UAE: Demand for non-alcoholic beverages sees more companies launch dry drinks
Religious concerns, alcoholism and health risks are among the major reasons for people to gravitate towards 'dry' drinks.
In the UAE, when 0.0% drinks marketplace Drink Dry launched, there weren't many options for dry drinks. When Erika Doyle, the company's founder and CEO, was getting ready to prepare shipments of two products — non-alcoholic beer and sparkling wine — she did not have high expectations. 'Worst case scenario, nobody is going to buy it, and I just have to drink it all myself or give it to friends, host a lot of parties and lose a bit of money if the product expires,' she told Khaleej Times.
However, the products took off and Doyle had to fly in more shipments as demand skyrocketed. This was back in 2021, and fast forward to today, the market is ever expanding. In the UAE, the non-alcoholic beer market is expected to grow annually by 3.80 per cent in the next four years, with revenues totalling $94.6 million in 2025, according to Statista Market Insights.
Doyle started the online store as she didn't consume alcohol and other beverage options usually consisted of soft sugary drinks. When she first moved to the country six years ago, 'it genuinely felt like travelling back in time where there was just nothing available for an adult consumer who was health conscious and liked to socialise'.
Accidental Brewing
Majlis Craft Arabian Ale, a UAE-grown business, looked back in time to the region's history for inspiration. According to its company's founder, around 10,000 years ago in the Arabian Peninsula, the ale was 'accidentally' brewed after fragments of liquid were left over from preparing flatbread. Due to the hot weather, the bread underwent a process of fermentation, and back then because resources were scarce, the people couldn't afford to throw away the liquid. So, they conserved it, added more water to the mixture, and consumed the liquid.
The company's founder, Igor Sergunin, said though the people that drank the ale didn't know it at the time, the fermented beverage had health benefits which helped with digestion and gut health.
Sergunin wanted to differentiate his product from others in the market. Instead of traditionally brewing the malt and then removing the alcohol, Majlis uses a more time-consuming and costly technique of brewing it without alcohol from start to finish. 'It's all about the math,' Sergunin said. 'Usually, when you do the alcoholic brewing, you have the recipe, but most of the things you're doing by the taste. But in our situation, it's more about the malt.'
'Perfect Market'
In addition to homegrown brands, some international alcoholic companies are seeing the UAE as an attractive market to sell their non-alcoholic beverages. United Dutch Brewery decided to bring their '3 Horses' non-alcoholic malt beverage into the UAE over 30 years ago 'because we saw the opportunity,' manager of trade marketing Elske Den Besten said.
Others, like the European brewing company TCB Beverages, are also trying to enter the UAE market. Alex Kleon, managing director at TCB Beverages, said, 'For us, it's an additional new business category to go into the soft drink, alcohol-free, malt drink, beverages. We have that in Germany already, but I think this is the perfect market for it.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
2 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE Chambers explores investment opportunities with Mali
17 Aug 2025 19:02 SHARJAH (WAM)The Federation of the UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry highlighted investment opportunities in the Republic of Mali during the UAE-Mali Business Forum, hosted by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in collaboration with UAE Chambers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).Vice Chairman of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of SCCI, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, extended a warm welcome to the Malian trade delegation visiting the UAE from August 13 to praised the growing bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and emphasised that the investment opportunities on offer present strong appeal for Emirati investors, especially within the framework of the UAE's economic diversification Owais affirmed the commitment of the UAE Chambers, and specifically the Sharjah Chamber, to actively promote these opportunities among their business communities to encourage investment in Mali, pointing out that they cover a wide range of emphasised the UAE business community's growing interest in exploring Mali's investment environment, underlining the UAE Chambers' commitment to strengthening cooperation with their Malian counterparts in the coming pointed out plans to sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at establishing a joint business council that will serve as a structured platform for direct engagement between private sector representatives from both sides. The council will focus on strategic sectors such as agriculture, food security, infrastructure, energy, and Owais voiced his optimism that the UAE-Mali Business Forum would serve as a catalyst for expanded trade and investment cooperation between the UAE and Malian delegation, headed by Madiou Simpara, President of the Mali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, presented a portfolio of investment opportunities to the UAE proposed projects span key sectors such as renewable energy, artesian wells, and infrastructure development, and include the establishment of both a large-scale commercial complex and a sports complex. Additional opportunities covered manufacturing, urban development, and land transport sectors, in addition to the construction of a state-of-the-art international Simpara invited the UAE business sector's representatives to visit Mali and assess first-hand the viable investment opportunities of mutual economic value. He noted that the Chamber of Mali seeks to foster stronger collaboration with the UAE chambers across multiple sectors, with the objective of advancing commercial cooperation and reinforcing bilateral trade ties.
