The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) has released a landmark report confirming that Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage (F&B) sector is entering a strong high-growth phase, with the emirate recording 24,594 active F&B licenses as of September 2025, with new business registrations increasing by 42.2 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The year-over-year growth rate will increase in 2024, resulting in a sustained compound annual growth rate of 23.8% from 2019 to 2024.
The first sectoral report published under ADCCI’s 2025-2028 strategy, the report also focuses on expanding production capacity, increasing export potential and strengthening the innovation ecosystem, which will position Abu Dhabi as one of the most competitive and resilient food economies in the region.
The report confirms that Abu Dhabi’s food value chain is rapidly progressing from primary production to manufacturing, retail, food and beverage and export activities. The global transition to healthier, premium and sustainable food consumption is creating strong demand opportunities, while Abu Dhabi’s investments in advanced agricultural technology solutions such as climate-controlled agriculture, hydroponics and precision agriculture are delivering up to 30 times higher productivity levels compared to traditional open-air farming methods, strengthening the emirate’s leadership in smart agriculture and long-term food security.
In the midstream, the report says food processing and manufacturing are expanding steadily, with the sector in the UAE projected to grow at around 7 percent per year until 2029. A significant portion of production already supports international markets, underscoring the growing export capacity and value creation potential. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s retail and food and beverage ecosystem continues to strengthen, supported by international culinary recognition, rising consumer demand, and world-class logistics and industrial infrastructure that increasingly integrates food production with the tourism, lifestyle and hospitality sectors.
Despite global supply chain challenges, the report notes that Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage sector has shown strong resilience, supported by diversified trade corridors, advanced industrial platforms, progressive regulatory enhancements such as strengthened halal standards, modern food labeling requirements, and a sustainability framework that strengthens consumer confidence and international credibility. New economic activities introduced in the agricultural sector have enabled producers to also move into processing, agritourism and value-added production.
While Abu Dhabi City currently accounts for the lion’s share of food and beverage activity, Al Ain continues to strengthen its role as the emirate’s agricultural hub and Al Dhafra further strengthens its contribution to the broader ecosystem. Regions are working together to create a more integrated and competitive food economy.
In line with the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy and the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative, the UAE is expanding domestic food production and strengthening premium export capabilities. The country’s food production potential is expected to increase by approximately 30-40 percent over the next decade, supported by growth in agricultural technology, expansion of manufacturing, and continued development of retail and consumer markets.
In this regard, Ali Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The food and beverage sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is undergoing a rapid and qualitative transformation, reflecting the success of a strategic vision that supports food security, economic diversification and strengthening the emirate’s position as a regional and global hub for innovation in this vital sector. This transformation is supported by an integrated ecosystem, including smart.” Agriculture, advanced technology, high-quality manufacturing and value-added exports all take place in a flexible and investment-friendly business environment, and the continued growth in the number of new start-ups and active sector members underlines the growing opportunities for the private sector to play a central role in building a competitive and sustainable food ecosystem. ”
He added: “This progress is about more than just economic expansion. It also reflects strong alignment with sustainability goals, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and increased efficiency across the supply chain, contributing to improved quality of life and strengthening the confidence of investors and international partners. The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry We remain committed to enabling the sector’s growth through global and international partnerships, directing investment to areas with long-term impact, and ensuring that the food and beverage sector continues to serve as a foundation for inclusive economic development and regional leadership.” United Arab Emirates. ”
The publication of this report marks a major milestone in ADCCI’s 2025-2028 Strategy and strengthens the Chamber’s commitment to empower the private sector, support investment decision-making, and provide data-driven insights that drive Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic diversification agenda.
