The UAE’s food and beverage (F&B) industry has experienced remarkable growth in 2024, and experts remain optimistic about its prospects for the first quarter of 2025. With mild weather and a surge in tourism, the country is staying busy, creating a favorable environment for continued growth.
As with many sectors, the food and hospitality industry is increasingly embracing technology, blending tradition with innovation to shape the future of dining experiences.
Nithin Mathew Thombil, Co-Founder, wheelsAHOY, shared his insights noting, “Dubai is leading the way in redefining hospitality with modular innovation, setting a trend for the future. The rise of experiential travel and AI-driven solutions has reshaped consumer preferences, with the UAE’s food truck market growing by 20% year-on-year—a clear sign of the public’s demand for mobility and convenience. This shift is more than a trend; it’s a roadmap for the future.”
Thombil also emphasized the importance of creativity and technology in meeting evolving customer needs. “Beyond food trucks, innovative approaches like using shipping containers and LGS (Light Gauge Steel) technology are transforming spaces into functional and engaging environments. The way forward is clear: combining sustainability, flexibility, and cutting-edge design to create memorable experiences that resonate with today’s dynamic lifestyles,” he remarked.
Bosco, Founder, 59 Street, is confident about the continued growth of the industry, even though his business only entered the market in the last quarter of 2024. “As we are new in business, we had a great start and have seen business increasing every month. We project significant growth in 2025. This would be possible by maintaining consistency, updating offers, serving great customer service, and working more on marketing our brand,” he said.
Reflecting on the past two months, Bosco noted that the tourism influx during the period contributed to the vibrant business environment, affirming, “With a lot of footfall, yes, the last quarter was buzzing.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Gyanendra Prasad Kar, Founder, Indian Delights, expressed confidence in the sector’s evolution. “Looking ahead, the hospitality sector will continue to evolve, shaped by sustainability, cultural immersion, and technological innovation. At Indian Delights, we’re embracing this transformation by leveraging smart technology to create unforgettable dining experiences, aligning with Dubai’s vision of growth driven by innovation. The way forward is clear: combining tradition with technology to offer experiences that are both meaningful and modern,” he noted
Prasad Kar also pointed to a standout trend in 2024—immersive cultural cuisines. He highlighted the rise of Pakistani, Turkish, and Indian offerings, which have taken center stage in the UAE’s dining scene.
“This growth has been fueled by increased tourism and a shift toward unique, diverse dining experiences. Indian cuisine, in particular, has made a significant mark, with areas like Karama celebrated as a ‘mini-India,’ offering a vibrant mix of flavors and culture. The street-food scene has also gained popularity, reflecting a growing appreciation for authenticity and accessibility,” he concluded.
As the UAE’s F&B industry continues to thrive, industry leaders remain focused on integrating technology with tradition, driving innovation, and meeting the demands of a diverse, dynamic market.
