UAE Coffee and Tea Consumption Up 85% in 3 Years

When you hear that coffee and tea drinking has surged in the UAE, you might wonder: just how much are people really drinking, and why now? The numbers tell a clear story—consumption isn’t just ticking up, it’s accelerating fast, especially for coffee.

Over the past three years, coffee and tea consumption in the UAE jumped 85%. That puts annual per capita intake at 3.5 kilograms, with coffee consumption nearly double that of other Gulf countries. Tea intake alone grew 47% in the same period.

Sharp Growth Across the Arab World

International Coffee Organization data shows that over the last ten years, tea and coffee consumption across Arab nations has more than tripled. The UAE stands out even within this broader trend. While the regional increase spans a decade, the UAE’s 85% rise happened in just three years—highlighting a recent, rapid acceleration in demand.

Coffee Leading the Charge

The UAE isn’t just keeping pace with global coffee trends—it’s leading them. Between 2009 and 2014, coffee sales in the country were projected to grow 80%, with a compound annual growth rate exceeding 12%. That makes the UAE one of the fastest-growing coffee markets worldwide. Per capita, coffee consumption is roughly double that seen in other Gulf states, underscoring its unique position in regional demand.

Tea Consumption Also Rising

While coffee grabs the headlines, tea hasn’t been left behind. In the UAE, tea consumption grew 47% over the tracked period, contributing to the overall 85% rise in combined coffee and tea intake. Annual per capita consumption for both beverages now stands at 3.5 kilograms, reflecting a strong and growing market for both.

Global and Regional Trade Context

Globally, coffee consumption surpassed 8 million metric tons in 2011—an increase of 2.4% year-on-year—with 1.4 billion cups consumed daily. Emerging markets, including the UAE, show stronger resilience to economic challenges compared to developed ones, driving much of the recent growth. The UAE is also a major player in tea trade, reexporting around 18,000 tons of tea between 2010 and 2011 alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did coffee and tea consumption grow in the UAE over the past three years?

UAE coffee and tea consumption increased by 85% over the past three years, with annual per capita intake reaching 3.5 kilograms.

Is coffee consumption in the UAE higher than in other Gulf countries?

Yes, coffee consumption in the UAE is approximately double that of other Gulf countries.

What was the global coffee consumption in 2011?

In 2011, global coffee consumption exceeded 8 million metric tons, with 1.4 billion cups consumed per day.

How fast is the UAE coffee market growing?

From 2009 to 2014, the UAE coffee market was expected to grow by 80%, with a compound annual growth rate over 12%.

Did tea consumption also rise in the UAE?

Yes, tea consumption in the UAE grew by 47% over the same period.

What role does the UAE play in tea trade?

The UAE reexported around 18,000 tons of tea between 2010 and 2011, making it a key tea trade partner in the region.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for UAE-Style Coffee

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for a bright, floral cup with citrus and stone fruit notes, or their Colombia Huila for balanced caramel and almond tones—both pair well with the UAE’s rising preference for high-quality single origins. For something richer, the PWN Golden Mandheling delivers full-bodied sweetness with mild spice. These beans match the UAE’s growing taste for premium, distinct profiles. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.