Photo Credit: WAM
Dubai, UAE — February 2026 — A report from the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry confirmed the emirate’s Food and Beverage sector is in a powerful high-growth phase, driven by strategic investments and a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
Key metrics reveal exceptional expansion, including 24,594 active F&B licenses as of September 2025 and a 42.2 percent surge in new business registrations for the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
This follows a year of 40 percent growth in 2024 and a sustained compound annual growth rate of 23.8 percent between 2019 and 2024, according to the Emirates News Agency.
The inaugural sectoral report under ADCCI’s 2025–2028 Strategy details a maturing and competitive food economy. The entire value chain is advancing, from primary production to manufacturing, retail, dining, and export.
A global shift towards healthier and sustainable food is creating demand, which Abu Dhabi is meeting through advanced Agri tech, including climate-controlled agriculture and hydroponics, that achieves productivity up to 30 times higher than traditional methods.
Food processing and manufacturing are expanding robustly, with the UAE sector projected to grow around 7 percent annually through 2029. A substantial share of production already serves international markets, highlighting growing export capacity.
The retail and dining ecosystem is also strengthening, supported by culinary recognition, consumer demand, and world-class logistics that integrate with tourism and hospitality.
Despite global supply-chain pressures, the sector has shown resilience through diversified trade corridors, advanced industrial platforms, and progressive regulations like enhanced halal standards and sustainability frameworks. New economic activities are also enabling agricultural producers to expand into processing and agritourism.
Geographically, Abu Dhabi City leads in business activity, while Al Ain solidifies its role as the agricultural heartland and Al Dhafra increases its contribution to the integrated ecosystem. Nationally, initiatives like the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy and “Make it in the Emirates” are boosting domestic production, with potential expected to rise 30-40 percent over the next decade.
Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, director-general of ADCCI, stated that the sector’s transformation reflects successful strategic visions for food security and economic diversification. “This transformation is underpinned by an integrated ecosystem encompassing smart agriculture, advanced technologies, high-quality manufacturing, and value-added exports,” he said, noting the clear opportunities for the private sector.
He added that the progress aligns with sustainability goals and technological adoption, enhancing supply chain efficiency and investor confidence. “The Abu Dhabi Chamber remains committed to enabling the sector’s growth,” Al Marzooqi affirmed, “ensuring it continues to serve as a cornerstone of comprehensive economic development and regional leadership.”
The report marked a significant milestone in ADCCI’s strategic plan, emphasizing its commitment to data-driven insights that empower the private sector and advance Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification agenda.
