Packaging Industry In The UAE Market Size

UAE Packaging Market Analysis

The Packaging Industry In The UAE Market size is estimated at USD 9.56 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 12.44 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.41% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The UAE packaging market studies the rising need for consumer goods, including food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, etc, in the Gulf nation. Innovations in the packaging techniques and materials obtained by the packaging manufacturers are expected to improve the market during the forecast period.

Consumers and packaging manufacturers are becoming more zero-waste compliant, and sustainability is a critical development plan in the United Arab Emirates. Packaging manufacturers in the country focus on innovative design, considering the demographic and lifestyle changes.

Moreover, as people become more tech-savvy and value convenience and service speed, multiple online food ordering portals have emerged, significantly increasing the reach of restaurants and food service outlets. An inclination toward home-grown brands and a growing cafe culture are also playing roles in shaping the restaurant market in the country. Such instances are anticipated to augment disposable food packaging such as plastic containers, cups, corrugated boxes, etc.

The United Arab Emirates has a robust urbanization rate that positively impacts the consumer's food habits and lifestyle changes. According to the World Bank report published in September 2023, the share of the urban population in the country was around 87%. Therefore, growth in the urban population would proportionately increase demand for food service and food and beverage packaging across the metropolitan region.

As per the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry data, the country's organic food sales are anticipated to rise by around USD 52 million by 2025. Paper-based eco-friendly packaging is the safest medium for packaging organic food, as consumers gradually gravitate toward harmless food contact material. Therefore, with the rise in organic food packaging, the demand for sustainable paper packaging would also rise across the country.

Moreover, in the United Arab Emirates, the packaging industry is essential, increasing food safety and offering convenience to consumers as this trend grows. Adequate package labeling enables food manufacturers to understand the product's source, the appropriate holding temperature, and the necessary amount of cooking needed.

According to the Tourism Development & Investment Company, people in the United Arab Emirates consume about 4 billion plastic bottles annually, and 40% of all plastic in the country is single-use. Plastic food packaging keeps food fresh and increases its shelf life. While disposable food containers make life easy with minimal maintenance, they also pose a significant environmental risk.