United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market Size

The United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant market is experiencing significant growth, with chained outlets leading the expansion due to their popularity in high-traffic areas such as shopping malls and airports. The market's expansion is driven by a rising number of quick service restaurants and an increasing frequency of orders per outlet, despite previous declines caused by the pandemic. Pizza is anticipated to be the fastest-growing cuisine, fueled by a surge in international visitors. Additionally, meat-based cuisines are in high demand among both residents and immigrants, contributing to the market's robust growth trajectory.

Market Size of united arab emirates quick service restaurant Industry

United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market Summary
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Icons Lable Value
svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 5.57 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 13.21 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Cuisine Meat-based Cuisines
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 18.85 %
svg icon Fastest Growing by Cuisine Pizza
svg icon Market Concentration Low

Major Players

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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market Analysis

The United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market size is estimated at 5.57 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 13.21 billion USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 18.85% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

5.57 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

13.21 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

4.71 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

18.85 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Segment by Outlet Type

53.85 %

value share, Independent Outlets, 2023

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The country's entrepreneurial culture and supportive regulatory environment for small businesses that cater to local preferences are contributing to the segment accounting for the highest share.

Largest Segment by Cuisine Type

32.53 %

value share, Meat-based Cuisines, 2023

The high demand for Arabian cuisine from expatriates and the availability of traditional meat dishes catering to the fast-paced lifestyle of modern consumers are driving demand for the segment.

Fastest-growing segment by Outlet Type

19.06 %

Projected CAGR, Chained Outlets, 2024-2029

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Increased demand for quick dining options, availability of a wide range of food choices, and aggressive expansion strategies by QSR chains are pushing the segment's growth trajectory.

Fastest-growing segment by Cuisine Type

20.80 %

Projected CAGR, Pizza, 2024-2029

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Versatility and customization options that cater to local tastes, along with fast delivery options, are contributing to the rapid growth of pizza in the market.

Leading Market Player

0.96 %

market share, M.H. Alshaya Co. WLL, 2022

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The company has over 800 stores across the United Arab Emirates, with brands Shake Shack, Starbucks, and The Cheesecake Factory. It focuses on convenience, quality, and excellent customer service.

Increase in the number of QSRs and rise in demand for fast food to fuel the market growth

  • Chained outlets are projected to be the fastest-growing outlet type for the QSR segment, with a CAGR value of 19.29% from 2023 to 2029. Chains like KFC, McDonald’s, Popeyes, Jollibee, Pizza Hut, and Domino’s have a large footprint in the country. Due to the high demand, chained outlets are most preferred in shopping malls, corporate centers, airports, and railway stations as visitors prefer to dine out or order through chained outlets due to their similar taste experience and a wide range of menus with unique offerings.
  • The total number of quick service restaurants reached around 10,300 restaurants in 2022, increasing by more than 1,000 restaurants since 2017. This was due to the increasing number of orders per outlet, which reached 31,000 in 2022 after having slightly declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused many restaurants to close. The United Arab Emirates is a big fast food consumer, and around 5 million people consumed fast food on a weekly basis in 2022.
  • By cuisine, pizza is forecast to be the fastest-growing cuisine type, with a growing CAGR value of 21.03% during the forecast period (2023-2029). This was owing to the high number of international arrivals, which crossed over 14.36 million in 2022. Meat-based cuisines are recording high demand in the country, with consumption reaching around 445,000 tonnes in 2022. Products like fried chicken, chicken wings, meatballs, shawarma, kebab, and other BBQ dishes are highly consumed by both national residents and immigrants in the country. The top quick service chains, such as Albaik, KFC, Texas Chicken, Jollibee, Pickl, Chicken Cottage, Popeye’s, and SFC Plus, offer a wide range of meat-based cuisines.
United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market

United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Industry Segmentation

Bakeries, Burger, Ice Cream, Meat-based Cuisines, Pizza are covered as segments by Cuisine. Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets are covered as segments by Outlet. Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel are covered as segments by Location.

  • Chained outlets are projected to be the fastest-growing outlet type for the QSR segment, with a CAGR value of 19.29% from 2023 to 2029. Chains like KFC, McDonald’s, Popeyes, Jollibee, Pizza Hut, and Domino’s have a large footprint in the country. Due to the high demand, chained outlets are most preferred in shopping malls, corporate centers, airports, and railway stations as visitors prefer to dine out or order through chained outlets due to their similar taste experience and a wide range of menus with unique offerings.
  • The total number of quick service restaurants reached around 10,300 restaurants in 2022, increasing by more than 1,000 restaurants since 2017. This was due to the increasing number of orders per outlet, which reached 31,000 in 2022 after having slightly declined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused many restaurants to close. The United Arab Emirates is a big fast food consumer, and around 5 million people consumed fast food on a weekly basis in 2022.
  • By cuisine, pizza is forecast to be the fastest-growing cuisine type, with a growing CAGR value of 21.03% during the forecast period (2023-2029). This was owing to the high number of international arrivals, which crossed over 14.36 million in 2022. Meat-based cuisines are recording high demand in the country, with consumption reaching around 445,000 tonnes in 2022. Products like fried chicken, chicken wings, meatballs, shawarma, kebab, and other BBQ dishes are highly consumed by both national residents and immigrants in the country. The top quick service chains, such as Albaik, KFC, Texas Chicken, Jollibee, Pickl, Chicken Cottage, Popeye’s, and SFC Plus, offer a wide range of meat-based cuisines.
Cuisine
Bakeries
Burger
Ice Cream
Meat-based Cuisines
Pizza
Other QSR Cuisines
Outlet
Chained Outlets
Independent Outlets
Location
Leisure
Lodging
Retail
Standalone
Travel
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United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market Size Summary

The United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a robust demand for fast food and the expansion of international chains. The market is characterized by a strong preference for chained outlets, such as KFC, McDonald’s, and Domino’s, which are increasingly found in high-traffic areas like shopping malls and airports. The popularity of meat-based cuisines, including fried chicken and kebabs, is a major factor contributing to the market's expansion. The rise in international tourist arrivals has further boosted the demand for QSRs, with pizza emerging as the fastest-growing cuisine type. The market is also seeing a surge in the number of outlets, supported by franchise partnerships with global brands, which are expanding their presence in major urban centers.

The QSR market in the UAE is fragmented, with a few key players dominating the landscape. Companies like ALBAIK Food Systems and Americana Restaurants International are leading the market, while others like M.H. Alshaya Co. and The Olayan Group are also significant contributors. The market's growth is reflected in the increasing number of outlets and the rising average order value, driven by higher consumer spending on fast food. The introduction of new franchises and the expansion of existing ones, such as Tim Hortons and German Doner Kebab, indicate a vibrant and competitive market environment. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the QSR sector is poised for further growth, catering to both local residents and the influx of tourists.

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United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Cuisine

      1. 1.1.1 Bakeries

      2. 1.1.2 Burger

      3. 1.1.3 Ice Cream

      4. 1.1.4 Meat-based Cuisines

      5. 1.1.5 Pizza

      6. 1.1.6 Other QSR Cuisines

    2. 1.2 Outlet

      1. 1.2.1 Chained Outlets

      2. 1.2.2 Independent Outlets

    3. 1.3 Location

      1. 1.3.1 Leisure

      2. 1.3.2 Lodging

      3. 1.3.3 Retail

      4. 1.3.4 Standalone

      5. 1.3.5 Travel

United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market Size FAQs

The United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market size is expected to reach USD 5.57 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 18.85% to reach USD 13.21 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market size is expected to reach USD 5.57 billion.

United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029