UAE Cheese Market Overview
Market Size in 2024: USD 450.04 Million
Market Size in 2033: USD 703.57 Million
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033: 5.09%
According to IMARC Group’s latest research publication, “UAE Cheese Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecast by Source, Type, Product, Format, Distribution Channel, and Region, 2025-2033″, the UAE cheese market size reached USD 450.04 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 703.57 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.09% during 2025-2033.
How AI is Reshaping the Future of UAE Cheese Market
- AI-driven technologies are boosting the UAE cheese market by improving dairy farm productivity and herd health monitoring, helping producers optimize yield and reduce costs effectively.
- The UAE government backs AI innovation in food production with initiatives like the AI Innovation Program, offering AED 370 million for tech adoption across industries, including dairy.
- Leading UAE dairy firms, such as Al Rawabi Dairy, use AI and IoT to monitor cow health, automate milking, and optimize milk distribution to over 14,500 stores daily.
- UAE cheese market revenue stands around USD 450 million, driven by rising demand for specialty and premium cheeses influenced by changing consumer tastes and health awareness.
- Innovative government projects like Food Tech Valley promote agri-tech advancements, enabling vertical farming and sustainable practices that strengthen the dairy supply chain in the UAE.
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UAE Cheese Market Trends & Drivers:
Three major factors are currently steering the growth of the UAE cheese market, with consumer behavior at the forefront. Increasing per capita consumption plays a vital role, supported by a rise in spending power and evolving eating habits. A notable shift is seen in the demand for diverse cheese flavors and premium-quality products, as the UAE’s cosmopolitan population pursues more sophisticated and global culinary experiences. The rising popularity of European-style foods like pizza, especially among younger consumers, also fuels cheese demand. This trend is complemented by an expanding hospitality sector offering innovative cheese-based cuisines, ranging from traditional dishes to international fast foods, which broadens usage occasions and consumer reach in the UAE market.
Government policies are another substantial driver boosting the cheese market growth in the UAE. The UAE’s zero taxation on personal income increases disposable income, enabling residents to spend more on food, including cheese products. The government’s active support for local production through initiatives like the National Food Security Strategy focuses on reducing food import dependency while encouraging local dairy industry development. Such policies have encouraged international brands to expand manufacturing capacity locally, exemplified by the expansion of an Italian dairy plant in Sharjah. This maneuver makes high-quality, affordable cheese products more accessible, driving demand among middle and lower-income consumer segments.
An important emerging trend shaping the UAE cheese market is innovation and premiumization of cheese products. There is a growing preference for specialty and artisanal cheeses—such as those made from goat, sheep, or buffalo milk—as well as imported high-end varieties noted for unique textures and flavors. Increased health consciousness is also fueling demand for cheeses that align with wellness trends, including low-fat and functional cheese options. Innovations in packaging and product range to cater to diverse consumer needs, including plant-based and organic dairy alternatives, further stimulate the market. Notably, the UAE is witnessing partnerships between cheese manufacturers and foodservice sectors, expanding cheese adoption in modern culinary applications and boosting the industry’s growth potential.
UAE Cheese Industry Segmentation:
The report has segmented the market into the following categories:
Source Insights:
- Cow Milk
- Buffalo Milk
- Goat Milk
- Others
Type Insights:
- Natural
- Processed
Product Insights:
- Mozzarella
- Cheddar
- Feta
- Parmesan
- Roquefort
- Others
Format Insights:
- Slices
- Diced/Cubes
- Shredded
- Blocks
- Spreads
- Liquid
- Others
Distribution Channel Insights:
- Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Specialty Stores
- Online
- Others
Regional Insights:
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Others
Competitive Landscape:
The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.
Recent News and Developments in UAE Cheese Market
- June 2025: Abu Dhabi rolled out mandatory “Nutrition Mark” labelling on all cheese products, forcing suppliers to display detailed nutritional data per 100ml. This move pushes both local producers and importers to improve formulation transparency, making it easier for health-conscious shoppers to compare products at a glance. The updated labels will cover everything from traditional dairy cheeses to drinks with plant ingredients, and all listings must meet the new local standards or risk removal from shelves.
- June 2025: AAFG and Finnish innovator FoodIQ launched a joint development partnership in the UAE, bringing state-of-the-art Multi-Layer Cooker (MLC) technology to local factories. The technology allows for flexible, eco-efficient processing for both dairy and plant-based cheeses, with recyclable packaging like Tetra Top®, shrinking each product’s environmental impact. The investment strengthens the national push for advanced food manufacturing and boosts the availability of innovative cheese products in hypermarkets.
- August 2025: UAE dairy industry leaders invested heavily in AI and automation, integrating smart farm monitoring, AI-driven herd management, and robotics-enabled filling lines in places like the new Meliha Dairy Factory. These advances cut waste, guarantee consistent cheese texture, and allow for real-time inventory tracking, helping to meet the demand for premium and functional cheeses while keeping products fresher for longer on retail shelves.
Note: If you require specific details, data, or insights that are not currently included in the scope of this report, we are happy to accommodate your request. As part of our customization service, we will gather and provide the additional information you need, tailored to your specific requirements. Please let us know your exact needs, and we will ensure the report is updated accordingly to meet your expectations.
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