United Arab Emirates Full Service Restaurants Market Size and Share

United Arab Emirates Full Service Restaurants Market (2025 - 2030)
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United Arab Emirates Full Service Restaurants Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The United Arab Emirates Full-Service Restaurant Market was valued at USD 9.92 billion in 2025 and estimated to grow from USD 11.75 billion in 2026 to reach USD 27.41 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 18.45% during the forecast period (2026-2031). The market growth is driven by increasing health and wellness awareness, leading to higher demand for nutritious, organic, plant-based, and allergen-friendly menu options. Consumers focus on ingredient quality and dietary requirements, compelling restaurants to develop healthier menus. The sector's technological advancements include AI personalization, mobile ordering, contactless payments, and integrated delivery platforms, which improve both customer experience and operational efficiency. The multicultural population in the United Arab Emirates creates demand for diverse international cuisines and authentic ethnic foods, encouraging menu diversification. Changes in lifestyle, including urbanization, increased female employment, and social habits, result in more frequent restaurant visits and dining experiences. 

Key Report Takeaways

  • By cuisine, Middle Eastern concepts held 42.05% of the United Arab Emirates' full-service restaurant market share in 2025, whereas Latin American outlets are expanding at a 19.05% CAGR through 2031.
  • By outlet type, independent restaurants controlled 61.55% of the United Arab Emirates' full-service restaurant market size in 2025, while chained formats represent the fastest growth at 18.76% CAGR to 2031.
  • By location, standalone venues captured 70.45% of the United Arab Emirates' full-service restaurant market share in 2025; lodging-based outlets are projected to climb at an 18.3% CAGR by 2031.
  • By service type, dine-in maintained 65.55% revenue share of the United Arab Emirates' full-service restaurant market size in 2025, yet takeaway is advancing at an 18.12% CAGR during the same horizon.

Note: Market size and forecast figures in this report are generated using Mordor Intelligence’s proprietary estimation framework, updated with the latest available data and insights as of January 2026.

Segment Analysis

By Cuisine: Middle Eastern Dominance Faces Latin American Disruption

Middle Eastern cuisine holds a 42.05% market share in the United Arab Emirates in 2025, driven by its cultural significance among Emirati nationals and the Arab expatriate population. The segment's growth stems from the popularity of authentic regional dishes that form the core of the United Arab Emirates' culinary identity. The cuisine's fundamental ingredients - lamb, chicken, spices, herbs, and grains - are essential components of local traditions and celebrations, creating a strong cultural connection. The expansion of Middle Eastern restaurants, offering both traditional and contemporary interpretations, along with growing tourist interest in regional cuisine, maintains its market leadership. Consumer preference for authentic, culturally significant flavors further strengthens its position.

Latin American cuisine is projected to grow at a 19.05% CAGR through 2031, reflecting increasing local demand for diverse and vibrant dining experiences. The cuisine's market expansion in the United Arab Emirates is supported by restaurants that combine traditional Latin American dishes with modern culinary approaches, attracting both experimental diners and health-conscious consumers. Mexican and Brazilian cuisines have gained popularity by offering extensive vegetarian and vegan options, meeting the demands of the wellness trend and the increasing plant-based diet consumers in the United Arab Emirates. Latin American restaurants enhance their appeal through cultural entertainment features like samba dancing and capoeira shows, creating comprehensive dining experiences that attract diverse customers.

United Arab Emirates Full Service Restaurants Market: Market Share by Cuisine, 2025
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By Outlet: Independent Resilience Challenged by Chain Efficiency

Independent outlets command a 61.55% market share in the United Arab Emirates' full-service restaurant market in 2025. This significant dominance reflects strong consumer preference for personalized, authentic dining experiences that distinguish themselves from standardized chain offerings. The substantial market share exemplifies the country's dynamic entrepreneurial landscape in the full-service restaurant sector, where independent operators skillfully blend diverse culinary influences with sophisticated local concepts to serve increasingly discerning customers. These establishments demonstrate remarkable agility in modifying their menus, enhancing décor, and refining service styles to align with emerging trends in health consciousness, sustainability, and cultural authenticity.

