Dubai F&B Sector Booms at Gulfood 2026 Summit

Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers under Dubai Chambers, hosted a major business briefing today during Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest food and beverage exhibition. The event is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai, from January 26 to 30.

The briefing brought together 410 representatives from international food and beverage companies to discuss market trends, growth opportunities, and Dubai’s role as a global hub for food trade and manufacturing.

Dubai’s F&B Sector Growth

Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, said:
"Dubai’s food and beverage sector is growing strongly due to a resilient economy, population growth, and a thriving tourism industry. Gulfood helps build global partnerships and explore new opportunities. We aim to connect global companies with local opportunities and help them grow regionally and internationally."

According to Dubai Customs data, Dubai’s food and beverage imports grew at a CAGR of 3.1% from 2014 to 2024. Exports rose at 4.4% CAGR, and re-exports increased at 5.4% CAGR over the same period.

Retail sales of fresh and packaged foods in the UAE reached US$ 17.3 billion in 2025, while online food purchases totaled US$ 1.2 billion and are expected to grow at 8.5% CAGR through 2029, based on Euromonitor data.

Investment Opportunities

Dubai attracted US$ 576 million in greenfield F&B investments between 2021 and 2025, while the RestaurantTech sector received US$ 898.8 million during the same period, according to fDi Intelligence.

Fresh Food Market

Retail sales of fresh food in the UAE are expected to grow from US$ 9.75 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 4.7% through 2030. Meat leads the category with US$ 3.1 billion in 2025, projected to grow at 5.1% CAGR, followed by vegetables at US$ 2.7 billion, growing at 4.8% CAGR.

Packaged Food Market

Packaged food sales are forecast to rise from US$ 7.68 billion in 2025 at a 5.4% CAGR until 2030. Staple foods account for US$ 2.7 billion, expected to grow 6% CAGR, while dairy products, at US$ 2.3 billion, are projected to grow 4.7% CAGR.

Beverages Market

Soft drinks retail sales are expected to reach US$ 4.5 billion by 2030, growing at 6.1% CAGR. Ready-to-drink tea and coffee are the fastest-growing segments, with tea growing at 9% CAGR and coffee at 8.3% CAGR.

The Dubai International Chamber briefing highlighted that with strong growth, strategic investments, and Dubai’s competitive advantages, the UAE remains a top destination for food and beverage companies worldwide.