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE emerges as top global greenfield FDI attractor
In a resounding affirmation of its global investment magnetism, the UAE has once again reinforced its status as the world's most effective attractor of foreign direct investment (FDI), relative to its economic size. According to the 2025 Greenfield FDI Performance Index by fDi Intelligence, the UAE topped the list — outperforming 104 other economies — with a remarkable index score of 14.26, meaning it secured more than 14 times the volume of greenfield FDI projects expected for its GDP scale. This outstanding performance placed the UAE ahead of Namibia, Costa Rica and all other economies surveyed. Although project growth was modest at 1.8 per cent in 2024, the Emirates was still ranked as the second most popular FDI destination in the world, behind only the United States. The UK, India and Germany followed in third, fourth and fifth positions. The inflows underline the country's expanding appeal as a global hub for business and innovation. According to the Unctad World Investment Report 2025, the UAE received Dh167.6 billion (about $45.6 billion) in FDI last year, representing a surge of 48 per cent compared with 2023. This elevated the country into the ranks of the world's top 10 recipients of foreign investment, despite the global slowdown. Within the Middle East, the UAE's dominance was striking — it accounted for nearly 37 per cent of the region's total inflows, more than a third of all foreign capital entering the Arab world. Greenfield investment was a central driver of this success. The UAE attracted 1,369 projects in 2024, securing second place globally after the US. Capital commitments for these projects reached Dh53.3 billion ($14.5 billion), reflecting resilience in an environment where global growth in greenfield projects slowed to less than one per cent. Business services, financial services and technology remained the top sectors, while renewable energy, real estate, transport and consumer products also recorded strong momentum. Investment consultants argue that the UAE's performance is more than a story of numbers. It is a narrative of transformation, built on foresight, ambition and the ability to execute. 'By combining stability, openness and innovation-driven growth, the Emirates have created an ecosystem that attracts capital, talent and ideas from every corner of the globe. At a time when global FDI is under pressure, the UAE has emerged not just as a regional hub but as a model for economies seeking to leverage investment as a catalyst for long-term prosperity,' said James Mathew, CEO and managing partner of UHY James. Mathew added that the UAE's success is not a matter of coincidence but a reflection of long-term planning. 'The UAE has transformed foreign investment into a tool for economic diversification, reducing reliance on hydrocarbons and expanding its industrial, financial and knowledge-based sectors.' The National Investment Strategy 2031 sets out an ambitious goal of increasing FDI inflows to Dh1.3 trillion and tripling cumulative stock to Dh2.2 trillion. This vision dovetails with other strategic blueprints such as Artificial Intelligence 2031 and Centennial 2071, which seek to embed technology and innovation across the economy. These efforts have not gone unnoticed by global investors. In 2024, Microsoft announced the creation of a global engineering development centre in Abu Dhabi. This year, the company partnered with AI firm G42 to build sovereign cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Such moves underscore the UAE's ability to attract not only capital but also high-value projects that anchor knowledge economies. Google's activities in the country alone contributed Dh21.8 billion ($5.9 billion) to GDP in 2024, while Microsoft's investments are projected to generate Dh273 billion in revenues and over 152,000 jobs by 2028. Part of the UAE's enduring appeal lies in its enabling environment. Foreign investors benefit from a liberal business climate that allows 100 per cent ownership in most sectors, a competitive corporate tax rate of nine per cent, streamlined licensing procedures and robust arbitration mechanisms through institutions like the Dubai International Arbitration Centre. On the talent front, long-term Golden Visas and flexible Green Visas make it easier for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs to relocate and build futures in the Emirates. The establishment of a federal Ministry of Investment in 2023, led by Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, further centralised efforts to attract capital and promote opportunities. Digital platforms such as 'Invest UAE' provide global investors with a one-stop gateway into the country's diversified economy. Equally important are the UAE's international agreements. The country has signed 21 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and over 120 bilateral investment treaties, ensuring that capital inflows are protected and integrated into global trade frameworks. Its nonaligned foreign policy also positions it uniquely as a bridge between East and West, maintaining investor confidence in a region often marked by volatility. The trajectory over the past decade illustrates how far the Emirates have come. FDI inflows climbed from Dh31.6 billion ($8.6 billion) in 2015 to Dh167.6 billion ($45.6 billion) in 2024, representing a compound annual growth rate of more than 10 per cent. The country's cumulative FDI stock now stands at about $270 billion. Beyond capital, it has become a magnet for human capital — ranked fifth globally for overall talent competitiveness and third in AI talent generation in 2024, according to INSEAD and Stanford.