GCC Catering Services Market Report and Forecast 2032

GCC Catering Services Market Insights & Analysis

The GCC Catering Services Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 8.2% during the forecast period, i.e., 2024-32, and the market size was valued at at around USD 8.5 Billion in 2023. The embracing of catering services has expanded tremendously over the past few years, majorly driven by corporate entities offering appealing food perks to fascinate & retain employees. Catering provides food for numerous events, such as corporate meetings, weddings, parties, conferences, and many more work-related events. These services are widely embraced in colleges, schools, and corporate offices, either through their in-house culinary teams or third-party providers. The catering services sector comprehends a broad range of applications & equipment, like basic cooking utensils, refrigeration, storage & handling, serving, food preparation, and sanitation, among others.

The industry is expanding swiftly, as a result of customers' growing interest in enticing yet healthier modern cuisines, particularly in commercial settings. Therefore, food service providers in the GCC region are adding healthy eating options to their regular menus, such as organic ingredients, wholesome snacks, organic foods, and balanced vegan diets. This tendency has resulted in increased recognition and the establishment of catering services throughout the GCC.

Furthermore, the rising concern for the mental well-being of the workforce, including issues like depression and anxiety, has impelled the demand for onsite dining services that offer fresh and healthy cuisines, reducing reliance on frozen prepared foods. Additionally, the rising popularity of theme-based parties and weddings among foreign delegations in Gulf countries drives market growth in the forecast period as well. The convenience of catering services in various settings, including restaurants, cafeterias, schools, and colleges, is expected to contribute to market expansion in the coming years.

Besides, the continuous influx of tourists into Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as the presence of renowned caterers like Qatar Aircraft Catering Company, National Catering Services & Foodstuffs, and Saudi Catering & Contracting Company, are likely to boost the GCC Catering Services Market growth during the forecast period.

GCC Catering Services Market Dynamics

• Amplified Air Traffic to Drive a Surge in Inflight Catering Services

The Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have seen a surge in aviation traffic owing to major tourist destinations, such as the Burj Khalifa and Sheikh Zayed Mosque, as well as the inflow of Muslim pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah. Consequently, numerous airlines are collaborating with catering service providers to cater to these evolving culinary preferences. Thus, this influx of tourists has concreted the way for the expansion of in-flight culinary services, further driving the GCC Catering Services Market in the coming years.

• Expansion of the Medical Sector to Create Profitable Ground for the Market

Catering services play a vital role in supplying nutritious meals to hospitalized patients. Ensuring the delivery of healthy and hygienic food every day, as it is essential for facilitating a faster recovery process. Following the heightened awareness of the importance of nutrition & fresh foods, many hospitals have entered into partnerships with catering providers & kitchen services to tailor food offerings to meet patient's specific dietary needs, thus aiding in enhancing the GCC Catering Services Market shares.

Also, with the rising medical tourists & growing medical issues, there is a rapid expansion in the healthcare sector to serve the booming influx & demand. As a result, hospital catering services are in high demand to manage patients' dietary requirements effectively, further creating an opportunistic arena for the GCC Catering Market in the future years as well.

GCC Catering Services Market Segment-wise Analysis

By Type:

• Contractual
• Non-contractual

Contractual Catering Services would seize the dominant share of the GCC Catering Services Market during the forecast period. It is primarily accredited to frequent events like weddings & buffet services at hotels across the GCC region. These contracted food service providers prioritize consumer convenience by offering cost-effective dining options along with sufficient seating arrangements.

Additionally, they introduce appealing packages and initiatives to eliminate the need for outsourcing additional facilities, which contributes to the industry's development. Moreover, the growing demand for catering services at canteens and corporate offices is further driving the growth of the GCC Catering Services Market.

By End Users:

• Corporates
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Others (Aviation, Educational etc.)

The Corporate segment held the potential share of the GCC Catering Services Market and is predicted to follow the same trend in the forecast years as well. The expansion of multinational companies (MNCs) willing to make substantial investments in reorganizing operations is a major contributing factor. The region's strategic location & accessibility to international trade led companies to establish their corporate headquarters in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. As these offices expand, there would be a rising demand for catering services to meet the evolving culinary needs, thus driving the GCC Catering Services Industry growth in the years ahead.     

Country Projection of the GCC Catering Services Industry

The GCC Catering Services Market is geographically diversified, covering:      

• Saudi Arabia
• The UAE
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Oman

Catering services in Saudi Arabia are presumed to become more popular attracting a high number of individuals & companies during the forthcoming years. This is mostly attributed to the growing interest in fusion cuisine, driven by the nation's growing multicultural society. Additionally, the significant expatriate population in Saudi Arabia has added to the growth of catering services in recent years.

Moreover, the rising need for nutritious & healthy food in workplaces, schools, and restaurants is prompting catering companies to expand their offerings to take in dietary foods for offices, restaurants, college cafeterias, and more. Similarly, another factor driving the progression of the Saudi Arabian catering sector is the government's promising laws intended to attract more & more Hajj pilgrims to the country in the future. Thus, as there would be a high influx of the pilgrimage, there would be heightened requirements to provide meals for pilgrims. This, in turn, would fuel the growth of the Saudi Arabia Catering Services Market during 2024-32 as well.                                                                                                

What Does Our GCC Catering Services Market Research Study Entail?

• GCC Catering Services Market Research Report highlights the forecast growth rate or CAGR by anticipating the market size & share.
• The market analysis puts light upon the primary industry trends, driving aspects, potential opportunities, growth challenges, and other major factors.
• GCC Catering Services Market Research Report entails details about the most critical shifts in market share in the prominent regions.
• Considering the statistics & the developments by the primary market competitors, our report also strives to demonstrate the most sought-after strategies of the key players.