Post by : Badri Ariffin

Today, the Dubai International Chamber, part of the three chambers that form Dubai Chambers, hosted an essential business session at Gulfood 2026, recognized as the largest food and beverage exhibition globally. This significant event is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City Dubai from January 26 to 30.

The session attracted 410 representatives from worldwide food and beverage firms to engage in discussions about market dynamics, prospects for growth, and Dubai's status as a pivotal hub for food trade and manufacturing.

Expansion of Dubai's F&B Sector

Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, noted:
"Dubai's expanding food and beverage sector is a result of its robust economy, rising population, and flourishing tourism sector. Gulfood is instrumental in fostering global collaborations and unveiling new avenues for growth. Our goal is to link international companies with regional prospects to facilitate their expansion both locally and globally."

Data from Dubai Customs indicates that the city’s food and beverage imports grew at a CAGR of 3.1% between 2014 and 2024. Exports increased at a CAGR of 4.4%, while re-exports rose at 5.4% during the same timeframe.

Retail sales in the UAE for fresh and packaged foods hit US$ 17.3 billion in 2025, with online food shopping reaching US$ 1.2 billion and expected to increase at an 8.5% CAGR until 2029, as demonstrated by Euromonitor data.

Investment Prospects

From 2021 to 2025, Dubai drew in US$ 576 million in greenfield investments within the F&B sector, with the RestaurantTech industry receiving US$ 898.8 million, as reported by fDi Intelligence.

Growth in Fresh Food Sales

The UAE's retail fresh food market is predicted to climb to US$ 9.75 billion in 2025, maintaining a CAGR of 4.7% through 2030. Meat will dominate this category, generating US$ 3.1 billion in 2025 and expected to rise at a CAGR of 5.1%, followed by vegetables at US$ 2.7 billion with a growth rate of 4.8% CAGR.

Packaged Food Sector Growth

Estimates suggest that packaged food sales will increase from US$ 7.68 billion in 2025 with a CAGR of 5.4% until 2030. Staple foods are projected to clock in at US$ 2.7 billion, forecasted to grow at a rate of 6% CAGR, whereas dairy products will reach US$ 2.3 billion at a projected growth of 4.7% CAGR.

Rise in Beverage Sales

Retail sales in soft drinks are anticipated to hit US$ 4.5 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.1%. The segments of ready-to-drink tea and coffee are expected to see the fastest growth, with tea at 9% CAGR and coffee at 8.3% CAGR.

The briefing organized by the Dubai International Chamber emphasized that with considerable growth seen, strategic investments made, and Dubai's inherent advantages, the UAE continues to stand out as a prime destination for food and beverage enterprises around the globe.