Browse Data and Analysis

With a gross domestic product of $548.6 billion and projected growth of 3.7 percent in 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks as the second-largest economy in the Arab world, with substantial consumer spending driven by high per capita income.

The UAE's food processing sector is thriving, driven by robust economic growth and domestic consumption. The more than 570 predominantly small and medium-sized food and beverage processors cater primarily to local demand, while also aiming to meet regional and global needs.

Continuing economic growth; increasing tourism; a healthy hotel, restaurant, and institutional sector; and a growing population will lead the UAE’s wheat and rice consumption to grow in the 2025-2026 marketing year (MY).