Chained outlets project an impressive CAGR of 18.76% through 2031 in the United Arab Emirates full-service restaurant market. This substantial growth trajectory reflects the ambitious expansion strategies of established restaurant groups and international brands across multiple strategic locations. Chain restaurants effectively leverage economies of scale, established brand recognition, and consistent service quality to capture and expand their customer base. Their remarkable growth stems from swift concept development, precise consumer preference adaptation, and sophisticated integrated marketing programs. These establishments strengthen their market position through unwavering quality standards, trusted brand familiarity, and comprehensive digital integration features, encompassing seamless online reservations, efficient delivery services, and advanced contactless payment solutions.

By Location: Standalone Supremacy Meets Lodging Innovation

Standalone restaurants hold a dominant 70.45% market share in the United Arab Emirates' full-service restaurant market in 2025. This significant share reflects consumer preference for exclusive dining destinations that offer privacy, ambiance, and culinary excellence. These venues typically feature distinct architectural designs, premium locations, and immersive atmospheres that set them apart from restaurants in malls, retail complexes, leisure parks, or lodging establishments. Standalone restaurants have greater operational flexibility to innovate menus, extend service hours, and offer entertainment options, serving diverse clientele from local families to international tourists. Their ability to establish unique brand identities and deliver customized experiences aligns with the United Arab Emirates' affluent market preferences.

Lodging-based establishments are projected to grow at a 18.3% CAGR through 2031 in the United Arab Emirates full-service restaurant market. This growth stems from the country's position as a global tourism and business hub, where increasing visitor numbers drive demand for high-quality dining options within hotels, resorts, and accommodation venues. These restaurants serve a reliable customer base of travelers seeking convenient, luxury dining experiences during their stay. The integration of lodging and full-service restaurants enables efficient hospitality service bundling, improving guest satisfaction and revenue per visitor. Hotel-based restaurants also benefit from established brand recognition, renowned chefs, and exclusive culinary events, attracting both hotel guests and local diners.

United Arab Emirates Full Service Restaurants Market: Market Share by Location, 2025
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By Service Type: Dine-In Tradition Adapts to Takeaway Innovation

Dine-in service maintains a substantial 65.55% market share in the United Arab Emirates full-service restaurant market in 2025. This reflects consumer preference for traditional dining experiences where ambiance, social interaction, and service quality are essential. The dominant share indicates that the United Arab Emirates consumers value the comprehensive dining experience, including hospitality, restaurant atmosphere, and opportunities for socializing with family, friends, or business associates. Despite digital ordering and delivery options, dine-in remains the primary choice for celebrations, business meetings, and leisure dining that emphasizes food presentation, freshness, and ambiance. The tourism sector further supports this segment, as visitors often seek experiential dine-in venues offering international and regional cuisines.

Takeaway service projects an 18.12% CAGR through 2031 in the United Arab Emirates full-service restaurant market, showing the sector's adaptation to convenience-focused consumer lifestyles and integration of delivery platforms. This growth indicates changing consumer preferences toward efficient dining options while maintaining quality, particularly among busy professionals, millennials, and tech-savvy residents. The expansion of third-party delivery services and restaurant apps has increased takeaway accessibility, offering various cuisines from traditional to gourmet. Features such as contactless delivery, order tracking, and meal customization have improved consumer confidence in takeaway services. The segment's growth also benefits from the foodservice industry's digital transformation, allowing restaurants to optimize operations and expand their customer base beyond physical locations.

Geography Analysis

The United Arab Emirates restaurant market concentrates primarily in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which capture most tourism spending and expatriate dining demand. Dubai's position as a business hub and tourist destination ensures consistent demand, enabling premium pricing and diverse cuisine offerings. The city's hospitality infrastructure and continuous development attract international food brands and new dining concepts, positioning it as the core of the UAE's foodservice market. Dubai Municipality data shows the Emirate housed 25,000 food establishments in the first half of 2024, indicating its market scale .

Abu Dhabi, as the United Arab Emirates' capital and cultural center, maintains a steady demand for upscale and diverse dining options. The city's government sector presence and cultural institutions support premium full-service restaurants. International events, hospitality developments, and urban expansion increase demand for high-quality dining experiences. Abu Dhabi's steady growth complements Dubai's expansion, establishing these emirates as the primary drivers of the United Arab Emirates restaurant market's volume, revenue, and innovation.

