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The food and beverage sector in Abu Dhabi has reached a significant milestone, with active licenses hitting 24,594 by September 2025, according to the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This figure reflects accelerating growth in the food and beverage industry across the emirate, positioning Abu Dhabi as a competitive regional hub for food innovation and production.
The chamber’s report revealed that new commercial licenses in the sector surged by 42.2% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, the sector recorded 40% annual growth throughout 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.8% between 2019 and 2024.
Strategic Growth in Food and Beverage Sector
This report represents the first sector-specific publication under the chamber’s 2025-2028 strategy. It highlights continuous expansion in production capacity, rising export potential, and the evolution of the innovation ecosystem that strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the region’s most competitive and resilient food economies.
According to the chamber, the food value chain in Abu Dhabi is experiencing rapid growth across all stages, from primary production and manufacturing to retail, restaurants, and exports. This expansion comes amid increasing global shifts toward healthy, premium, and sustainable food consumption, creating strong and growing demand opportunities for businesses in the sector.
Advanced Agricultural Technologies Driving Productivity
The emirate’s investments in advanced agricultural technologies have yielded impressive results. These include controlled environment agriculture, hydroponics, and precision farming, which achieve productivity levels approximately 30 times higher than traditional farming methods. Such innovations solidify Abu Dhabi’s leadership in smart agriculture while supporting long-term food security objectives.
Meanwhile, the food processing and manufacturing segment has shown robust growth. The report indicates expectations for the sector in the UAE to grow by approximately 7% annually through 2029, with a significant portion of production directed toward international markets, reflecting growing export capabilities and value-added creation potential.
Retail and Restaurant Sectors Expand Market Presence
The retail and restaurant sectors in Abu Dhabi continue to strengthen their positions, supported by international recognition and rising consumer demand. The emirate’s world-class logistics and industrial infrastructure effectively connects food production with tourism, lifestyle, and hospitality sectors, creating integrated growth opportunities.
Despite global supply chain challenges, the food and beverage sector in Abu Dhabi has demonstrated high resilience. This is supported by diverse trade channels, advanced industrial platforms, and ongoing regulatory updates, including enhanced halal standards, improved nutritional labeling requirements, and sustainability frameworks that strengthen consumer and international partner confidence.
Regional Distribution and Future Capacity
The report noted that Abu Dhabi city currently holds the largest share of sector activity. However, Al Ain continues to solidify its role as the emirate’s primary agricultural center, while Al Dhafra is enhancing its contribution to the integrated ecosystem, building a more comprehensive and competitive food economy.
In alignment with Abu Dhabi’s Industrial Strategy and the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative, the UAE continues expanding local food production and strengthening export capabilities for high-quality products. National production capacity for food products is expected to increase by 30% to 40% over the next decade, driven by agricultural technology growth, manufacturing expansion, and continued development of retail and consumer markets.
Ali Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the food and beverage sector in Abu Dhabi is undergoing rapid qualitative transformation. According to Al Marzouqi, this reflects the success of strategic visions supporting food security and economic diversification while establishing the emirate’s position as a regional and global center for innovation in this vital sector.
The chamber will continue supporting sector growth through institutional and international partnerships, directing investments toward areas with long-term impact. This approach ensures that the food and beverage industry remains a fundamental pillar in the UAE’s comprehensive economic development and regional leadership journey.
