TL;DR:
- GCC consumers are shifting toward healthier, experience-led dining, favouring plant-based, functional, and fusion cuisine.
- Technology is reshaping dining from digital menus and loyalty apps to cloud kitchens and delivery-first models.
- The region’s appeal for culinary tourism is growing, boosted by premium events and immersive food experiences.
- Imported staples from organic produce to halal meat and gourmet goods—are flourishing, supported by rising incomes and diverse expat communities.
In 2025, GCC countries, from Abu Dhabi to Muscat are redefining their culinary identities. Driven by heightened wellness awareness, tech adoption, and global travel aspirations, diners are no longer satisfied with traditional meals; they seek knowledge, novelty, and convenience. Concurrently, the region is importing more health-oriented and halal-certified foods than ever before to meet these evolving preferences. Here’s how consumer habits and food trade are reshaping the GCC’s food scene.
Health-Centric Dining Takes Center Stage
A surge in wellness consciousness continues to reshape menus across the Gulf. According to Global Trend Monitor, diners now prioritize nutrient-rich, organic, and plant-based options, looking beyond taste to wellness impact. GCC governments support this shift such as Saudi and UAE initiatives promoting preventive health which encourages food businesses to integrate functional ingredients like probiotics, adaptogens, and collagen into their offerings. At Gulfood 2025, plant-based innovations dominated the event, with over 150,000 new products targeting vegan and vegetarian consumers. Many restaurants now feature vegan bowls, gluten-free desserts, and artisanal salads, reflecting diners’ demand for healthy, guilt-free indulgence.
Fusion, Experience & Tech-Driven Dining Blend Seamlessly
Menus in 2025 are increasingly global. The GCC’s cosmopolitan fabric has birthed a culinary blend, melding local Emirati or Saudi ingredients with international techniques to create authentic fusion dishes that resonate with both locals and expats. Dining is now as much entertainment as it is nourishment. According to Global Trend Monitor, immersive experiences; from chef’s tables and thematic pop-ups to interactive workshops are drawing patrons seeking more than just meals. Luxury events like Taste of Dubai even highlight theatrical dining and multi-sensory stations. These experiences are supported by technology. Restaurants employ mobile reservations, digital menus, and data-driven loyalty programs, fulfilling modern expectations and capturing valuable customer behaviour insights.
Delivery-First & Cloud Kitchens Boom
The rise of food delivery apps such as Talabat, Careem NOW, and Noon Food has revolutionized the industry. Brands across Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha are racing to establish ghost kitchens—delivery-only operations designed for efficiency and speed. These cloud kitchens offer specially optimized flavours, portioning, and cold-chain supply to maintain quality during transit. Source International, a supply chain firm, reported a 30% sales boost at a Qatari cafe after introducing vegan bowls tailored for delivery. At Dubai Food Festival 2025, ghost kitchens and JIT (just-in-time) ingredient models took center stage, reflecting the logistics shift underpinning modern dining.
Culinary Tourism & Premium Food Exports
The Gulf is emerging as a gastronomic destination as well as an importer of fine foods. Investment in Michelin-level experiences, upscale food festivals, and food tourism is spotlighted by the UAE’s role in the Michelin Guide Awards 2025, with a global jury praising Dubai’s evolving culinary scene. Visitor-focused food tours like desert dining experiences and local market explorations are increasingly woven into tourism offerings. On the import front, Rowyal projects strong demand in 2025 for health-oriented and premium goods:
- Organic fruits and vegetables, superfoods, and plant-based proteins.
- Halal-certified convenience meals, meats, and sweets.
- Specialty items like artisanal cheeses, premium coffees and teas, truffles, and caviar.
This demand mirrors rising incomes and the region’s cosmopolitan appetite.
Sustainability & Local Adaptation
GCC governments are bolstering domestic food production to complement imports. A Research and Markets analysis notes investments in desalination-backed farms, vertical agriculture, and new dams, in efforts to secure food supply. For example, Bahrain is expected to record the highest food consumption growth in GCC, with a significant GDP rise between 2024 and 2030. At the same time, imported foods often feature eco-friendly packaging and transparent sourcing to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Plastic reduction programs and biodegradable containers are becoming standard in the premium and organic categories.
What’s Next in GCC Dining Trends
Looking ahead, the GCC’s dining scene is poised for further evolution driven by technology, sustainability, and local innovation. Restaurants are increasingly integrating AI-powered personalisation tools, enabling customised menus tailored to customers’ health data, preferences, and dietary restrictions. The farm-to-table movement is gaining ground with the rise of vertical farming and hydroponic solutions across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which aim to reduce dependency on imported produce while ensuring freshness. Sustainability is also becoming central, with new regulations expected by late 2025 to mandate eco-friendly packaging in the food industry, particularly in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the adoption of crypto and contactless payments is accelerating, especially in premium dining venues in Dubai and Riyadh, reflecting the region’s embrace of fintech trends. Additionally, governments are investing in culinary education and talent development, Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission, for example, is actively nurturing local chefs and enhancing the Gulf’s capacity to offer world-class, homegrown gastronomy. The GCC’s food landscape in 2025 is undergoing a significant transformation: diners are embracing healthier choices, immersive experiences, and tech solutions; businesses are optimizing for delivery and sustainability; and the region is successfully expanding its fine food imports in line with evolving consumer tastes. For local operators, success lies in balancing health, authenticity, innovation, and convenience. For global exporters, aligning with GCC demand means offering halal certification, nutritional value, functional benefits, eco-packaging, and authenticity.
