities: A specialized marketplace for offering and seeking hospitality opportunities with a Have / Search system. It includes 6 types: Restaurant for Sale, Franchise, Agency & Distribution, Used Equipment Liquidation, Partner & Investor, and Licensed Shop for Rent. 2. Jobs: A professional recruitment system that allows employers to post jobs and manage applications, and job seekers to search and apply directly. It covers various specializations (Chef, Restaurant Manager, Waiter, Barista, etc.) with a strict zero-fees policy for applicants. 3. Ask the Expert - Hospitality Expertise: An exclusive section offering over 34 years of experience across England, Egypt, and the UAE. It includes a track record, videos, and practical answers to operational, management, procurement, cost issues and more..., with private consultations via WhatsApp. The platform acts as an introductory intermediary only in all sections.