GCC Foodservice Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

GCC Foodservice Market Analysis

The GCC Foodservice Market size is estimated at 61.55 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 109.9 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.29% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The GCC foodservice market is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing consumer preferences and digital innovation. The region's dining landscape has evolved considerably, with approximately 40% of the population dining out frequently on a weekly basis, reflecting the strong eating-out culture. This shift is particularly evident in urban centers where busy lifestyles and increasing disposable incomes have made restaurant dining a regular social activity. The integration of technology has revolutionized the ordering process, with major delivery platforms enhancing their service offerings through features like heat bags, 30-minute delivery guarantees, and contactless payment options. The digital transformation is further exemplified by the success of food delivery apps in the region, with market leaders like Getir, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo collectively accounting for tens of millions of downloads.

The industry is witnessing a notable shift towards diverse culinary offerings while maintaining strong ties to traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. The region's meat consumption reached 0.45 million metric tons in 2022, driving the popularity of both traditional and international meat-based dishes. This trend has led to the emergence of hybrid menus that combine local flavors with international cooking techniques, particularly evident in the rising number of fusion restaurants. Quick service restaurants are adapting their menus to include both international favorites and localized offerings, with chains like TGI Friday's, KFC, and Burger King expanding their footprint while incorporating regional flavors and preferences.

The coffee and café culture has emerged as a significant trend in the GCC foodservice sector, particularly in the UAE where coffee consumption has reached remarkable levels with over six million cups consumed daily and annual spending of USD 630 million on coffee. This growth has led to the proliferation of both international coffee chains and local specialty coffee shops, each offering unique experiences and premium products. Dubai alone hosts more than 13,000 cafes and eateries, serving an estimated population of 3.5 million, highlighting the density and competitiveness of the market.

The rise of cloud kitchens represents a revolutionary shift in the region's foodservice operational model. This transformation is particularly evident in Kuwait, where high internet penetration reaching 99% of the population (approximately 4.31 million users) has created an ideal environment for digital foodservices. These delivery-only kitchens are revolutionizing the traditional restaurant model by optimizing operational costs and expanding delivery reach. The success of platforms like Talabat, Deliveroo, and Get Dukan has created a robust ecosystem for cloud kitchens, enabling them to serve multiple brands from a single location while maintaining quality and efficiency in food preparation and delivery.

GCC Foodservice Market Trends

Quick service restaurants in Qatar grow in popularity as the tourism industry booms

• Quick service restaurants in Qatar accounted for a share of 42% of the overall foodservice outlets in the country. Qatar received around 729,000 international arrivals in the first half of 2022, which is 19% higher compared to 2021 full-year visitors, which accounted for around 611,000. Qatar has been investing heavily in its tourism industry, which has increased the number of visitors to the country. Tourists often seek convenient and fast dining options, making QSRs a popular choice.
• Cloud kitchen outlets are anticipated to register the fastest growth in the market, with a CAGR of 6.20% by value during the forecast period. With the rise of food delivery apps and online ordering, consumers seek more convenient and faster ways to access their favorite foods. Cloud kitchens provide this convenience by delivering restaurant-quality food directly to customers' homes or offices. Food delivery players such as Talabat and Carriage held around 75% of the market share in 2022. Several players are entering the food delivery market. For instance, Deliveroo entered the Qatari market in 2022. The growth of online food delivery players is boosting the growth of cloud kitchen outlets in Qatar.
• The Qatari government has launched several initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including cloud kitchens. For example, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry offers financial incentives to SMEs that meet certain criteria, such as being innovative and contributing to the country's economic development. Additionally, the government has streamlined the process for obtaining licenses to open new restaurants, making it easier for entrepreneurs to enter the market.

Average order value in Bahrain's full service restaurants was the highest in 2022, at USD 29.7, driven by popular dishes like jareesh, harees, machboos laham, mandi laham, and margoog

• In Bahrain, the average order was the highest among the FSRs in 2022 compared to other foodservice types, with a price of USD 29.7, which is around 54% higher than the quick service restaurants. Full service restaurants in the country have been making necessary changes to their menu offerings to attract more consumers by offering more expensive dishes with premium ingredients, leading to higher average order values. Some of the popular full service dishes in Bahrain are Jareesh (priced at around 6.5 USD per 300 g), Harees (priced at around 5.2 USD per 300 g), Machboos Laham (priced at around USD 7.4 per 300 g), Mandi Laham (priced at 7.4 USD per 300 g), and Margoog (priced at around USD 6.4 per 300 g).
• The average orders through cafes & bars in Bahrain increased by 11.24% between 2019 and 2022, attributed to increased coffee consumption. In Bahrain, the café culture has increased as people prefer drinking coffee in cafés, which is intrinsically linked to the demand for specialty coffee in the region. Thus, this trend drives the growth of the coffee market in the country. More upmarket and expensive menu items are also being increasingly offered in cafes, such as specialty coffee drinks, artisanal pastries, and gourmet sandwiches, increasing the average order value in cafes.
• The average order value for the cloud kitchen was priced at 13.4 in 2022. The expansion of the cloud kitchen industry is being driven by an increase in the demand for online meal delivery. Popular dishes offered by cloud kitchens in Bahrain are Harees, Kebabs, Hummus, and Fatayer, priced at USD 5.2, USD 2.8, USD 5.8, and USD 1.7 per 300 g in 2022.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Segment Analysis: Foodservice Type

