1.68 billion dirhams, the drinking water market in the Emirates 2025

The bottled drinking water sector in the UAE has continued to achieve accelerated growth rates, driven by the state’s trends towards enhancing water security and providing an advanced infrastructure that supports sustainability and innovation.
The latest estimates indicate that the market size will reach about 1.68 billion dirhams during the year 2025, with expectations of an increase to 11.7 billion dirhams (equivalent to 3.2 billion dollars) by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 8.6% during the period from 2025 to 2033, according to a recent monitoring issued by the “Interioral Center for Strategic Analysis”, based in Abu Dhabi.
This sector is one of the most prominent vital sectors that have witnessed a remarkable development in recent years, thanks to the increase in the number of population and tourists, and the growing community awareness of the importance of drinking healthy water, as well as the state’s strategies supporting water sufficiency and promoting the quality of life.
According to “Interneton”, retail sales of bottled water in the country are expected to reach 1.153 billion liters in 2025, amid a growing demand that reflects consumer confidence and market stability, at a time when the number of factories and suppliers working in the water production and packaging sector reached 337 facilities until October 2019, according to the Emirates Specifications and Meetings Authority “specifications.

Quality investments
In the context of its support for national water security, the UAE government provides a set of incentives and facilities that encourage the private sector to invest in desalination and mobilization projects, within a comprehensive strategy based on innovation, sustainability, and clean energy technologies.
The state’s investments in this sector are of strategic importance in light of the population growth and urban expansion, and its affirmation of the continuity of resources for future generations.
The “Interneton” Center emphasized that the UAE is one of the world leading countries in the areas of desalination and mobilization of drinking water, as it adopts advanced techniques such as reverse osmosis, renewable energy and artificial intelligence in operating desalination plants, which contributes to raising the efficiency of operations and reducing water loss.

Market performance
According to Internet, based on a report issued by the P&S Intelligence Company, the revenues of the bottled water market in the country amounted to 2.455 billion dirhams ($ 682.2 million) in 2023, and it is expected to reach 3.375 billion dirhams (937.7 million dollars) by 2030, which confirms the continuous growth in the sector.
The average per capita consumption in the UAE is about 34 Gallona (128.7 liters) of bottled water, which is a clear indication of the importance of this product in the lives of individuals, and one of the main engines of demand in the local market.

A flexible and competitive environment
“Interagonal” pointed out that, in light of the strong competition that the UAE market is witnessing between dozens of local and international brands, the state seeks to enhance partnership with the private sector through a flexible organizational environment, wide facilities that include business licenses, support for local innovation, and the establishment of specialized research centers in developing desalination and packing solutions.
In light of these positive indicators, the UAE continues to draw the features of a sustainable water future, which enhances the quality of life, and attracts more qualitative investments in one of the most vital sectors related to public health, food and national water security.