A newly released report titled “Opportunities in the United Arab Emirates Packaging Industry 2025”, now available from ResearchAndMarkets.com, forecasts robust growth in the UAE’s packaging industry through 2028. This report presents a detailed overview of market dynamics, packaging material trends, and key end-use industries shaping the future of the packaging sector in the region.
According to the analysis, packaging volumes in the United Arab Emirates are set to climb from 13.3 billion units in 2024 to an estimated 14.9 billion units by 2028. This projected growth reflects a healthy compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.9% over the forecast period. The continued expansion is underpinned by increasing consumption in the food and beverage sectors, innovations in packaging technologies, and the evolving needs of a growing population.
Rigid Plastics Lead the Material Market
In 2024, rigid plastics emerged as the most widely used packaging material in the UAE, accounting for 6.2 billion units of total consumption. This figure is expected to rise to seven billion units by 2028, maintaining rigid plastics’ position as the fastest-growing packaging material in the country. This growth is attributed to the material’s versatility, durability, and ability to preserve product integrity, particularly for perishable goods and beverages.
Rigid plastic’s dominance is reinforced by its widespread use in both the food and non-alcoholic beverage industries. As consumer demand increases for packaged convenience foods and ready-to-drink beverages, manufacturers are leaning toward packaging solutions that are lightweight, cost-effective, and easily customizable—key characteristics of rigid plastic formats.
Food Industry Remains the Leading Consumer of Packaging
The food industry stood out as the largest end-user segment in 2024, consuming approximately 6.1 billion units of packaging materials. With steady growth expected, the sector’s packaging usage is forecast to reach 6.5 billion units by 2028, maintaining the same 2.9% CAGR observed across the broader market.
Within this sector, packaged foods such as snacks, dairy products, and frozen meals are witnessing sustained demand. Urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and shifts in consumer preferences toward packaged and processed foods are driving this trend. Furthermore, the development of modern retail formats and e-commerce grocery services is spurring demand for efficient, visually appealing, and functional packaging.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages Fuel Demand for Rigid Packaging
The non-alcoholic beverage industry was the second-largest consumer of packaging materials in 2024. Rigid plastic containers, especially bottles, are the dominant packaging choice within this category, favored for products like bottled water, juices, carbonated soft drinks, and functional beverages.
Manufacturers are increasingly opting for PET and HDPE bottles due to their excellent barrier properties, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness. The growing health consciousness among UAE consumers has further contributed to a spike in demand for functional beverages, energy drinks, and flavored waters, reinforcing the role of rigid plastics in the segment’s growth.
Comprehensive Scope and Global Benchmarking
The Opportunities in the United Arab Emirates Packaging Industry 2025 report offers a comprehensive and data-driven analysis of the UAE market within a global context, covering a total of 48 countries. This comparative approach allows businesses to benchmark the UAE’s performance and identify strategic growth opportunities in the region.
In-Depth Analysis of Packaging Trends and Innovations
The report delves deep into the historical and forecasted use of packaging materials across a ten-year period from 2019 to 2029. It highlights the innovations spearheaded by leading packaging companies and tracks evolving material usage patterns across key sectors, providing stakeholders with a well-rounded understanding of the market landscape.
Some key segments covered in the report include:
Material Growth Insights (2024–2029)
This section examines shifts in packaging material preferences, exploring which materials are gaining or losing ground across different sectors. Factors such as environmental regulations, cost-efficiency, and performance characteristics are considered in evaluating material trends.
Five Key Packaging Materials
The report provides detailed growth projections for the five most significant packaging materials used in the UAE:
- Rigid Plastics: Expected to remain the fastest-growing material through 2028.
- Rigid Metal: Used mainly in cans and aerosols, particularly in personal care and food.
- Glass: Maintains relevance in premium beverages and pharmaceuticals.
- Paper & Board: Driven by sustainability efforts and expanding e-commerce.
- Flexible Packaging: Valued for its lightweight nature and cost savings in transportation and logistics.
Sub-types and Pack Types
Various sub-categories and pack types are explored, including:
- Aerosols – Common in personal care and household products.
- Bags & Pouches – Increasingly popular for snacks, dry foods, and pet foods.
- Blister Packs – Widely used in pharmaceuticals and small consumer goods.
- Bottles – Dominant in beverage, personal care, and household cleaner segments.
- Cartons – Frequently used for dairy, juice, and ready-to-eat meals.
Closure Materials and Types
Closure systems are critical for maintaining product integrity, especially in beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. The report investigates usage trends in closure materials such as plastic, metal, and glass, and closure types such as:
- Screw Tops
- Dispensers
- Flip Caps
- Aerosol Sprays
Primary Outer Materials and Types
This segment covers the materials and configurations used for outer packaging, including:
- Flexible Outer Packaging – Used for bundling smaller products and reducing material usage.
- Rigid Plastic Outer Packaging – Ideal for bulk and transport packaging.
- Carton Folding Boxes – Popular for retail display and consumer appeal.
Strategic Insights for Stakeholders
The report provides actionable insights tailored for a wide range of industry stakeholders, including manufacturers, brand owners, packaging converters, marketers, and investors. Key benefits of the report include:
- Market Intelligence: Access to in-depth analysis of market size, trends, and forecasts.
- Strategic Planning: Identification of high-growth material segments and sectors.
- Competitive Landscape: Information on leading brands, their market shares, and growth strategies.
- Innovation Tracking: Insights into emerging packaging technologies and consumer preferences.
- Consumer Behavior: Analysis of demographic changes, consumption patterns, and evolving expectations.
