UAE Food Service Market

UAE Food Service Market Overview:

The UAE food service market size reached USD 16.58 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 50.21 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 12.20% during 2025-2033. The thriving tourism sector, diverse culinary preferences, rising urbanization, the expansion of online food delivery services, rise in government initiatives, robust infrastructure, expanding international restaurant chains, and a shift towards healthier dining options are some of the key factors impelling the market growth.

UAE Food Service Market Trends:

Digital Transformation and Growth in Food Delivery Services:

With the rise in technological advancements in the food delivery service, United Arab Emirates (UAE) foodservice market is witnessing significant growth. In addition to this, the adoption of advanced technology, including user-friendly mobile applications and digital platforms, has enhanced the convenience of ordering meals. This shift is further supported by an increasing number of tech-savvy consumers who prefer online food delivery for its ease of use and speed. Moreover, the growing proliferation of food delivery aggregators and platforms, offering varied cuisine options from international and local restaurants is impelling the market growth. As a result, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics by these platforms is enabling personalized user experiences, leading to higher customer engagement and repeat orders, thereby supporting the market expansion.

Rising Demand for Diverse and International Cuisine:

The growing demand for diverse and international cuisine, driven by the UAE's multicultural population, has created a robust market for a wide range of global dining experiences, aiding in market expansion. Restaurants and food service providers are continually innovating their menus to cater to the tastes of expatriates and local Emiratis, offering various options in Asian fusion, European fine dining, and traditional Middle Eastern fare. This variety caters to the cosmopolitan nature of the market, drawing in the residents and tourists who seek unique and culturally rich dining experiences. Additionally, international chains have recognized the region’s potential and are establishing their presence, contributing to increased competition and culinary diversity, which is further contributing to the market growth.

Focus on Health-Conscious and Sustainable Dining Options:

An increased focus on health-conscious and sustainable dining options due to consumers becoming more aware of the impact of their food choices on personal health and the environment is driving the market demand. Health-focused restaurants and plant-based menus are gaining popularity as diners seek meals that align with wellness and ethical consumption. Additionally, operators are sourcing locally produced ingredients to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact, reflecting the preferences of eco-conscious consumers. In addition to this, the UAE government's initiatives promoting food security and sustainable practices are further bolstering the market growth. Moreover, the rise of health-centric dining has also encouraged partnerships with nutritionists and dietitians, who collaborate with food service providers to curate balanced and innovative menus, thus propelling the market growth.

UAE Food Service Market News:

• In October 2024, Silal, UAE’s leading food and technology company, acquired a majority stake in Al Bakrawe Holding, expanding its presence in the UAE’s food sector. This acquisition aims to strengthen Silal’s supply chain capabilities, enhance local food production, and support sustainable growth in the region.
• In April 2024, Careem launched Careem Food and Careem Pay in Abu Dhabi, UAE, as part of its expansion strategy. The app allows residents and visitors to order meals from a wide range of restaurants, including popular choices like Allo Beirut, PF Chang’s, and Pizza Di Rocco. 

UAE Food Service Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country level for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, outlet, and location.

Type Insights:

• Cafes and Bars
  • By Cuisine
    • Bars and Pubs
    • Cafes
    • Juice/Smoothie/Desserts Bars
    • Specialist Coffee and Tea Shops
• Cloud Kitchen
• Full Service Restaurants
  • By Cuisine
    • Asian
    • European
    • Latin American
    • Middle Eastern
    • North American
    • Others

• Quick Service Restaurants
  • By Cuisine
    • Bakeries
    • Burger
    • Ice Cream
    • Meat-based Cuisines
    • Pizza
    • Others

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes cafes and bars [by cuisine (bars and pubs, cafes, juice/smoothie/desserts bars, and specialist coffee and tea shops)], cloud kitchen, full service restaurants [by cuisine (asian, european, latin american, middle eastern, north american, and others)], and quick service restaurants [by cuisine (bakeries, burger, ice cream, meat-based cuisines, pizza, and others)].

Outlet Insights:

• Chained Outlets
• Independent Outlets
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the outlet have also been provided in the report. This includes chained outlets and independent outlets.

Location Insights:

• Leisure
• Lodging
• Retail
• Standalone
• Travel
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the location. This includes leisure, lodging, retail, standalone, and travel.

Regional Insights:

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah
• Others
   

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Others.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

UAE Food Service Market Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the UAE food service market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the UAE food service market?
• What is the breakup of the UAE food service market on the basis of type?
• What is the breakup of the UAE food service market on the basis of outlet?
• What is the breakup of the UAE food service market on the basis of location?
• What are the various stages in the value chain of the UAE food service market? 
• What are the key driving factors and challenges in the UAE food service?
• What is the structure of the UAE food service market and who are the key players?
• What is the degree of competition in the UAE food service market? 

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the UAE food service market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the UAE food service market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the UAE food service industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.