Over the last decade, the UAE has witnessed an extraordinary transformation in its food and beverage landscape, and one of the most surprising winners has been the take-out fried chicken segment. What was once a simple fast-food option has evolved into a dynamic, culturally infused, and highly competitive market segment that caters to both local tastes and international cravings.
The UAE’s fast-paced urban lifestyle has always encouraged convenience, and take-out food has naturally become a part of everyday living. Among all quick-service offerings, fried chicken has emerged as a front-runner. The combination of crisp texture, bold seasoning, and affordability appeals to a broad demographic — from young professionals looking for a quick lunch to families craving a comfort meal on weekends.
Local Flavor Meets Global Brands
Major international players like KFC, Popeyes, and Texas Chicken were early movers in the UAE, setting the benchmark for quality, consistency, and flavor. Their early presence established fried chicken as a staple fast-food choice. However, the market has since diversified with the rise of homegrown brands and regional franchises that blend international preparation styles with Arabic and Asian spices.
Restaurants such as Jollibee, Chicken Cottage, and various Emirati-inspired chains have found success by localizing their menus. Think zesty shawarma-style fried chicken, spicy Arabic marinades, and side dishes like hummus or saj bread served alongside crispy drumsticks. This localization strategy reflects the UAE’s multicultural population — a mix of Emiratis, expatriates, and tourists — each with unique culinary preferences.
The Take-Out Revolution
Technology has played a major role in reshaping the fried chicken market. The widespread use of food delivery apps such as Talabat, Deliveroo, and Noon Food has made it easier than ever to order a meal with just a few taps. During the pandemic years, take-out and delivery became essential rather than optional. Even after restrictions eased, the convenience and reliability of these services ensured that take-out demand stayed strong.
Brands that adapted quickly — offering combo meals, family boxes, and contactless delivery — saw exponential growth. Packaging innovations also improved the quality of take-out fried chicken, keeping it crispy even after long delivery times.
Shifts in Consumer Preferences
While fried chicken remains a guilty pleasure, the modern UAE consumer is increasingly health-conscious. This has pushed brands to experiment with air-fried options, grilled versions, or chicken made with less oil. Some even use locally sourced, antibiotic-free poultry to appeal to customers seeking cleaner eating habits.
Moreover, the rise of halal certification across all outlets has cemented consumer trust. In a diverse market like the UAE, transparency about ingredients and preparation methods is a key factor for repeat business.
Future Outlook
The take-out fried chicken market in the UAE shows no signs of slowing down. With the country’s population continuing to grow, tourism bouncing back, and digital ordering systems becoming even more efficient, the segment is poised for steady expansion. Expect to see more niche brands entering the space — from Korean-style crispy chicken joints to fusion concepts that blend East Asian and Middle Eastern flavors.
See This Also – UAE Take-out Fried Chicken Market Size And Forecast
