A taste of convenience: Understanding the booming food delivery market in UAE

Food delivery has become a staple in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in recent years, with more and more people opting to have their meals delivered right to their door. From pizzas to shawarma, the food delivery market in the UAE is seeing a steady growth, driven by increasing internet penetration and the growing popularity of online food ordering. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular food delivery trends in the UAE, as well as some predictions for 2023.

Online Platforms and Apps

One trend that has been gaining popularity in the UAE is the use of online platforms and apps for ordering food. These platforms allow customers to easily browse menus, place orders, and track their delivery in real-time. Some of the most popular food delivery apps in the UAE include Deliveroo,, Talabat and soon to be Yalah. According to a survey conducted by YouGov in 2019, 50% of people in the UAE have used a food delivery app in the past month.

Healthy and Organic Food

Another trend that has been on the rise in the UAE is the delivery of healthy and organic food. With more and more people becoming health-conscious, there has been an increase in demand for healthy food options that can be delivered straight to their door. Many restaurants and food delivery companies have started offering special menus for health-conscious customers, including options for vegetarians and vegans.

Popular Cuisines

The most popular cuisine for food delivery in the UAE is Italian, followed by middle eastern, Indian and Chinese.

The most popular takeout cuisine in Dubai is Middle Eastern, with dishes like shawarma and falafel being some of the most beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Indian food is also very popular in Dubai, with dishes like biryani, kebabs, and tandoori chicken being some of the most sought-after.

Other popular cuisines in Dubai include Italian, Chinese, and Japanese.

The country's diverse food culture, innovative technology, and commitment to food safety make it a unique and dynamic market for both local and international food businesses.

Takeout vs Dine-In

According to a survey conducted by YouGov in 2019, 60% of people in Dubai prefer to have their meals delivered to their doorstep, with 40% opting to dine in at restaurants.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant shift in the preference for takeout, with more people opting for food delivery for safety reasons.

New Technologies

Food delivery companies in the UAE have been experimenting with new technologies such as drones and robots to improve the delivery experience for customers. For example, in 2020, Deliveroo successfully delivered food to the top of the Burj Khalifa using a drone. Many supermarkets and grocery stores now offer home delivery services for customers who prefer to shop for their groceries online.

Contactless Delivery

Many food delivery companies in the UAE have also introduced contactless delivery options to ensure the safety of customers and delivery personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is expected to continue in the future to ensure the safety of the customers and delivery personnel.

Predictions for 2023

Looking ahead to 2023, it is expected that the food delivery market in the UAE will continue to grow, driven by factors such as increasing internet penetration and the growing popularity of online food ordering. The growth of the food delivery market is also expected to be driven by the increasing number of working professionals who prefer the convenience of having their meals delivered to them. Furthermore, the trend of healthy eating is also expected to continue, leading to an increased demand for organic and healthy food options.

According to a report by Technavio, the online food delivery market in the UAE is expected to reach a value of $1.27 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of over 11%.

‍