The Northern Emirates, such as Sharjah, Ajman, and Fujairah, offer emerging opportunities through residential development and local economic growth. These regions show increasing consumer spending on foodservice as populations grow and lifestyle preferences change. New retail centers, leisure developments, and infrastructure improvements expand dining demand. This geographic expansion presents growth potential for full-service restaurants in less saturated markets, supplementing the established markets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Competitive Landscape

The United Arab Emirates' Full-service restaurant Market is fragmented, with competition among international chains, regional players, and local independent operators. Companies like Americana Restaurants International and M.H. Alshaya Co. maintain a significant presence through their extensive brand portfolios, while the market structure continues to support innovation and broad participation.

International chains leverage standardized operations and global supply chains to achieve operational efficiency and consistent quality. Local operators focus on cultural authenticity and customized menus that appeal to specific demographic preferences, building customer loyalty in targeted segments. This balance between global reach and local expertise creates a dynamic market environment across all segments.

Technology adoption has emerged as a key differentiator in the market. Operators implement artificial intelligence for personalization, integrated delivery platforms, and digital ordering systems to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. Growth opportunities exist in underserved cuisine categories, suburban locations, and health-focused dining concepts, reflecting increasing consumer interest in wellness. Market expansion depends on experience enhancement, digital integration, and strategic location selection.

United Arab Emirates Full Service Restaurants Industry Leaders

  1. Americana Restaurants International PLC

  2. M.H. Alshaya Co. WLL

  3. Brinker International Inc.

  4. Al Khaja Group of Companies

  5. Apparel Group

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
United Arab Emirates Full Service Restaurants Market
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Recent Industry Developments

  • July 2025: Atlantis Dubai introduced summer menus at its restaurants. The main course offerings include spicy prawns, roasted truffle duck, stir-fried lotus root, asparagus, black pepper, and edamame egg fried rice.
  • July 2025: 3 Fils has opened its second location at The Abu Dhabi Edition hotel. The menu features signature dishes such as Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice and Uni Scallop Nigiri. The dessert selection includes Coconut Raspberry, Vanilla Flan, and Take Me To The Moon.
  • March 2025: Vietnamese Foodies has opened their largest restaurant in Dubai. The menu features signature dishes, such as the 14-hour bone broth and Vit Nuong Hoisin grilled duck breast. The restaurant offers a variety of house-made drinks, including authentic Vietnamese coffees and teas.
  • May 2024: Fifth Flavor opened a restaurant in Al Wasl Square, Dubai, offering a contemporary dining environment with a focus on innovative cuisine and desserts.

Table of Contents for United Arab Emirates Full Service Restaurants Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Tourism and Hospitality Expansion
    • 4.2.2 Entry and expansion of international brands
    • 4.2.3 Influencer and Social Media Discovery
    • 4.2.4 Menu Innovation and Localization
    • 4.2.5 Dining out culture is deeply embedded in the country's social life
    • 4.2.6 Focus on Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Food Safety and Labeling Requirements
    • 4.3.2 Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
    • 4.3.3 High Rental and Operating Expenses
    • 4.3.4 Cultural and Language Barriers
  • 4.4 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.5.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.5.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.5.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.5.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS

  • 5.1 Number Of Outlets
  • 5.2 Average Order Value
  • 5.3 Menu Analysis

6. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

  • 6.1 By Cuisine
    • 6.1.1 Asian
    • 6.1.2 European
    • 6.1.3 Latin American
    • 6.1.4 Middle Eastern
    • 6.1.5 North American
    • 6.1.6 Other FSR Cuisines
  • 6.2 By Outlet
    • 6.2.1 Chained Outlets
    • 6.2.2 Independent Outlets
  • 6.3 By Location
    • 6.3.1 Leisure
    • 6.3.2 Lodging
    • 6.3.3 Retail
    • 6.3.4 Standalone
    • 6.3.5 Travel
  • 6.4 By Service Type
    • 6.4.1 Dine-In
    • 6.4.2 Takeaway
    • 6.4.3 Delivery

