Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage (F&B) sector has seen remarkable growth, further strengthening the Emirate’s role as a regional leader in the food industry. According to new data released by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), active memberships in the sector reached 24,594 by the end of September 2025, highlighting the Emirate’s thriving investment environment and strong business confidence.
The first half of 2025 saw a 42.2% rise in new memberships compared to the same period in 2024. Over 570 new companies joined the chamber within six months, showcasing the sector’s growing attraction to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. The rapid increase reflects Abu Dhabi’s success in promoting food-related businesses and building a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs.
The announcement came as ADCCI took part in the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025, held from 21 to 23 October 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event is part of Global Food Week, and through its participation, ADCCI aims to emphasize the private sector’s role in food security, supply chain resilience, and innovation. The exhibition provides a vital platform for collaboration between local and global food industry players.
Statistics from the chamber show that the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the F&B sector between 2019 and 2024 reached 23.8%. This consistent expansion supports Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals and directly contributes to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The F&B industry continues to serve as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development in the Emirate.
According to ADCCI’s data, SMEs make up 98% of F&B companies in Abu Dhabi. These enterprises play a central role in innovation, production, and sustainability, demonstrating how the sector fosters new ideas and technologies. Their growth also reflects Abu Dhabi’s successful support policies for small businesses, enabling them to thrive in a competitive market.
The report highlights Al Ain’s agricultural importance within Abu Dhabi, noting its heritage and role as a key food production center. With its strategic position and fertile lands, Al Ain contributes significantly to the Emirate’s food distribution network, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s overall food security and sustainability goals.
Data from ADCCI reveals that 94% of members operate in commercial activities, while 6% are engaged in other areas. Within commercial operations, groceries and fresh produce stores each make up 8%, followed by confectionery at 7%. Other categories, such as fish, chocolate, dietary supplements, and canned foods, each account for 3–4%, reflecting the diversity of Abu Dhabi’s food supply and distribution.
In the accommodation and food services sector, cafés and cafeterias lead at 23%, followed by restaurants at 18%, beverage outlets at 16%, and bakeries and dessert shops at 14%. These figures show a dynamic and evolving culinary landscape, offering consumers an increasingly wide range of dining choices.
In food manufacturing, baked goods and bread products dominate at 31%, followed by automated bakeries (14%), bottled water, ghee, and dairy products, each around 13–14%. This highlights a growing trend toward sustainable local production to meet rising domestic demand.
Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, described the F&B sector as a key pillar of the national economy. He stated, “The food and beverage industry plays a vital role in achieving food security and economic diversification. We continue to support national companies by offering a business environment that encourages innovation and investment, particularly for small and medium enterprises.”
He added that ADCCI’s participation in the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition underscores its commitment to expanding regional and global partnerships, and to promoting agri-tech and supply chain innovations that create opportunities for local and international investors.
The steady rise in F&B sector memberships reflects growing confidence in Abu Dhabi’s economic strategies. It also highlights the success of development initiatives aimed at creating a resilient, knowledge-based, and sustainable food ecosystem. The Emirate continues to balance leadership from national companies with increasing international investment, reinforcing its reputation as a global hub for food industries and modern agriculture.
Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage sector stands as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and sustainability. With the strong support of ADCCI and the active participation of SMEs, the industry continues to evolve and expand, contributing to food security and economic growth. As Abu Dhabi strengthens its role in regional and global food supply chains, the F&B sector will remain a central force in shaping the Emirate’s sustainable economic future.
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