Food delivery in the UAE is doing pretty good. Restaurant delivery orders went up by 10% in the first quarter of 2024, according to Syrve MENA and Admitad. This comes after a strong performance in 2023, with residents placing 6% more delivery orders and spending 5% more than the year before. Fast food chains have benefited the most, with some handling over 600,000 orders a year, bringing in sales of $34 million per restaurant.
The UAE’s online food delivery market is set to reach $67.12 million by the end of 2024, with projections showing it could grow to $87.92 million by 2029. In Saudi Arabia, the delivery market is expected to attract 19.5 million users in the same period, with over 42% of the population participating. Restaurants in the UAE typically receive around 228,740 delivery orders per year, generating $8.7 million in revenue per establishment.
Mobile convenience has become central to food delivery, with over 70% of orders placed through smartphones. Promotions such as coupons and cashback rewards have proven effective, with over half of customers using them. Blogs, online content, and targeted advertising also play an important part, influencing more than 20% of orders. The busiest months for food delivery in the UAE are March and April, particularly during Ramadan, followed by a secondary peak in September and October.
Dubai And Robot Delivery Services
Dubai will be finding a new way to do food delivery with the launch of autonomous deliver bots. From July, Dubai Sustainable City trialled three robots that deliver from local restaurants and shops to residents. These robots, developed in partnership with Dubai Future Labs and Lyve Global, are designed to reduce traffic, emissions, and waiting times while navigating pavements independently.
In retail and restaurants, robotics are also starting to show up. In 2022, Talabat launched seven autonomous robots in Dubai Silicon Oasis, successfully delivering groceries and fast food to about 300 homes.
Food Delivery Services In The UAE
The following services stand out for custoners and foodies in the UAE…
1. Meals on Me
Meals on Me delivers fresh and calorie-controlled meals in Dubai. Customers can choose from options
for their dietary preferences. The meals are balanced with healthy ingredients, and portions are designed to help maintain a nutritious lifestyle. Through the app, customers can manage their meal selections and arrange convenient deliveries. Meals on Me makes healthy eating simple and accessible, helping people maintain their nutritional goals without sacrificing taste or ease.
2. Talabat UAE
Talabat’s food delivery service in the UAE has the best restaurants, and users can check out different cuisines, and place orders through the website or app. Talabat also supports the delivery of groceries, flowers, and health products, adding to its convenience. With its quick and reliable delivery process, Talabat has become a trusted name for busy individuals looking for seamless access to their favourite foods and essentials.
3. Tawseel
Tawseel makes fast food deliveries, mainly for businesses that need their meals delivered quickly and fresh. The company uses smart tracking systems to make sure food reaches customers on time. Their team is well-trained to handle deliveries professionally, making Tawseel a dependable partner for restaurants.They strive to be price friendly, and they help businesses reach customers efficiently while maintaining quality service.
4. Tawseelah
Tawseelah handles last-mile deliveries across food, retail, groceries, and pharmaceuticals. Known for their precision and reliability, Tawseelah makes it so that orders are delivered promptly and safely. They employ real-time tracking, allowing businesses to keep an eye on their deliveries. Their riders are trained to provide excellent customer service, ensuring a smooth and dependable delivery experience for businesses across the UAE.
5. Careem
Careem started as a ride-hailing company then it branched into food delivery. There are thousands of restaurants available through the app, and Careem gives users options for cuisines, from local favourites to international dishes. The service is available around the clock, making it a convenient choice for anytime delivery. Careem also has a subscription plan thattakes away the delivery fees for regular users, making it a popular choice for those who frequently order meals.
6. Supermeal
Supermeal is a food delivery service also with different local restaurants. The platform has an easy way to order meals from different cuisines. The app and website lets users browse menus and quickly place orders. Also, the cashback system that allows customers to earn up to 30% back on their orders is something to look forward to.
The service encourages users to share reviews and refer restaurants to earn e-cash rewards. Supermeal focuses on delivering food promptly, helping customers enjoy fresh meals without delay. With its customer-friendly approach and value-driven rewards, Supermeal has gained popularity across the UAE as a reliable choice for food delivery.
7. Hello Chef
Hello Chef is a meal kit delivery service made to keep home cooking simple and enjoyable. Customers can choose from over 34 recipes, with new options released every Thursday. The service is perfect for different taste buds and dietary preferences. Each meal kit comes with pre-portioned, high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted local farms. Easy-to-follow recipe cards guide you through the cooking process, making it easy to prepare fresh, restaurant-quality meals at home.
Hello Chef really wants to make cooking convenient. The ingredients are fresh, and the recipes are straightforward, so anyone can create delicious meals with ease. Whether you’re after something quick and easy, calorie-conscious, or gourmet, there’s something for every occasion. The service also allows flexibility, letting customers skip weeks or cancel subscriptions at any time.
