UAE online food delivery market likely to expand at 10.2% a year
The Saudi Arabian market is projected to grow at a 15.4 per cent CAGR through 2030. This surge is primarily driven by urbanisation, advanced digital infrastructure including widespread internet access and smartphone usage, and a growing middle class with increasing disposable income and preference for digital convenience.
Recent data from Syrve Mena, a leading restaurant software provider in the Middle East, reveals that the first half of 2025 brought about a substantial shift in consumer behaviour in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Mobile food delivery orders in the UAE and Saudi Arabia grew 30 per cent rise during H1, data showed.
'Mobile-based delivery will remain central to foodservice strategy in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia as they continue to develop digitally and increase mobile order volumes by over 10 per cent year-on-year. Consistent seasonal peaks, changing spending habits, and rapidly advancing technology are making mobile-first dining the new norm,' said Alexander Ponomarev, CEO at Syrve Mena.
According to reports, as mobile order volumes continue to grow steadily and consumers demand digital convenience, forecasts predict that the share of mobile-based orders will exceed 80 per cent in both markets by the end of 2025. This trend is further fueled by high digital penetration, making the digital transformation of the food delivery market inevitable. The dominance of food aggregators and restaurants' increasing drive toward process automation are also contributing to this shift.
According to Syrve Mena data, food aggregators continue to be the most popular mobile order channel in both markets. Approximately 75 per cent of mobile orders placed by surveyed restaurants are processed by apps like HungerStation, Talabat, and Deliveroo. The remaining 25 per cent is handled by call centres, proprietary apps, and websites run by restaurants — a tactic that larger chains seeking greater control over operational procedures can afford.
Majority of orders come from mobile devices. More than 70 per cent of all food delivery transactions are made through mobile phones, reflecting the region's preference for digital convenience. While it is challenging to accurately estimate the increase in mobile orders in H1 2025 compared to 2024, Talabat reports a 30 per cent year-over-year increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in Q1, which may indicate a significant rise in order volume in H1 2025. Revenue and adjusted Ebitda both grew by 34 per cent, while adjusted net income rose by 24 per cent.
Mobile delivery activity in the UAE reached its first peak in March 2025, coinciding with Ramadan, a time traditionally associated with increased food ordering. Another seasonal surge is expected between June and September, when high temperatures make outdoor dining less appealing and consumers turn to delivery more often.
The time slot from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM consistently yields the highest volume of mobile delivery orders across most restaurant categories. For fast food, Italian, Indian, and international restaurant chains, this evening window is the most popular. However, Arabic food exhibits a distinct trend, with traditional breakfast items driving the highest delivery activity between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Popular dishes range from kebabs in Arabic restaurants to rotis and butter naan in Indian chains.
In the global H1 2025 market, the most popular time for food ordering is generally 6:00 PM local time, according to restaurant industry reports. Additionally, there's a noticeable increase in breakfast orders, particularly on Monday mornings. The later evening peak in orders observed in the UAE and Saudi Arabia may be linked to Ramadan, when evening meals shift to after sunset, analysts say.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
33 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Al Ansari Exchange offers customers up to Dh60 cashback after remittance delay
Al Ansari Exchange customers impacted by the recent remittance delays have received cashback vouchers ranging from Dh20 to Dh60 that can be used in their next transaction, the company confirmed to Khaleej Times on Friday, with assurances that enhanced safeguards have been implemented to avoid recurrence of the incident. The issue started on July 5, when customers who sent remittances had to wait for days to clear their transactions. It happened on a busy weekend, when many expats — after getting their monthly salary — sent money back home earmarked for household expenses, education, rent, medical bills, and other expenditures. Al Ansari Exchange, touted as the UAE's largest remittance and foreign exchange company, had apologised to their customers and noted a technical glitch caused the delay. Last week, Al Ansari Exchange confirmed to Khaleej Times that the remittance delays experienced on July 5, 'have been fully resolved and all other services remained unaffected by the technical issue.' In yet another statement on Friday, July 18, Al Ansari Exchange said: 'We have thoroughly investigated the incident and have since implemented enhanced safeguards to prevent recurrence. (We) remain steadfast in (our) commitment to operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and the highest standards of security and reliability.' 'As a gesture of goodwill and in appreciation of our customers' patience and understanding, we have extended cashback vouchers ranging from Dh20 to Dh60. These amounts were determined based on the value of the transaction fees and the length of the delay. The vouchers are redeemable on customers' next remittance transaction,' the company added. Al Ansari Exchange, a subsidiary of listed company Al Ansari Financial Services PJSC, again acknowledged the inconvenience experienced by their customers and 'affirmed that immediate and comprehensive remedial actions were taken.' 'We sincerely thank our customers for their continued trust and loyalty,' the company added.
