Dubai International Chamber, a key entity under Dubai Chambers, successfully hosted a business networking event on the sidelines of Gulfood 2025, the world’s largest food exhibition, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 17-21.
The event brought together 415 representatives from leading local and international food and beverage companies, offering key insights into market trends and investment opportunities in the UAE’s thriving food sector.
Salem Al Shamsi, Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chambers, emphasized Dubai’s growing influence as a global hub for the food industry. He credited the city’s advanced infrastructure, strategic location, and expanding tourism sector for driving growth in food production and trade.
“Dubai’s food and beverage sector continues to flourish, propelled by rising consumer demand, government-backed innovations, and robust logistics capabilities,”
Al Shamsi stated.
During the event, Dubai International Chamber presented industry data from Euromonitor International, revealing that UAE retail sales of fresh and packaged food products reached US$16.3 billion in 2024. Consumer spending on food purchases via e-commerce also saw a significant rise, hitting US$1.1 billion, with an expected CAGR of 12.2% from 2025 to 2028. Meanwhile, the country’s food services sector is projected to grow from US$17.2 billion in 2023 to US$22.7 billion by 2028.
Investment trends were another focal point, with the UAE attracting US$370.3 million in new foreign direct investment (FDI) in the food sector between 2020 and 2024. The nation also led the Middle East in venture capital investments in RestaurantTech, securing US$932.1 million during the same period. Additionally, agritech investments reached US$386.1 million, positioning the UAE as a regional leader in sustainable food technology.
The event underscored Dubai’s pivotal role in shaping the global food landscape while fostering strategic partnerships and investment opportunities in the sector.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