Full Service Restaurants Segment in GCC Foodservice Market

Full Service Restaurants (FSR) dominate the GCC foodservice market, commanding approximately 47% market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by the high frequency of dining out in the region, with around 40% of the population regularly choosing FSR establishments for their meals on a weekly basis. The segment's strong performance is further supported by the increasing tourism activity and rising consumer spending on food across GCC countries. FSRs have successfully captured consumer interest by offering diverse cuisines, with Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines being particularly popular among both locals and tourists. The segment's growth is also attributed to the rising number of premium and fine-dining establishments, especially in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where there is a strong demand for high-quality dining experiences.

Cloud Kitchen Segment in GCC Foodservice Market

The cloud kitchen segment is experiencing remarkable growth in the GCC foodservice market, projected to expand at approximately 16% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This explosive growth is primarily driven by the increasing penetration of food delivery services and the rising number of smartphone users across the region. Major food delivery platforms like Deliveroo, Talabat, and Uber Eats are actively expanding their operations and partnering with cloud kitchen operators to offer customers a wider variety of meal options. The segment's growth is further accelerated by significant investments in cloud kitchen startups, with companies receiving substantial funding to expand their operations across the GCC region. The adoption of advanced delivery techniques, digital payment systems, and innovative operational models has made cloud kitchens increasingly attractive to both entrepreneurs and consumers.

Remaining Segments in Foodservice Type

The Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) and Cafes & Bars segments continue to play vital roles in shaping the GCC foodservice market landscape. The QSR segment has maintained strong momentum through international chain expansions and the introduction of localized menu offerings that cater to regional tastes. Meanwhile, the Cafes & Bars segment has evolved significantly, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where specialty coffee shops and modern café concepts have gained substantial popularity. Both segments have embraced technological innovations, including digital ordering systems and loyalty programs, while also focusing on menu diversification and customer experience enhancement to maintain their competitive edge in the market.

Segment Analysis: Outlet

Independent Outlets Segment in GCC Foodservice Market

Independent outlets dominate the GCC foodservice market, commanding approximately 60% market share in 2024. The segment's strong performance is particularly evident in Saudi Arabia, where independent full-service restaurants have established a significant presence due to the increasing demand for authentic ethnic food among millennials. These establishments have gained popularity by offering unique and authentic culinary experiences, especially catering to the growing tourist population in the region. Independent restaurants serving Middle Eastern, Chinese, Italian, and Asian cuisines have particularly embraced cultural influences, making them highly attractive to both locals and visitors. The success of independent outlets is further bolstered by their ability to adapt to local tastes and preferences while maintaining authenticity in their offerings.

Chained Outlets Segment in GCC Foodservice Market

The chained outlets segment is projected to exhibit robust growth at approximately 13% during the forecast period 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by the rapid expansion of international chains like McDonald's, KFC, Subway, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, and Burger King across the region. The segment's expansion is particularly notable in Saudi Arabia, where chained quick service restaurants have gained significant traction. Industry operators in the region are increasingly choosing to expand through franchising over company-operated locations due to the lower capital requirements and reduced risks involved with this growth method. The uniformity and predictability offered by chained restaurants at every location, owing to their reputable status, have made them the first choice for both dine-in and delivery customers.

Segment Analysis: Location

Standalone Segment in GCC Foodservice Market

The standalone segment continues to dominate the GCC foodservice market, accounting for approximately 73% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the increasing number of independent restaurants and international chains establishing standalone outlets across the region. The segment's growth is further supported by the rising local population's embrace of foodie culture, leading to increased demand for unique and authentic dining experiences. Standalone restaurants have pushed hotels to innovate in curating distinctive dining experiences and providing exceptional service. The segment has particularly benefited from the expansion of both local and international restaurant chains, with many operators choosing standalone locations to establish their brand presence. Full-service restaurants predominate in standalone locations, offering a wide range of regional and global cuisines in well-appointed establishments.

