Dubai-based AYC Network has launched a commerce media network for dine-in venues, bringing independent cafés, restaurants, bars and regional chains together to give brands access to their guests.
The company describes the launch as one of the region’s first commerce media network for dine-in. Its proposition centres on connecting individual venues into a shared network through smart tabletop displays called AYC Frames.
Each Frame remains on the table throughout a guest’s visit. Guests can currently use the displays to browse menus, place orders, call for service, connect to Wi-Fi and leave reviews. Payments and brand placements within those interactions are planned next.
AYC’s Dubai network currently comprises 130 tables across live and signed locations, including venues belonging to hospitality groups. The company plans to expand to around 600 active tables across high-dwell venues by mid-2027.
“We give brands access to guests at the one moment they are seated, relaxed and ready to spend,” said Aman Malik , Co-founder and CEO of AYC Network .
The network is designed to combine functions that guests use during a meal with opportunities for brands to appear within that experience.
Planned brand placements will span moments from browsing the menu to waiting for an order.
For advertisers, AYC’s proposition is to aggregate audiences across venues that would individually offer a smaller footprint, while giving participating businesses their own guest-service tools.
AYC says connecting these venues can give brands reach comparable to the region’s biggest restaurant chains. The company also describes its approach as offering seated attention, with interactions measured action by action.
“The table is where guests decide what to order next, and until now no one has been speaking to them there,” said Ridhima Gupta , Co-founder and COO of AYC Network .
The launch brings the audience-monetisation model into a network of dining venues, with tabletop technology serving both the guest experience and the company’s planned advertising offering.
AYC Network FZ-LLC is incorporated under the Dubai Development Authority through the in5 Media incubator.