1. Market Growth
The catering industry in the MENA region is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% between 2021 and 2026. This growth is driven by increasing urbanisation, the rising number of social events, corporate gatherings, and a shift towards outsourced catering services in the region.
2. Corporate Catering Demand
Corporate catering holds a significant share of the market, representing over 40% of the total catering revenue in the region. With the expansion of businesses, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the demand for corporate catering continues to rise as companies increasingly outsource their food services for events, meetings, and daily operations.
3. Event Catering Boom
The event catering segment is seeing strong demand, especially for weddings, conferences, and large social gatherings. In the UAE alone, the event catering market is valued at over USD 2 billion annually, with weddings and major public events accounting for a large portion of the business.
4. Food Delivery Surge
Driven by changes in consumer behaviour and the rise of online platforms, the MENA region saw a 45% increase in food delivery orders during 2020-2021, which heavily influenced catering services. Many catering businesses expanded into meal delivery, adapting their services to meet the growing demand for convenient, at-home dining experiences.
5. Halal Food Market Dominance
The MENA region represents a significant portion of the global halal food market, with more than 75% of catering businesses offering halal-certified menus. This trend continues to grow as both local and international caterers in the region focus on aligning their menus with religious and cultural preferences.
These statistics show the catering industry’s dynamic and expanding nature in the MENA region, fueled by cultural preferences, corporate demand, and evolving consumer behaviour.