United Arab Emirates: Retail Foods Annual

Despite heightened geopolitical tensions, UAE food retail remained on a strong growth path in 2025. Consumer-oriented food imports reached $17.7 billion, up 9.3 percent, with the United States supplying $1.3 billion (7.3 percent) of the market. Grocery retail sales exceeded $20 billion, growing 6.3 percent, while online grocery grew more than 14 percent to $1.5 billion. Growth was supported by tourism, food security initiatives, stronger supply chain resilience, and new trade agreements. The grocery market is expected to continue expanding in 2026 with retail sales projected to grow by nearly 3 percent and online grocery retail at $1.6 billion.