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7/21/25, 3:49 PM Decoding UAE’s booming rice market: How eCommerce and evolving tastes are driving a USD 6.46 million opportunity by 2029 - B…
Decoding UAE’s booming rice market:

How eCommerce and evolving tastes

are driving a USD 6.46 million

opportunity by 2029

Gautam Aggarwal, Managing Director, Gautam General Trading LLC.

Opinion July 21, 2025 No Comments

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The UAE’s rice market is undergoing a significant
transformation, driven by changing consumer
preferences, increased digital engagement, and the
rise of eCommerce. Valued at approximately USD
4.26 million in 2025, the market is projected to grow
at a CAGR of 10.97 per cent, reaching a valuation
of USD 6.46 million by 2029. This rapid expansion,
while highlighting the country’s rich culinary diversity
also showcases the ongoing innovation in food
sourcing and consumer behaviour.

Home to over 200 nationalities, the UAE presents a
vibrant culinary landscape where rice plays a
central role in various cultural traditions. For
instance, rice is the main ingredient of several
Emirati dishes like Machboos and Khuzi. Moreover,
as the staple food of more than 3.5 billion people
globally, rice deeply resonates with the UAE’s 10
million residents, providing warmth, comfort and
familiarity. Whether featured in a Filipino Kamayan
feast, Indian biryani, Jordanian Mansaf, or Emirati
Machboos, rice transcends borders, anchoring Gautam Aggarwal, Managing Director, Gautam
families and communities across cultures.
General Trading LLC.
The UAE is now among the top five global importers
of Basmati rice, led by a growing demand for
premium varieties, reflecting heightened awareness around health and nutrition. This surge is also
supported by the culinary habits of expatriate communities who bring along their rich traditions and
unique consumption patterns, further stimulating demand for diverse rice products.

In particular, younger consumers are increasingly exploring rice-based recipes promoted by food
influencers. These dishes offer both convenience and nutrition, helping to position rice as a staple for
modern lifestyles. This digital engagement is contributing to a rise in online rice purchases, opening
opportunities for brands to build direct connections with tech-savvy, health-conscious buyers.

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