Dubai’s business landscape is vibrant, particularly in the food and beverage sector, which is experiencing significant growth. The recent high-level meeting organized by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce on the sidelines of Gulfood 2026 highlights this dynamic environment. This prominent exhibition, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City Dubai, brought together over 400 representatives from international food and beverage companies. It serves as a crucial platform for fostering global partnerships and exploring business opportunities in the region.

Thriving Food and Beverage Sector in Dubai

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce reported the attendance of 410 professionals from specialized global food and beverage firms, spotlighting the emirate’s competitive edge as a leading hub for trade and manufacturing in this sector. Khaled Al Jarwan, Senior Vice President of Commercial and Institutional Services at Dubai Chambers, noted that the ongoing expansion of the food and beverage market in Dubai is fuelled by a robust economy, increasing population, and a booming tourism sector. He emphasized that events like Gulfood act as a vital forum for building international connections and uncovering new avenues for growth.

Statistics from Dubai Customs indicate a compelling upward trend in trade. From 2014 to 2024, food and beverage imports into Dubai are projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 3.1%, while exports are expected to rise by 4.4%. Such numbers reinforce Dubai’s status as a critical player in the global supply chain, showcasing its capacity to meet both local and regional demands.

Strong Re-Export Performance

Dubai’s re-export activities have notably outperformed expectations, demonstrating an impressive compound annual growth rate of 5.4% over the same period. This performance underscores the city’s strategic importance as a regional distribution hub, further solidifying its role in catering to both local consumption and broader market requirements. Euromonitor data suggests that retail sales of fresh and packaged food in the UAE hit $17.3 billion in 2025, while e-commerce spending in food reached $1.2 billion, highlighting shifting consumer behaviors toward digital purchasing.

Investment Opportunities in the Food and Beverage Sector

The food and beverage sector in Dubai is also attracting significant foreign direct investment, amounting to $576 million from 2021 to 2025, according to data from FDI Intelligence shared at the gathering. In contrast, the restaurant technology sector drew even larger investments, totaling $898.8 million, showcasing a growing international trust in the region’s food industry infrastructure and innovative capabilities.

Projections for soft drink retail sales predict a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% between 2025 and 2030, with expectations of reaching $4.5 billion by the end of this period. Notably, the ready-to-drink segments, such as tea and coffee, are emerging as the fastest-growing categories in the beverage market. Ready-to-drink tea is anticipated to grow at an impressive rate of 9% annually, while ready-to-drink coffee is projected to increase by 8.3%.

Consumer Trends Reshaping the Market

These trends highlight a significant shift in consumer preferences toward convenience and high-quality beverage options. As lifestyles change, there is a growing demand for accessible, on-the-go consumption formats that cater to both residents and visitors in the UAE.

As Gulfood 2026 continues through the end of January, businesses have an ideal venue to explore partnerships and evaluate strategies for market entry. The long-term effects of the new connections and collaborations formed during this exhibition are set to influence the market landscape as firms finalize their investment and expansion plans in the UAE.