COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
Starbucks maintains value share amid market stabilisation
In the UAE’s fragmented cafés/bars landscape, Starbucks maintained its leading position, followed by Costa Coffee, supported by its scale, high brand visibility and ability to capture multiple consumption occasions, including grab-and-go, social visits and informal work meetings. Both brands experienced trading disruption in late 2023 and 2024 following boycott sentiment linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
FiLLi gains momentum through localised café positioning
FiLLi emerged as the most dynamic player in cafés/bars in 2025, driven by strong outlet expansion, high brand resonance and a differentiated value-led proposition centred on flavoured tea and casual café dining. The brand continued to benefit from its broad appeal across diverse consumer segments, including families, younger consumers and late-night socialisers, supported by accessible pricing and generous portioning.
Independents dominate value as chains capture key occasions
Foodservice in the United Arab Emirates remains structurally polarised between a large, fragmented independent base and a smaller but highly visible chained segment, with independent cafés, juice bars and neighbourhood-led concepts accounting for around 80% of total value sales. This reflects the UAE’s large expatriate population and strong community-oriented consumption.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Cafés/Bars industry in United Arab Emirates with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
If you're in the Cafés/Bars industry in United Arab Emirates, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Cafés/Bars in United Arab Emirates report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Cafés/Bars in United Arab Emirates?
- Which are the leading brands in Cafés/Bars in United Arab Emirates?
- How are multinational and local operators competing and expanding in United Arab Emirates?
- How are consumer lifestyle trends and eating habits shaping Cafés/Bars in United Arab Emirates?
- How is the Cafés/Bars industry adapting to a post-COVID-19 market environment? Where are the opportunities amidst the challenges?
- How significant are health considerations in shaping the future of Cafés/Bars in United Arab Emirates? Which of these trends hold the greatest potential demand?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
Cafés/Bars in the United Arab Emirates - Category analysis
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Category performance driven by café culture
Cafés/bars gain momentum from socialisation and flexible lifestyles
Juice and smoothie chains record dynamic growth in 2025
Chained coffee and tea specialists balance value and premiumisation
Cafés to evolve into multi-purpose lifestyle spaces driving growth
Coffee-based cafés shift towards delivery, takeaway and drive-thru
Wellness-led menu innovation drives juice bars
Starbucks maintains value share amid market stabilisation
FiLLi gains momentum through localised café positioning
Independents dominate value as chains capture key occasions
Consumer Foodservice in the United Arab Emirates - Industry Overview
Competitors show resilience in a challenging landscape
KEY DATA FINDINGS
Foodservice operators balance cost pressures and affordability
Delivery and takeaway reshape fulfilment economics
Customer loyalty and experience shapes consumer engagement
Sales of consumer foodservice expected to rise steadily over the forecast period
Innovation shifts towards experience, personalisation and operational precision
Sustainability gains relevance as a differentiation lever
Americana Group ranks as the leading company in UAE consumer foodservice
Al Baik emerged as the most dynamic company in 2025, followed by Pizza Hut and Nando’s
Competition and selective expansion shape brand developments
Chained operators outperform in terms of growth consistency and resilience
Innovation focuses on fulfilment, localisation and operational efficiency
DISCLAIMER
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Cafés/Bars
- Chained Cafés/Bars
- Independent Cafés/Bars
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- Chained Bars/Pubs
- Independent Bars/Pubs
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- Chained Cafés
- Independent Cafés
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- Chained Juice/Smoothie Bars
- Independent Juice/Smoothie Bars
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- Chained Specialist Coffee and Tea Shops
- Independent Specialist Coffee and Tea Shops
Cafés/Bars
This category encompasses all establishments where the focus is on drinking (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages). While a wide variety of snacks and full meals are offered, it is not uncommon for consumers to only order a drink. As a general rule, establishments deriving 50% of their income or more from the sale of drinks are included here.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
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- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
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This report originates from Passport, our Cafés/Bars research and analysis database.
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