MENA region is experiencing a surge in restaurant delivery, driven by a growing consumer need for convenience

Due to the increasing demand for convenience among consumers, food delivery from restaurants is on the rise in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Within the first quarter of 2024, there was a 10% year-over-year rise in delivery orders, according to new statistics from two prominent partnership marketing platforms, Admitad and Syrve MENA, a dynamic Middle Eastern restaurant software company. Residents placed 6% more delivery orders and spent 5% more in 2023 than the year before, making it a successful year overall. 

The online meal delivery industry in the United Arab Emirates is also expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.55%, from $67.12 million in revenue in 2024 to $87.92 million in market volume by 2029. 

According to Syrve MENA statistics, UAE restaurants got millions upon millions of delivery orders this year, with an average of 228 740 orders annually and 32 million AED in revenues in a single restaurant. Fast-food companies that specialise in delivery saw an increase in revenues to 126 million AED and over 600,000 delivery orders annually. 

The report emphasises how prevalent mobile convenience is in the MENA meal delivery market. The strong mobile penetration rate in the region is reflected in the fact that over 70% of orders are placed via cellphones. It's interesting to note that promos are the best way to draw in clients. The fact that more than half of customers utilise discounts and promo codes and more than 25% gain from cashback benefits highlights how successful loyalty programmes are.

Usually, orders peak in March and April, around Ramadan, and then again in September and October. Conversely, January and February tend to be slower months. 

The report also delves into patterns unique to certain cuisines. Arabic food is most popular in the mornings, when 71% of orders are placed between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. The most popular dish to be delivered is kebab. On the other hand, supper is the main event for Italian and Indian restaurants, with 85% and 43% of delivery orders, respectively, with peak hours occurring between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM. While Indian delivery options like roti, butter naan, and dal makhani are popular, Italian restaurants find a high demand for evening staples like pasta and risotto.