UAE Cake Market Research Report, 2030

The cake market in the UAE didn’t just come with the arrival of bakeries but bloomed alongside a lifestyle that celebrates grandeur, hospitality, and sweet indulgence in every possible way. The purpose of the cake market in the UAE and across the globe is to serve as a centerpiece for celebrations, family gatherings, corporate events, and moments of luxury and tradition. From weddings and birthdays to festive Iftar tables and business events, cakes are everywhere in the UAE’s daily life. Historically, cakes were not a native part of Emirati cuisine, but with the arrival of expats and international influence in the 1970s and 1980s, Western-style cakes started becoming popular. Before this, people mostly relied on traditional Arabic sweets like dates and pastries. To bring variety and solve this gap, bakers introduced different types of cakes such as chocolate fudge, vanilla sponge, fruit-filled cakes, and date-flavored cakes with Arabic twists. Technically, a cake is a soft baked product made from flour, sugar, fat, eggs, and flavorings that rises due to a leavening agent. In real life, cake solves social and emotional needs. It brings people together, symbolizes happiness, and turns a regular gathering into a celebration. It’s effective because it is flexible in shape, size, flavor, and design. It is easy to customize, gift, and serve. Technological progress in the UAE cake market includes smart baking equipment, temperature-controlled logistics, and online platforms where customers can design cakes with just a few clicks. The first challenge is the harsh climate, which makes it difficult to maintain cake freshness and texture without high-quality packaging. There is heavy competition, especially from international chains, which makes it hard for small local bakers to grow. Many customers expect both quality and luxury, so bakers must constantly innovate to meet premium expectations. According to the research report "UAE Cake Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the UAE Cake market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.47% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The cake market in the UAE is driven by a strong culture of celebration, rapid urbanization, and a growing population that loves customized luxury desserts. A key market driver is the multicultural population, which brings together different tastes, traditions, and cake styles. Another major driver is the gifting culture and hospitality norms that promote the purchase of cakes during birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Eid, and corporate events. The availability of online cake ordering and fast delivery services also pushes the market forward by offering convenience and variety. A recent development is the growing popularity of cakes infused with local flavors like saffron, pistachio, rose, and dates. These create a fusion of Arabic taste with Western baking, offering something new to customers. Major players in the UAE cake market include Mister Baker, Sugaholic, Magnolia Bakery, and Bloomsbury’s, who offer a wide range of luxury cakes, themed designs, and personalized options. They offer cakes because the market demands innovation, cultural blending, and premium quality in both flavor and presentation. There are major opportunities in the online and customized cake segment, where people want designer cakes for special occasions, often with specific themes, names, or characters. Food safety certifications such as Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Code and ISO 22000 ensure cakes meet hygiene standards, build trust, and support safe transportation and storage in extreme heat. One of the latest trends is the rise of mini cakes and dessert boxes, which offer individual servings and match the need for portion control and hygiene. Another popular trend is the use of edible printing and 3D cake art, allowing bakers to create unique cakes for branding or personal events. These trends show how the cake market in the UAE is not just about taste but also about style, expression, and experience.

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Cupcakes have become particularly popular in major cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where vibrant expatriate communities and younger consumers enjoy these individual-sized cakes for celebrations, corporate events, and social media sharing. These cupcakes often feature exotic flavors like pistachio, rose, saffron, and dates, reflecting the region’s cultural heritage while appealing to international tastes. Sponge cakes are also a key product segment in the UAE, favored for their light, airy texture and adaptability. They serve as the base for many traditional and modern cakes enjoyed during festive occasions such as Eid, weddings, and National Day celebrations. Dessert cakes cover a wide spectrum, ranging from rich chocolate and cream-based cakes to more traditional Middle Eastern sweets-inspired cakes, incorporating ingredients like cardamom, honey, and nuts. The others segment includes health-focused options such as gluten-free, vegan, and low-sugar cakes, which are gaining traction as consumers become more health conscious and aware of dietary restrictions. The UAE market also features luxury and customized cakes, reflecting the affluent consumer base’s demand for premium quality and bespoke designs. This broad product range allows the cake market in the UAE to cater to a variety of consumer preferences, blending tradition with innovation, and ensuring continued expansion across the country. Distribution channels in the UAE’s cake market reflect the country’s modern retail infrastructure and high consumer demand for convenience and luxury. Supermarkets and hypermarkets such as Carrefour, Lulu, and Spinneys hold a dominant position by providing an extensive assortment of cakes, including both mass-produced and freshly baked goods. These retailers attract customers through convenience, competitive pricing, and the ability to combine cake purchases with other grocery shopping. Bakeries, both independent and international chains like Magnolia Bakery and Paul, are highly popular for offering freshly made, artisanal cakes with unique designs and premium ingredients. Convenience stores located in busy urban areas and malls offer smaller cakes and cupcakes for quick consumption, catering to busy professionals and tourists. Online retail platforms have grown rapidly, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling customers to order customized cakes with home delivery, increasing market accessibility. Additional channels such as cafes, catering services, and luxury hotels also play important roles in serving niche markets, including corporate events and high-end celebrations. This diverse distribution network ensures that cakes are easily accessible throughout the UAE, satisfying different consumer needs from everyday indulgences to luxury event-specific orders, supporting the country’s vibrant cake market growth. In terms of form, the UAE cake market is divided primarily between packaged and unpackaged or artisanal cakes, each serving distinct consumer demands. Packaged cakes, commonly found in supermarkets and convenience stores, offer convenience, longer shelf life, and consistent quality. These cakes comply with stringent food safety regulations set by UAE authorities and often feature detailed labeling including ingredients, allergens, and nutritional information, meeting the needs of increasingly health-conscious consumers. Packaged cakes are popular for everyday consumption, gifting, and casual celebrations due to their affordability and ease of storage. Unpackaged or artisanal cakes are mainly sold in bakeries and specialty shops, valued for their freshness, craftsmanship, and the ability to customize flavor profiles and designs to suit specific occasions. These cakes often draw on Middle Eastern traditions and premium ingredients, appealing to consumers seeking authentic, high-quality cakes for weddings, religious festivals, and other special events. The coexistence of packaged and unpackaged cakes allows the UAE cake market to address a broad spectrum of consumer preferencesfrom those who want practical, ready-to-eat options to those desiring luxury, personalized cake experiences. This balance between convenience and craftsmanship fuels the continued expansion and sophistication of the UAE cake market.

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Considered in this report • Historic Year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030 Aspects covered in this report • Cake Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Product • Cupcakes • Sponge Cakes • Dessert Cakes • others

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By Distribution Channel • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets • Bakery • Convenience Stores • Online Retail Stores • Other Distribution Channels By Form • Packaged • Unpackaged/Artisanal The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.