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Sharjah Chamber, Dibba Al Hisn Municipality to launch the 12th Al Maleh and Fishing Festival on August 28
Sharjah: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) and the Dibba Al Hisn Municipality are set to launch the 12th edition of the Al Maleh and Fishing Festival from August 28 to 31, 2025, at Al Hisn Island. The festival aims to highlight the emirate's commitment to preserving maritime heritage while supporting the growth of traditional industries, further enhancing Sharjah's role as a hub for heritage-based economic activities. It is considered one of the region's most prominent heritage events dedicated to the age-old Al Maleh (salted) fish industry, underscoring the joint commitment of the Sharjah Chamber and Dibba Al Hisn Municipality to safeguarding the UAE's cultural heritage by celebrating ancient maritime professions that were central to coastal communities throughout history. Beyond its cultural value, the event stimulates economic and tourism activity in the Eastern Region and promotes the sustainability and long-term viability of marine-based industries by providing an interactive platform that integrates traditional practices with modern approaches to sustainable development. HE Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, said that the Al Maleh and Fishing Festival is a cornerstone of the Sharjah Chamber's strategy to link cultural heritage with economic growth. 'Organized annually, the festival is positioned as part of Sharjah's future economy strategy, creating a platform that empowers productive families and entrepreneurs in the marine industries. It further enhances market access for their products, fosters exposure to wider audiences, and facilitates new business partnerships and investment opportunities in heritage-driven industries,' he added. For his part, HE Talib Abdullah Al Yahyai, director of Dibba Al Hisn City Municipality, stated that the city 'represents a cradle of the UAE's maritime heritage, with its people taking pride in hosting another distinguished edition of the Al Maleh and Fishing Festival, which embodies the spirit of Dibba Al Hisn and its deep connection to the sea and the life of fishermen.' He underlined efforts to enhance the festival's impact through upgraded infrastructure, better organization, and expanded program of diverse activities to further enrich visitor experiences and reinforce Dibba Al Hisn's position as a sustainable cultural and tourism destination. The Al Maleh and Fishing Festival serves as a platform to explore the ancient UAE tradition of salting fish while passing it on to younger generations. The festival's agenda this year includes educational workshops on age-old maritime crafts like Al Maleh creation, salting, and canning, alongisde traditional fishing tools. The program also includes awareness seminars on sustainable fishing practices, cultural competitions to enrich public knowledge of maritime heritage, and live showcases of traditional crafts such as shipbuilding and net-making. This year's edition attracts significant participation from maritime-focused government departments, private sector companies, and retailers specializing in the Al Maleh (salted fish) industry. It also provides a platform for productive families to showcase a variety of handcrafted heritage products, including salted fish, traditional foods, and artisanal tools. Key features of this year's festival include the 'Salted Fish Market,' an agricultural products section, and a traditional food court, alongside exhibition spaces for advanced fishing gear, engines, and boats. Collectively, these elements foster business partnerships, promote sectoral innovation, and support the sustainable growth of the maritime economy. The Sharjah Chamber and the Dibba Al-Hisn Municipality invited Sharjah residents and visitors to take part in the upcoming Al Maleh and Fishing Festival, set to deliver an immersive heritage experience enriched by cultural displays, traditional flavors, and live performances. Running for four days from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the festival provides an avenue to highlight the UAE's maritime identity and supports the continuity of traditional crafts by combining historical pride with forward-looking ambitions for sustainable cultural and economic development. For further information, please contact: - Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
