About 24.6 thousand active licenses in the food and beverage sector in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the number of active licenses in the food and beverage sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi reached 24,594 licenses as of September 2025, reflecting rapid growth in the sector.
A chamber report said that new commercial licenses increased by 42.2% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, while the sector recorded an annual growth of 40% during 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 23.8% between 2019 and 2024.
This report represents the first sectoral publication within the Chamber’s strategy for the years 2025-2028, and highlights the continued expansion of production capabilities, the rise in export potential, and the development of the innovation system, which consolidates Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the most competitive and flexible food economies in the region.
The report confirmed that the food value chain in Abu Dhabi is witnessing rapid growth that includes its various stages, from primary production and manufacturing to retail, restaurant and export activities, in light of the increasing global transformations towards the consumption of healthy, distinctive and sustainable foods, which creates strong and growing demand opportunities.
The emirate’s investments in adopting advanced agricultural technology solutions, including agriculture in controlled environments, hydroponics, and precision agriculture, have contributed to achieving productivity levels of approximately 30 times compared to traditional agriculture, which consolidates Abu Dhabi’s leadership in the field of smart agriculture and supports its food security in the long term.
At the food manufacturing level, the report indicated strong growth in the processing and manufacturing sector, with expectations that the sector in the UAE will grow by about 7% annually until 2029, as a large portion of production is directed to international markets, which reflects growing export capabilities and potential for value-added creation.
According to the report, the retail and restaurant sectors in Abu Dhabi continue to strengthen their position with the support of international recognition, growing consumer demand, and the availability of a world-class logistical and industrial infrastructure linking food production and the tourism, lifestyle and hospitality sectors.
Despite global challenges in supply chains, the food and beverage sector in Abu Dhabi has demonstrated a high capacity for resilience, supported by the diversity of trade channels, advanced industrial platforms, and continuous regulatory updates, including enhancing halal standards, developing nutritional labeling requirements, and sustainability frameworks that support the confidence of consumers and international partners.
The introduction of new economic activities in the agricultural sector has enabled producers to expand in the fields of agricultural manufacturing, agricultural tourism, and value-added production.
The report indicated that the city of Abu Dhabi currently accounts for the largest share of the sector’s activity, while the Al Ain region continues to consolidate its role as a major agricultural center for the emirate, and the Al Dhafra region is working to enhance its contribution to the integrated system, thus contributing to building a more integrated and competitive food economy.
In line with the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy and the “Make in the UAE” initiative, the UAE continues to expand its local food production and enhance its export capabilities for high-quality products, with expectations that the national production capacity for food products will rise by about 30% to 40% during the next decade, driven by the growth of agricultural technologies, the expansion of manufacturing, and the continued development of retail and consumer markets.
Director General of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ali Mohammed Al Marzouqi, said that the food and beverage sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is witnessing an accelerated qualitative transformation that reflects the success of the strategic visions supporting food security and economic diversification, and consolidating the emirate’s position as a regional and global center for innovation in this vital sector. This transformation is based on an integrated system that includes smart agriculture, advanced technologies, high-quality manufacturing, and value-added exports, within a flexible business environment that stimulates investment, and confirms growth. The continuing number of new companies and active members in the sector expands the opportunities for the private sector to contribute to building a competitive and sustainable food system.
He pointed out that this development is not limited to the expansion of economic activity only, but also includes integration with sustainability goals, adopting modern technology, and enhancing the efficiency of supply chains, in a way that supports the quality of life and enhances the confidence of investors and international partners. The Abu Dhabi Chamber, through its institutional and international partnerships, continues its role in creating the possible environment for the growth of the sector, and directing investments towards areas with a long-term impact, ensuring that the food and beverage sector remains an essential pillar in the comprehensive economic development process and regional leadership of the UAE.