7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 7.1 Market Concentration
  • 7.2 Strategic Moves
  • 7.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 7.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 7.4.1 Americana Restaurants International PLC
    • 7.4.2 M.H. Alshaya Co. WLL
    • 7.4.3 Brinker International Inc.
    • 7.4.4 Al Khaja Group of Companies
    • 7.4.5 Apparel Group
    • 7.4.6 D.ream International
    • 7.4.7 The Emirates Group
    • 7.4.8 Jumeirah Group
    • 7.4.9 Food Fund International
    • 7.4.10 Azadea Group
    • 7.4.11 Al Habtoor Group
    • 7.4.12 Cravia Inc.
    • 7.4.13 SFC Group
    • 7.4.14 Tashas Group
    • 7.4.15 Kerzner International Ltd.
    • 7.4.16 Al Safadi Restaurant
    • 7.4.17 Al Mallah Dhiyafah
    • 7.4.18 Nusr-Et Dubai
    • 7.4.19 Sumo Sushi & Bento
    • 7.4.20 China Bistro Restaurant LLC

8. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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United Arab Emirates Full Service Restaurants Market Report Scope

Asian, European, Latin American, Middle Eastern, North American are covered as segments by Cuisine. Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets are covered as segments by Outlet. Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel are covered as segments by Location.
By Cuisine
Asian
European
Latin American
Middle Eastern
North American
Other FSR Cuisines
By Outlet
Chained Outlets
Independent Outlets
By Location
Leisure
Lodging
Retail
Standalone
Travel
By Service Type
Dine-In
Takeaway
Delivery
By Cuisine Asian
European
Latin American
Middle Eastern
North American
Other FSR Cuisines
By Outlet Chained Outlets
Independent Outlets
By Location Leisure
Lodging
Retail
Standalone
Travel
By Service Type Dine-In
Takeaway
Delivery
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Market Definition

  • FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS - A foodservice establishment where customers are seated at a table, give their order to a server and are served food at a table.
  • QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS - A foodservice establishment that provides customers convenience, speed, and food offerings at lower prices. Customers usually help themselves and carry their own food to their tables.
  • CAFES & BARS - A type of foodservice business that include bars and pubs that are licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption, cafes that serve refreshments and light food items, as well as specialty tea and coffee shops, dessert bars, smoothie bars, and juice bars.
  • CLOUD KITCHEN - A foodservice business that utilizes a commercial kitchen for the purpose of preparing food for delivery or takeout only, with no dine-in customers.
Keyword Definition
Albacore Tuna It is one of the smallest species of tuna found in the six distinct stocks known globally in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
Angus beef It is beef derived from a specific breed of cattle indigenous to Scotland. It requires certification from the American Angus Association to receive the "Certified Angus Beef" quality mark.
Asian cuisine It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Bengali, Southeast Asian, etc.
Average Order Value It is the average value of all orders made by the customers at a foodservice establishment.
Bacon It is salted or smoked meat that comes from the back or sides of a pig.
Bars & Pubs It is a drinking establishment that is licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises.
Black Angus It is beef derived from a black-hided breed of cows that don't have horns.
BRC British Retail Consortium
Burger It is a sandwich consisting of one or more cooked beef patties, placed inside a sliced bread roll or bun roll.
Café It is a foodservice establishment serving various refreshments (mainly coffee) and light meals.
Cafes & Bars It is a type of foodservice business that include bars and pubs that are licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption, cafes that serve refreshments and light food items, as well as specialty tea and coffee shops, dessert bars, smoothie bars, and juice bars.
Cappuccino It is an Italian coffee drink that is traditionally prepared with equal parts double espresso, steamed milk, and steamed milk foam.
CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Chained Outlet It refers to a foodservice establishment that shares brands, operates in several locations, has central management, and standardized business practices.
Chicken Tender It refers to chicken meat prepared from the pectoralis minor muscles of a chicken bird.
Cloud Kitchen It is a foodservice business that utilizes a commercial kitchen for the purpose of preparing food for delivery or takeout only, with no dine-in customers.
Cocktail It is an alcoholic mixed drink made with either a single spirit or a combination of spirits, mixed with other ingredients such as juices, flavored syrups, tonic water, shrubs, and bitters.
Edamame It is a Japanese dish prepared with soybeans (harvested before they ripen or harden) and cooked in its pod.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority
ERS Economic Research Service of the USDA
Espresso It is a concentrated form of coffee, served in shots.
European cuisine It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Italian, French, German, English, Dutch, Danish, etc.
FDA Food and Drug Administration
Fillet Mignon It is a cut of meat taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin.
Flank Steak It is a cut of beef steak taken from the flank, which lies forward of the rear quarter of a cow.
Foodservice It refers to the part of the food industry which includes businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
Franks Also known as frankfurter or Würstchen, it is a type of highly seasoned smoked sausage popular in Austria and Germany.
FSANZ Food Standards Australia New Zealand
FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Full service restaurant It refers to a foodservice establishment where customers are seated at a table, give their order to a server, and are served food at a table.
Ghost Kitchen It refers to a cloud kitchen.
GLA Gross Leasable Area
Gluten It is a family of proteins found in grains, including wheat, rye, spelt, and barley.
Grain-fed beef It is beef derived from cattle that have been fed a diet supplemented with soy and corn and other additives. Grain-fed cows can also be given antibiotics and growth hormones to fatten them up more quickly.
Grass-fed beef It is beef derived from cattle that have only been fed grass as feed.
Ham It refers to the pork meat taken from the leg of a pig.
HoReCa Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes
Independent Outlet It refers to a foodservice establishment that operates with a single outlet or is structured as a small chain with no more than three locations.
Juice It is a drink made from the extraction or pressing of the natural liquid contained in fruit and vegetables.
Latin American It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Mexican, Brazilian, Argentinian, Colombian, etc.
Latte It is a milk-based coffee that is made up of one or two shots of espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of frothed milk.
Leisure It refers to foodservice offered as a part of a recreation business, such as sports arenas, zoos, movie theaters, and museums.
Lodging It refers to foodservice offerings at hotels, motels, guesthouses, holiday homes, etc.
Macchiato It is an espresso coffee drink with a small amount of milk, usually foamed.
Meat-based cuisines This inlcudes food items like fried chicken, steak, ribs, etc. where meat is the primary ingredient for the dish.
Middle Eastern cuisine It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Arabic, Lebanese, Iranian, Israeli, etc.
Mocktail It is an non-alcoholic mixed drink.
Mortadella It is a large Italian sausage or luncheon meat made of finely hashed or ground heat-cured pork, which incorporates at least 15% small cubes of pork fat.
North American It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as American, Canadian, Caribbean, etc.
Pastrami It refers to a highly seasoned smoked beef, typically served in thin slices.
PDO Protected Designation of Origin: It is the name of a geographical region or specific area that is recognized by official rules to produce certain foods with special characteristics related to location.
Pepperoni It is an American variety of spicy salami made from cured meat.
Pizza It is a dish made typically of flattened bread dough spread with a savory mixture usually including tomatoes and cheese and often other toppings and baked.
Primal cuts It refers to the major sections of the carcass.
Quick service restaurant It refers to a foodservice establishment that provides customers convenience, speed, and food offerings at lower prices. Customers usually help themselves and carry their own food to their tables.
Retail It refers to a foodservice outlet inside a mall. shopping complex or a commercial real estate building, where there are other businesses operating as well.
Salami It is a cured sausage consisting of fermented and air-dried meat.
Saturated fat It is a type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all single bonds. It is generally considered unhealthy.
Sausage It is a meat product made of finely chopped and seasoned meat, which may be fresh, smoked, or pickled and which is then usually stuffed into a casing.
Scallop It is an edible shellfish that is a mollusk with a ribbed shell in two parts.
Seitan It is a plant-based meat substitute made out of wheat gluten.
Self-service kiosk It refers to a self-order point-of-sale (POS) system through which customers place and pay for their own orders at kiosks, enabling totally contactless and frictionless service.
Smoothie It is a beverage made by placing all the ingredients in a container and processing them together, without removing the pulp.
Specialty coffee & tea shops It refers to a foodservice establishment that serves only various types of tea or coffee.
Standalone It refers to a restaurants that have an independent infrastructure setup and not connected to any other business.
Sushi It is a Japanese dish of prepared vinegared rice, usually with some sugar and salt, accompanied by a variety of ingredients, such as seafood—often raw—and vegetables.
Travel It refers to foodservice offerings such as airplane food, dining on long-distance trains, and foodservice on cruise ships.
Virtual Kitchen It refers to a cloud kitchen.
Wagyu Beef It is beef derived from any of four strains of a breed of black or red Japanese cattle that are valued for their highly marbled meat.
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for the market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is considered for average order value, and it is forecasted as per predicted inflation rates in the countries.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
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