• The number of new licenses in the food and beverage sector recorded growth of approximately 42.2% during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period of the previous year.
• A comprehensive study confirms Abu Dhabi's leadership in agricultural innovation and its strong presence in manufacturing, retail, and restaurants.
• Abu Dhabi is solidifying its position as an integrated food hub thanks to advanced agricultural technologies.

The food and beverage sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has achieved rapid growth, according to a report issued by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which stated that the number of active licenses in the sector reached 24,594 licenses as of September 2025. The report stated that new business licenses increased by 42.2% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, while the sector recorded annual growth of 40% during 2024, and a compound annual growth rate of 23.8% between 2019 and 2024.

The evolution of the innovation system:

This report represents the first sectoral release within the Chamber’s 2025–2028 strategy, and highlights the continued expansion of production capacities, increased export potential, and the development of the innovation ecosystem, thus consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the most competitive and resilient food economies in the region.

The report confirmed that Abu Dhabi’s food value chain is experiencing rapid growth across all its stages, from primary production and manufacturing to retail, restaurants, and exports, driven by the increasing global shift towards healthy, premium, and sustainable food consumption, creating strong and growing demand. The emirate’s investments in adopting advanced agricultural technologies, including controlled environments, hydroponics, and precision agriculture, have contributed to achieving productivity levels nearly 30 times higher than traditional farming, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s leadership in smart agriculture and bolstering its long-term food security.

Growing export capabilities:

In the food manufacturing sector, the report highlighted strong growth in processing and manufacturing, with the sector in the UAE projected to grow by approximately 7% annually until 2029. A significant portion of production is destined for international markets, reflecting growing export capabilities and potential for value creation. Abu Dhabi's retail and restaurant sectors also continue to strengthen their position, supported by international recognition, increasing consumer demand, and world-class logistics and industrial infrastructure that connects food production with the tourism, lifestyle, and hospitality sectors.

Boosting consumer confidence:

Despite global supply chain challenges, Abu Dhabi’s food and beverage sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, bolstered by diversified trade channels, advanced industrial platforms, and ongoing regulatory updates, including enhanced halal standards, improved food labeling requirements, and sustainability frameworks that foster confidence among consumers and international partners. The introduction of new economic activities in the agricultural sector has also enabled producers to expand into agro-processing, agritourism, and value-added production.

The report indicated that Abu Dhabi city currently accounts for the largest share of the sector’s activity, while Al Ain city continues to consolidate its role as a major agricultural center for the emirate, and the Al Dhafra region is working to enhance its contribution to the integrated system, which contributes to building a more integrated and competitive food economy.

In line with Abu Dhabi’s industrial strategy and the “Make in the UAE” initiative, the UAE continues to expand its local food production and enhance its export capabilities for high-quality products, with expectations that national food production capacity will increase by about 30% to 40% over the next decade, driven by the growth of agricultural technologies, the expansion of manufacturing, and the continued development of retail and consumer markets.

Charting the future of food:

In this context, His Excellency Ali Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The food and beverage sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is witnessing a rapid qualitative transformation that reflects the success of strategic visions supporting food security and economic diversification, and consolidating the Emirate’s position as a regional and global center for innovation in this vital sector. This transformation is based on an integrated system that includes smart agriculture, advanced technologies, high-quality manufacturing, and value-added exports, within a flexible and investment-friendly business environment. The continued growth in the number of new companies and active members in the sector confirms the widening opportunities for the private sector to contribute to building a competitive and sustainable food system.”

His Excellency added: “This development is not limited to expanding economic activity, but also includes integration with sustainability goals, adopting modern technology, and enhancing the efficiency of supply chains, which supports the quality of life and enhances the confidence of investors and international partners. The Abu Dhabi Chamber, through its institutional and international partnerships, continues its role in creating an enabling environment for the growth of the sector and directing investments towards areas with a long-term impact, ensuring that the food and beverage sector remains a fundamental pillar in the comprehensive economic development and regional leadership of the UAE.”

The release of this report represents a key milestone in the Chamber’s 2025–2028 strategy, and embodies the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s commitment to providing data-driven insights to support the private sector, enable investment decisions, and promote the long-term economic diversification path of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The full report is available on the Abu Dhabi Chamber website: www.abudhabichamber.ae

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