The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) food delivery market is experiencing substantial growth, valued at approximately $2.5 billion in 2024. Projections from Syrve MENA indicate this sector will reach $3.9 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 7% to 10%. This expansion is part of a broader trend across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where food delivery is forecast to hit $35.6 billion by the end of the decade.
The Rise of Mobile Ordering in the UAE Food Delivery Market
A key driver of this growth is the increasing reliance on mobile devices for ordering food. Across the MENA region, mobile now accounts for roughly 70% of all delivery transactions, a 30% year-over-year increase. This shift towards “mobile-first dining” is particularly noticeable in the UAE, fueled by high smartphone penetration rates and a consumer preference for convenience.
Dubai is a central hub for this activity, hosting over 13,000 restaurants and cafés – approximately 60% of all food outlets in the country. Data from Syrve suggests that around three-quarters of all delivery orders in Dubai are processed through aggregator apps like Talabat, HungerStation, and Deliveroo. The remaining portion is handled directly by restaurants through their own ordering systems.
Restaurant Adaptation to Delivery Demand
The surge in demand for online food ordering is prompting restaurants to significantly adapt their business models. Operators are investing in integrated point-of-sale (POS) systems to streamline order management and improve efficiency. Additionally, many are incorporating loyalty applications, call-center systems, and enhanced digital storefronts to cater to the growing online customer base.
Self-service kiosks, previously common only in large quick-service restaurant chains, are now being adopted by smaller establishments to manage peak order times and reduce labor costs. According to Alexander Ponomarev, chief executive of Syrve MENA, mobile-based delivery will remain a core strategy for foodservice businesses aiming for over 10% annual order volume growth while preserving profitability in a competitive landscape.
Syrve’s data also reveals that restaurants are leveraging technology to increase revenue per order. Automated upselling suggestions and optimized digital menu designs are reportedly boosting average check sizes by 15% to 30%. This demonstrates a move towards maximizing the value of each delivery transaction.
Scale of Demand: Numbers Tell the Story
The volume of orders processed by leading delivery platforms underscores the market’s substantial scale. Talabat reported that users ordered more than 47 million burgers across the UAE in 2025. Mini cheese pizzas were also a popular choice, with over 1.3 million orders placed.
Careem, another major player, delivered over 1.6 million burgers last year, averaging approximately 4,400 per day. Meanwhile, Noon is expanding its reach beyond traditional food delivery, processing tens of thousands of impulse and non-food orders through its rapid-delivery services, Noon Minutes and Supermall, indicating a convergence of food delivery and quick-commerce.
AI and Operational Efficiency
As delivery volumes increase and margins come under pressure, restaurants are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize operations. Syrve notes a growing adoption of AI-powered tools for inventory forecasting, automated procurement, and dynamic pricing. These technologies aim to reduce costs and improve resource allocation.
While independent restaurants still represent the majority (around 62%) of the full-service market, chain operators are projected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 19.22% through 2030. This growth is attributed to their operational scale and focus on delivery-first expansion strategies. The online food sector is becoming increasingly competitive.
Seasonal Trends and Future Outlook
Seasonal factors continue to play a significant role in the UAE’s food ordering market. Ramadan consistently sees a substantial increase in food spending, with approximately 41% of UAE residents increasing their orders during the holy month. Similarly, the extreme heat of the summer months drives more consumers to opt for online ordering and later delivery times.
Looking ahead to 2026, Ponomarev anticipates further integration with social media platforms, a wider rollout of AI-driven tools, and increased pressure on restaurants to provide nutritional transparency and demonstrate environmental responsibility. The future of food delivery services in the UAE will likely be shaped by these evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements. Continued monitoring of regulatory changes related to delivery fees and worker rights will also be crucial for stakeholders in the restaurant delivery ecosystem.
