COUNTRY PROFILE
Discover more about the U.A.E. market including overviews about the retail, foodservice, and food processing sectors. Events, resources, and more are linked throughout the profile.
$510.1 Million
In 2024, U.S. exports of processed food grew to US$510.1 million
$13.6 billion
The UAE imported US$13.6 billion in consumer-oriented products in 2023.
80%
80% of the UAE’s agricultural products are imported
USDA’s Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) in Dubai, hereinafter referred to as “FAS Post Dubai,” reports that due to the arid climate, approximately 80% of the UAE’s agricultural products are imported. The market is highly competitive but significant potential for U.S. export growth exists, including in dairy products, prepared food, fresh fruit, poultry, tree nuts, and beef products.
The UAE is the major regional trade hub for the Middle East and North Africa due to its favorable geographic location and modern infrastructure.
In 2023, U.S. exports of processed foods to the UAE grew 7% to US$491.8 million, a record high. This now makes the UAE the top market in the region, ahead of Saudi Arabia. In 2024, U.S. exports of processed food grew another 2% to US$510.1 million, another record high.
Top U.S. exports of processed food products to the UAE in 2024 included:
Processed Vegetables and Pulses
$7.6 billion
2024 retail sales in the UAE packaged food market were expected to reach US$7.6 billion
$1 billion
Value of UAE’s food e-commerce retail sales exceeded US$1 billion in 2023
$2.3 billion
By 2029, the UAE retail packaged food market is expected to reach US$2.3 billion.
Euromonitor has estimated 2024 retail sales in the UAE packaged food market to be US$7.6 billion. They also forecast sales of packaged food in the UAE market to reach US$10.4 billion by 2029.
The food retail market in the UAE is highly competitive and has a diverse landscape. Several key players dominate, with a mix of international and local retailers. The retail industry targets customers from four major groups: the local Emirati population, and Asian, Arab, and Western expatriates. Retailers must meet the needs of a diverse population with varying income levels by closely monitoring consumer attitudes and trends.
FAS Post Dubai reports that there is ample diversity in food products across all market categories, and notable potential for dairy, particular artisanal cheeses, fresh fruits, and animal proteins like beef and chicken meat is present. Consumers are increasingly favoring healthier and natural options over processed foods.
$9.5 billion
The sales value of foodservice sales in Dubai in 2023 reached US$9.5 billion
9.3%
The top five foodservice companies accounted for 9.3% of the UAE foodservice market.
11,000 outlets
The number of foodservice outlets in UAE was expected to reach nearly 11,000 in 2024.
FAS Post Dubai reports that in 2023, foodservice value sales increased by 13% to reach US$9.5 billion. The growth forecast for 2024 is expected to be 8%. The number of outlets is also expected to increase to 10,922. The UAE experienced a significant boost to tourism in 2023. Consumer foodservice through leisure increased by 17% to US$762 million and consumer foodservice through standalone increased by 10% to US$4 billion.
The UAE foodservice market is worth US$9.5 billion. In the UAE, healthy fast-food concepts are gaining traction as health-conscious consumers seek affordable, nutritious meal options amidst rising living costs.
FAS Post Dubai reports that U.S. foods with good potential to gain market share in the UAE hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector include beef and beef products, seafood products, dairy products, fresh fruit, poultry meat and products, tree nuts, and bakery goods.
$7.6 billion
US$7.6 billion is the annual revenue of the food and beverage manufacturing sector in UAE
315 factories
There are 315 food and beverage factories in UAE located in Dubai.
11 million
The population of UAE is expected to reach 11 million by 2050
FAS Post Dubai reports that the UAE’s food processing sector is thriving, driven by robust economic growth and domestic consumption. The UAE hosts more than 2,000 food and beverage manufacturing companies that generate US$7.6 billion in annual revenue. Limited local production means that they rely heavily on imported ingredients, presenting a significant opportunity for U.S. companies to tap into this expanding sector.
FAS Post Dubai reports that U.S. products with good sales potential in the UAE food processing sector include dairy products, fresh fruit, poultry meat and products, tree nuts, bakery goods, organic foods, cereals, and pasta.