Arabian Business
39 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
Etihad celebrates growth after transporting 20m passengers in one year
Etihad continues to soar with a record-breaking year, reaching new milestones for the first time in the airline's history. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO at Etihad Airways, said: 'The last 12 months have seen Etihad flying high, breaking records and achieving new milestones at an astonishing rate. 'Following a record Q1, with AED685m ($187m) profit and our highest ever customer satisfaction scores, Etihad has now welcomed more than 20m guests in the last year, for the first time in the airline's history. 'We continue our upward trajectory as part of a broader growth story that has seen our annual passenger numbers more than double from 10m to 20m in just two and a half years. 'This sustained growth is driven by expanding demand, a dynamic global network, and a clear strategic focus. We are the only airline in the region growing at this pace and we have no intention of slowing down. 2025 is proving to be our biggest year yet.' Etihad Airways passenger numbers double Etihad has introduced three more aircraft into its expanding fleet, bringing the operational fleet size to more than 100 aircraft. The airline welcomed back its seventh Airbus A380 to service and received a brand-new Boeing B787-9 delivered from Charleston, US, with an all-Emirati flight crew. Etihad also received the first of three brand-new Airbus 350-1000s delivered on July 18. Boasting one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the industry, Etihad continues to make strategic investments to meet the overwhelming demand from guests. The airline is expecting to receive 18 additional new aircraft in 2025, including the delivery of its new A321LR fleet which will enter into service from August 1. Refining luxury, the new A321LR fleet will offer First Suites, fully lie-flat Business seats, 4K screens and high-speed super Wi-Fi in all cabins, allowing guests to stay connected via messages, calls and stream while in the air. Earlier this year, Etihad announced the order of 28 wide-body aircraft from Boeing to support its plans for growth and connectivity, operational efficiency and guest experience. Following the airline's recent announcement of seven additional destinations, Etihad will have added 27 new routes this year, a remarkable milestone that reflects its ambition and commitment to increase the number of visitors to Abu Dhabi. Flying to almost 90 destinations worldwide by the end of 2025, leveraging its strategic geographical advantage connecting Europe and Asia, this expansion is part of Etihad's ongoing strategy to support the economic growth of Abu Dhabi. These achievements are a huge step toward the goals the Etihad set out in its ambitious growth strategy which would see the network grow to more than 125 destinations, fleet to more than 170 aircraft, and passenger numbers to 38m per year, by 2030. With rapid growth in every direction, the airline is set to exceed the expectations of its seven-year growth plan, a reflection of demand and extraordinary customer satisfaction. The UAE carrier's success is a reflection of Abu Dhabi's strong aviation sector which continues to demonstrate robust growth and strategic momentum, underscoring its position as a leading global gateway for passengers and cargo.
Arabian Business
39 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
First Look: Emirates' new luxury check-in lounge at Dubai Airport features iPad service and chauffeur transfers before caviar-filled flights
Emirates First was officially opened at Terminal 3, Dubai International (DXB), offering a luxurious and unique airport experience for Emirates' First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. The check-in area has been upgraded with a private seating area, offering an exclusive check in process. As the world's largest operator of international First Class travel, offering 26,800 seats a week and the largest inventory of international First Class seats in the industry, Emirates continues to invest and uplift its customers' experience at every touchpoint on the ground and in the air. Emirates First at Dubai International Airport Adel al Redha, Emirates' Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer, said: 'We invest heavily in upgrading our ground products, and Emirates First is one of the areas that will offer a unique and private environment to our First Class customers and Skywards Platinum members. 'We know our customers value privacy and convenience, and this will provide another level of hospitality to the check-in experience, as part of our efforts to continuously uplift the overall travel journey. Now, our customers can enjoy a sleek transfer with our Chauffeur Drive Service, a swift check-in at the exclusive Emirates First, explore a world-class lounge before boarding, and relax into a multi award-winning inflight experience with Emirates.' Emirates First has been reimagined with premium customers in mind. From the moment customers reach the dedicated Emirates Terminal 3 departures area, and just a few steps inside, a grand golden entryway now signifies the entrance the private space, where a dedicated Emirates host verifies guest eligibility for entry. Emirates First is both visually relaxing and luxurious to the eye, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport. While grand columns flank the space, wooden floors are mixed with elegant marble flooring, while soft carpeting lies underfoot in the seating areas, and plush leather and soft fabric armchairs and sofas await. In a nod to Emirates' premium First Class Lounges, renowned Emirates' Rolex clocks indicate the time in major world cities and adorn a feature wall behind a podium with an extravagant fresh flower arrangement. Echoing the iconic interior cabins of Emirates' newest aircraft, a back lit ghaf tree honours the national tree of the UAE. Within the new area, all digital screens and advertising have been removed, soft integrated lighting has been curated to ensure a tranquil ambience, and natural greenery adds a soothing yet vibrant touch. Recognising the importance of time to premium customers, Emirates First offers a sleek experience where check in formalities can be performed on iPads while guests are seated. Families can relax in the seated areas, while one member is assisted with the check in process for all. Customers can also utilise the counters to check in if preferred and drop baggage at the marble and brass desks, where they are loaded onto dedicated First Class baggage belts. Customers can breeze through Security and Immigration and proceed to one of the three dedicated Emirates First Class Lounges in Terminal 3, DXB to enjoy chef-crafted à la carte meals, complimentary spa treatments, business centres and kids' areas, and concierge duty free shopping. Emirates First Class customers have complimentary access to 43 dedicated Emirates Lounges across the globe, and complimentary chauffeur drive for seamless door-to-door transfers across most destinations. The re-opening of Emirates First is the latest addition to the airlines recent suite of investments for First Class customers. In May of this year, Emirates announced an array of new enhancements that finesse the finer details of hospitality and service onboard, from a keepsake menu which tells an explorative story of Emirates' wine selection and culinary inspirations, to new Emirates engraved Robert Welch bowls designed for unlimited caviar, to rustic cheeseboard slates to enhance Emirates' renowned artisan cheeseboard. Emirates First Class cabin crew now also provide a gloved service for exceptional hospitality onboard.
