Quick-service surge drives UAE foodservice expansion toward 2030
QSRs are expected to grow around 5.3% over the next five years.
The UAE’s foodservice sector was worth about $18.8b (€16b) in 2025, growing 1.6% from 2024, and is forecast to expand by 4.2% through 2030, according to Deloitte’s Foodservice Market Monitor 2026.
Much of that momentum is tied to the spread of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), which are expected to grow around 5.3% over the next five years.
QSRs are projected to be amongst the fastest-growing segments, alongside street food.
Similar models are also helping drive expansion in North America and Asia-Pacific, where demand for fast, low-friction dining formats continues to rise.
Overall, the UAE market is expected to keep growing steadily, leaving room for continued investment in the sector.
Globally, foodservice is also in a phase of steady, moderate growth after the post-pandemic rebound.
The market reached roughly $3.5t (€2.98t) in 2025, with global growth of 2.2% year-on-year.
Europe led at 6% growth, followed by Asia-Pacific at 3.8%, according to an early preview of Deloitte’s report shared with TUTTOFOOD.
Consumer behaviour is shifting across markets. Delivery is increasingly influenced by packaging quality, with about 90% of consumers more likely to order a wider range of food if packaging is considered premium and 53% saying they would pay extra for it.
Cost remains a key factor, whilst around 80% of consumers now expect stronger digital integration throughout ordering and delivery, though execution across markets remains uneven.
On the operational side, more businesses are adapting to off-premises demand.
About 41% of operators are redesigning spaces for takeaway and delivery, and 34% of QSRs are moving toward takeaway-only outlets.
Automation is also expanding, with 74% of operators adopting some form of technology to improve efficiency, though only 28% say it has yet translated into higher profitability.
($1 = €0.84)