Lodging Segment in GCC Foodservice Market

The lodging segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth trajectory in the GCC foodservice market during 2024-2029, with an expected growth rate of approximately 11%. This remarkable growth is primarily attributed to the robust expansion of the hospitality sector across GCC countries. The segment's growth is being driven by ambitious hotel development plans, particularly in key markets like Saudi Arabia, which plans to add significant hotel room capacity by 2030. The increasing penetration of dine-out options in luxury hotels has enabled consumers to explore gourmet dining experiences, while dinner buffets with diverse food and beverage offerings in fine-dining restaurants within luxury hotels continue to attract both local and international customers. The segment is also benefiting from the rising popularity of specialist coffee and tea shops within hotels, catering to the high consumption rates of coffee among locals in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

Remaining Segments in Location

The retail, leisure, and travel segments each play vital roles in shaping the GCC HORECA market landscape. The retail segment is characterized by foodservice establishments in shopping malls, supermarkets, and hypermarkets, offering convenient dining options for shoppers. The leisure segment encompasses restaurants in entertainment venues, movie theaters, and sporting facilities, providing specialized dining experiences for entertainment-seeking consumers. The travel segment, covering airports, railway stations, and cruise ships, serves the growing number of domestic and international travelers in the region. These segments collectively contribute to the diverse foodservice ecosystem in the GCC, each catering to specific consumer needs and occasions while adapting to local preferences and international trends.

GCC Foodservice Market Geography Segment Analysis

GCC Foodservice Market in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia dominates the GCC market foodservice landscape, commanding approximately 50% market share in 2024. The country's foodservice sector is characterized by a vibrant mix of traditional Middle Eastern and international cuisines, with Middle Eastern cuisine holding the largest share at around 45% of full-service restaurants. The market is particularly driven by its young demographic, with about 37% of the population under 25 years old, and approximately 85% of this young population preferring to eat out compared to dining at home. The country has witnessed significant expansion in both international and local restaurant chains, with more than 150 shopping malls housing various foodservice market establishments. The market has also seen a notable shift towards healthier options, with about 40% of Saudi consumers preferring healthy diet choices and willing to pay premium prices for healthier alternatives. Cloud kitchens are emerging as a significant trend, driven by the increasing adoption of food delivery services, with delivery app usage growing by 460% in recent years.

GCC Foodservice Market in United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is positioned as the most dynamic market in the GCC restaurant sector, projected to grow at approximately 17% annually from 2024 to 2029. The market's robust growth is underpinned by its uniquely diverse population composition, with expatriates constituting about 89% of the total population, creating a rich multicultural foodservice landscape. This demographic diversity has fostered a vibrant food culture that seamlessly blends traditional Emirati cuisine with international flavors. The country's foodservice sector has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem, particularly in Dubai, which hosts over 13,000 cafes and eateries. The market has witnessed significant innovation in service delivery, with over 250 cloud kitchens operating across the country, catering to the growing demand for convenient dining options. The UAE's position as a global tourism hub has further catalyzed the sector's growth, with Dubai alone receiving over 14.36 million international visitors, driving demand across various foodservice segments from luxury dining to casual eateries.

GCC Foodservice Market in Kuwait

Kuwait's foodservice market exhibits a strong preference for quick-service restaurants, which dominate the sector with a significant presence of both international and local chains. The market is characterized by its robust digital integration, with food delivery platforms experiencing substantial growth and over 1.04 million users actively engaging with meal delivery applications. The country's foodservice landscape is particularly influenced by its diverse expatriate population, especially from Asian countries, leading to a rich variety of cuisine offerings. Kuwait's market has shown remarkable adaptability to changing consumer preferences, with many establishments incorporating healthy menu options and international fusion dishes. The sector has also witnessed significant investment in cloud kitchen operations, driven by the increasing internet penetration and changing consumer behavior patterns. Local food entrepreneurs have been instrumental in introducing innovative concepts, while international chains continue to expand their presence through strategic locations across the country.

GCC Foodservice Market in Other Countries

The foodservice markets in Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar each present unique characteristics and growth opportunities within the GCC region. Bahrain's market is characterized by its strong cafe culture and growing preference for international cuisines, particularly Asian and Middle Eastern offerings. Oman's foodservice sector benefits from its growing tourism industry and strong traditional culinary heritage, with a particular emphasis on seafood and traditional Omani dishes. Qatar's market has evolved significantly, driven by its emphasis on luxury dining experiences and a growing trend toward casual dining establishments. These markets share common trends such as the increasing adoption of digital ordering platforms, growing preference for healthy food options, and the rise of cloud kitchens. The foodservice sectors in these countries continue to evolve, adapting to changing consumer preferences while maintaining their distinct cultural identities.

Free With This Report

We provide a complimentary and exhaustive set of data points on regional and country level metrics that present the fundamental structure of the industry. Presented in the form of 60+ free charts, the section covers difficult to find data on various countries on number of outlets, average order values, and menu analysis by foodservice channels, cuisine specific insights related to full service restaurants and quick service restaurants, market trends and market size insights on cafes, bars & pubs, juice/smoothies bars, specialty tea and coffee shops, and cloud kitchen etc.