UAE online food delivery market to reach USD3.9bn by 2030 as mobile orders rise
The UAE online food delivery market is expected to grow from USD 2.5 billion in 2024 to USD 3.9 billion in 2030, driven by the sharp increase in mobile ordering and changing consumer dining habits, according to new data from Syrve MENA.
The restaurant software provider said mobile ordering now accounts for nearly 70 percent of delivery across the Middle East and North Africa, marking a 30 percent year-on-year increase in mobile-based dining. This change is fueled by the high penetration of smartphones, easy-going lifestyles and the widespread use of food delivery apps.
Dubai remains the main driver of this growth. The city has more than 13,000 restaurants and cafes, accounting for about 60 percent of all food outlets in the UAE. Syrve’s internal data shows that aggregator platforms like Talabat handle about three-quarters of delivery orders, with the rest being processed through digital channels managed by restaurants.
As competition intensifies, restaurants are increasingly investing in technology to improve efficiency and protect margins. Syrve said operators are developing integrated retail systems, loyalty applications, call center tools and self-service solutions. Once limited to large quick service chains, kiosks are now being adopted by smaller locations, where screen sales can increase order prices between 15 and 30 percent.
“Mobile-based delivery will remain at the core of food supply strategy in both markets as operators look to increase order volumes by more than 10 percent year-on-year while maintaining margins in a highly competitive environment,” said Alexander Ponomarev, CEO of Syrve MENA.
Food delivery market in UAE
Consumer behavior regarding restaurant acquisitions is also evolving. Syrve’s data shows social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat are playing an increasing role in shaping dining choices, with viral dishes and limited-time menu trends in high demand.
Control methods and lifestyle have a major impact on this sector. In Saudi Arabia, mandatory calorie labeling has prompted restaurants to review both in-store and digital menus, while sustainability and health considerations are becoming more prevalent. Industry estimates suggest that the share of plant-based food in the UAE is growing at an annual rate of 8.6 percent.
Middle Eastern cuisine continues to dominate the UAE full-service restaurant market, followed by Asian concepts, while casual and quick-service restaurants remain the fastest growing segments. Seasonal factors also play a role, as Ramadan and the summer months always drive high volumes of online orders.
Looking ahead, Syrve expects deeper integration of social media into restaurant marketing, wider adoption of AI-driven tools for inventory and pricing, and increasing pressure on operators to demonstrate nutritional transparency and environmental responsibility as the market continues to grow.
