United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Market Size, Share & Forecast 2024–2033

UAE Quick Service Restaurant Market Forecasts

A Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) is a restaurant that emphasizes fast food service with limited table service. QSRs provide a small menu, standardized preparation, and streamlined service, thus being perfect for customers looking for convenience and affordability. The restaurants run on dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, and delivery concepts. McDonald's, KFC, Subway, and local brands are some popular QSR chains with diverse offerings to suit different tastes.

In the UAE, QSRs have gained immense popularity due to the fast-paced lifestyle, rising disposable incomes, and growing tourism industry. The country’s diverse expatriate population has led to a demand for various cuisines, from American fast food to Middle Eastern flavors. Additionally, digital advancements, including online food delivery apps and contactless payment options, have boosted the sector’s growth. The availability of global brands, as well as domestic QSR chains, is still defining the UAE's food service market and positioning it among the most vibrant markets in the region.

Growth Drivers of the UAE Quick Service Restaurant Market

Urbanization and Lifestyle Changes

The rapid urbanization of the UAE has altered the eating behavior of consumers, driving demand for quick, easy, and value-for-money meals. With an expanding workforce and extended working hours, most prefer quick food over eating at a restaurant. The rise in the number of shopping malls, entertainment centers, and business districts further aids the growth of quick-service restaurants (QSRs), and they become a part of urban life. The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan outlines a sustainable development strategy aimed at enhancing happiness and quality of life, positioning Dubai as a global destination over the next 20 years. It integrates various urban development plans with Dubai’s economic priorities and future needs. This is the seventh development plan since 1960, with Dubai's population increasing from 40,000 to 3.3 million, and built-up area increasing 170 times from 3.2 square km.

Emergence of Digital Food Platforms

The expansion of digital food delivery platforms like Talabat, Deliveroo, and Zomato has served to appreciably grow the QSR market in the UAE. Customers can simply order their preferred meals via mobile apps, enjoying quick delivery and numerous promotional discounts. This has prompted international and domestic QSR brands to maximize digital presence, increase delivery networks, and invest in cloud kitchens to improve service efficiency. Apr 2024, Meituan will roll out its international food delivery platform KeeTa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the next few months.

Increasing Tourism Industry

The UAE is an international tourist destination with millions visiting every year. Tourists tend to favor well-known, quick, and convenient eateries, and thus QSRs are a necessary component of the tourism sector. Visitors from Europe, Asia, and North America help fuel the rising demand for international fast-food chains. QSRs in airport terminals, hotels, and tourist sites also experience heavy traffic, which helps fuel market growth. By the month of September 2024, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah airports handled more than 103 million passengers, and according to estimates by the General Civil Aviation Authority, there are about 150 million as of December 2024. The UAE also introduced the "National Tourism Charter" under the "UAE Tourism Strategy 2031" to encourage sustainable development within the tourism industry.

Challenges in the UAE QSR Sector

Rigorous Market Competition

The QSR market of the UAE is extremely competitive with a combination of global players, regional chains, and local ventures. Brands are required to distinguish themselves based on menu innovation, pricing, and customer experience. High rental expenses for prime space and rising marketing costs contribute to the competitive squeeze, making it challenging for players with smaller capacities to maintain profitability.

Growing Health Consciousness of Consumers

As people grow more health-conscious, demand for high-calorie fast food is under pressure. People tend to opt for healthier meals, and thus there's a transition towards organic, vegetarian, and low-calorie foods. QSR brands need to become proactive by adding healthy products, including grilled food, salads, and vegetarian dishes, to keep customers engaged while keeping pace with changing dietary trends and government health programs.

United Arab Emirates Burger Quick Service Restaurant Market

The burger category is still one of the most prevailing segments in the UAE's QSR market. International players like McDonald's, Burger King, and Five Guys continue to perform well alongside regional and local players. The market for gourmet and veggie burgers is growing as consumers look for premium flavors and healthy choices. With emphasis on high-quality ingredients, creative recipes, and value meal offers, the burger QSR market continues to appeal to a wide range of customers.

United Arab Emirates Quick Service Ice Cream Restaurant Market

The UAE's hot weather fuels high demand for ice cream QSRs, and brands such as Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery, and Häagen-Dazs dominate the market. Customers want variety in flavors, customizability, and high-quality ingredients. Seasonal offers and limited-time flavors add to customer interest. The popularity of healthier options, including dairy-free and low-sugar ice creams, is creating new trends in the segment.

United Arab Emirates Pizza Quick Service Restaurant Market

Pizza continues to be a popular choice among UAE consumers, driving a successful QSR segment. Global players like Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Papa John's lead the market, with a variety of crust types, toppings, and meal combinations. Local brands are also picking up pace, emphasizing quality ingredients and innovative flavor pairings. The ease of home delivery and customization has also driven demand for quick-service pizza options.

United Arab Emirates Chained Outlets Quick Service Restaurant Market

Chained QSR outlets play an important role in the UAE food service market. International and regional brands with established names enjoy strong brand recall, consistency, and extensive locations in malls, airports, and business districts. Franchise growth continues to expand, with brands emphasizing aggressive marketing, loyalty programs, and menu diversification to meet changing consumer tastes. December 2022: Apparel Group launched its 250th Tim Hortons store in Dubai's Mirdif City Centre and plans to hit 500 Middle East outlets by 2025.

United Arab Emirates Leisure Quick Service Restaurant Market

Leisure destinations like theme parks, movie theaters, and gaming areas are prime segments for QSR development in the UAE. Consumers frequenting these outlets look for quick, satisfying food, which makes fast food a perfect fit. Brands partner with entertainment hubs to provide special offers and meal bundles, boosting customer interaction. Demand for grab-and-go food, snacks, and drinks keeps growing across leisure-driven QSR establishments. October 2022: Maristo Hospitality has launched Sisi's Eatery, an Australian restaurant, at Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

United Arab Emirates Retail Quick Service Restaurant Market

Retail QSRs are placed strategically in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and department stores, offering consumers convenient dining choices. Popular fast-food chains within retail outlets induce impulse buying and improve overall shopping experiences. With the growth of supermarkets and malls, QSR brands open in-store locations to tap consumer traffic and maximize sales potential. January 2023: Maristo Hospitality entered into a master franchise deal with German Doner Kebab to grow in the UAE and Middle East.

United Arab Emirates Travel Quick Service Restaurant Market

Travel hubs, including airports, train stations, and highways, are prime locations for QSR expansion in the UAE. Fast-paced travelers seek quick and efficient meal options, making QSRs a preferred choice. Airport food courts feature international and regional brands, ensuring diverse options for domestic and international passengers. Introducing self-service kiosks, mobile ordering, and 24/7 operations enhances customer convenience and efficiency in travel-related QSRs.

United Arab Emirates Quick Service Restaurant Market Segmentation

Cuisine

1. Bakeries
2. Burger
3. Ice Cream
4. Meat-based Cuisines
5. Pizza
6. Other QSR Cuisines

Outlet

1. Chained Outlets
2. Independent Outlets

Location

1. Leisure
2. Lodging
3. Retail
4. Standalone
5. Travel

All the Key players have been covered from 4 Viewpoints:

• Overview
• Key Persons
• Recent Development
• Revenue

Key Players Analysis

1. AlAmar Foods Company
2. ALBAIK Food Systems Company S.A.
3. Alghanim Industries & Yusuf A. Alghanim & Sons WLL
4. Americana Restaurants International PLC
5. Apparel Group
6. Emirates Fast Food Company
7. Kamal Osman Jamjoom Group LLC
8. M.H. Alshaya Co. WLL
9. Ring International Holding AG

Report Details: