Packaging in 2025: the big picture
In 2025, packaging across the United Arab Emirates' fast-moving consumer goods industries was shaped less by regulation than by brand-led sustainability, convenience and the economics of an import-reliant, hot-climate market. Unlike several European markets, the country has not enacted an extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme or a packaging tax, so the pressure on packaging design comes not from per-tonne fees but from voluntary corporate commitments aligned with the federal Net Zero 2050 strategy and the country's federal climate-change law, which took effect in 2025. Within that frame, three forces stood out: the lightweighting of rigid plastics and the rise of recycled PET (rPET) in bottles and tubs; a gradual migration from plastic towards fibre-based and recyclable formats; and the steady spread of smaller, portion-controlled packs suited to single-person and expatriate households.
2025 key trends
Two trends defined the United Arab Emirates packaging year. The first was the substitution of plastic with fibre and recycled content wherever a format could not easily be eliminated. In food, this was visible in Almarai's lightweighting and recycled-content programmes, Al Ain Farms' deeper use of rPET, Americana's move towards compostable trays in processed meat, and the replacement of expanded-polystyrene foodservice containers with bagasse and paperboard following Dubai's single-use plastic ban. Where elimination was impossible, brands pursued the two available levers: switching to a single recyclable material and stripping out problematic components, both lowering material use without sacrificing the protection that food and hygiene products demand.
Sustainability and lightweighting reshape United Arab Emirates food packaging
Food is the heart of the market, and in 2025 its largest category, dairy, rose 5% to 2,469 million units on population growth and the high purchase frequency of fresh milk, laban, yoghurt and labneh. Dairy is overwhelmingly a rigid-plastic story: HDPE and PET bottles together with thin wall pots accounted for 1,827 million units, or 74% of the category. With no packaging EPR scheme or tax, change here is brand-led: Almarai, the largest dairy company in the Gulf, reported an estimated 280 metric tons of plastic reduction during 2025 through weight cuts and design changes — part of a cumulative 7,506 metric tons of plastics and paper removed since 2018 — while Al Ain Farms said in October 2025 that it had achieved a 35% cut in its rPET packaging. Liquid cartons formed the second pillar at 485 million units, suited to the long-life UHT milk that an import-led, warm-climate supply chain relies on. In the small but expanding plant-based dairy category, liquid cartons dominate at 88% of volumes, with Alpro anchoring premium oat and almond drinks.
Recycled content and carton alternatives shape non-alcoholic drinks packaging
In non-alcoholic drinks, the United Arab Emirates continued its gradual, voluntary shift towards recyclable, recycled-content formats, with PET bottles remaining the affordable, lightweight default across bottled water and carbonates. The central materials lever was recycled PET: bottlers and brand owners have leaned on rPET and lightweighting to cut virgin-plastic use while managing the cost of imported resin. Liquid cartons and aseptic brick formats retained a clear role in ambient and plant-based drinks, valued for their renewable-paperboard base and suitability for the country's import-led, warm-climate supply chains, as exemplified by Alpro's leadership in plant-based milk cartons. Metal beverage cans offered a fully recyclable, rapidly chilled alternative for on-the-go occasions. With no packaging EPR scheme in force, the impetus to redesign beverage packaging came from corporate sustainability commitments and the national Net Zero 2050 agenda rather than from per-tonne charges, and the longer-term opportunity lies in pairing recycled-content bottles and recyclable cartons with the collection and reverse-vending infrastructure the country is still building.
Cans and lighter glass gain ground in alcoholic drinks packaging
Alcoholic drinks packaging in the United Arab Emirates is a smaller, tightly regulated segment, but it followed the same lightweighting and recyclability logic seen elsewhere. The enduring direction is a gradual move away from heavy glass towards lighter, fully recyclable aluminium cans in beer and ready-to-drink products, which reduce both transport emissions and material costs, while premium spirits and wine continue to favour glass paired increasingly with lighter weights and recyclable closures. As with other beverages, change here is shaped by cost pressures on imported materials and by voluntary sustainability commitments rather than by packaging-specific regulation, leaving cans well placed to capture incremental growth in beer and mixed-drink formats while glass retains its premium, gift-oriented role.
Refillable and bio-based formats lead beauty and personal care packaging
Beauty and personal care packaging in the United Arab Emirates remained dominated by rigid plastic — squeezable tubes, HDPE bottles in hair care and bath and shower, and PET bottles — with glass holding a premium niche in skin care and fragrances. The clearest innovation direction was sustainability-led: brands have explored refillable formats, solid and concentrated products, recyclable mono-material designs and bio-based plastics as ways to reduce packaging waste and appeal to eco-conscious, premium shoppers. Recyclable aluminium and recycled-content HDPE and PET offer further routes to lower-impact design. As across the rest of the market, these moves are voluntary and brand-driven, anchored in the country's Net Zero 2050 ambitions and federal climate-change law rather than in an EPR mandate, with the recyclability of multi-layer flexible formats through still-developing collection systems remaining the constraint to resolve.
Refills, concentrates and compact packs advance in home care
Home care packaging continued to be built around rigid plastic — HDPE bottles for laundry liquids, bleach and surface care, and PET in trigger sprays and dishwashing — alongside paperboard cartons for powder detergents and tablets and metal aerosol cans in air and surface care. The enduring innovation themes are refill and concentrate formats that cut plastic and transport emissions per use, compact dosing, and a steady rise in recycled content and recyclable, mono-material design. Concentrated cleaning products in smaller refill packs require less material and space, while dispensing innovations help minimise product waste. These shifts reflect consumer demand for both sustainability and value, and, in the absence of packaging-specific regulation, are driven by corporate commitments aligned with national climate goals.
Convenience and recyclability define pet food packaging
Pet food was one of the most dynamic packaging stories of 2025, with dog and cat food packaging volumes rising 7% to 58 million units on rising pet ownership, humanisation and veterinary recommendations for varied feeding, and forecast to grow at a CAGR of 7% to 82 million units. Flexible plastic remained the leading format in dry food, valued for durability, low cost and resealable closures, with brands such as Royal Canin and Pedigree using resealable packs to maintain freshness; metal cans stayed dominant in wet dog food, supported by trust in the 400g format for brands like Pedigree; and aluminium/plastic pouches led wet cat food, with 100g and 85g single-serve lines from brands such as Sheba and Whiskas driving volumes. Aluminium trays gained among premium lines, with brands such as Cesar expanding gourmet 80g and 100g ranges. Rigid plastic was technically the fastest-growing pack type, up 28% to 783,900 units from a small base.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Packaging industry in United Arab Emirates with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of packaging types.
If you're in the Packaging industry in United Arab Emirates, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Packaging in United Arab Emirates report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Packaging in United Arab Emirates?
- Which are the major pack types and how are they performing in United Arab Emirates?
- Have there been any packaging legislative changes in the past 12 months?
- How are consumption trends impacting the packaging landscape?
- What are the key trends and latest product developments in packaging?
- How important are sustainability and recycling to consumers in United Arab Emirates?
- Where is future growth expected to be most significant?
Packaging Industry in the United Arab Emirates
Packaging in 2025: the big picture
2025 key trends
Sustainability and lightweighting reshape United Arab Emirates food packaging
Recycled content and carton alternatives shape non-alcoholic drinks packaging
Cans and lighter glass gain ground in alcoholic drinks packaging
Refillable and bio-based formats lead beauty and personal care packaging
Refills, concentrates and compact packs advance in home care
Convenience and recyclability define pet food packaging
Single-use plastic bans and a federal climate law steer packaging design
Brand-led commitments fill the gap left by the absence of nationwide mandatory EPR
Reverse-vending pilots and brand-led recovery build circular foundations
Material substitution carries the load while collection capacity catches up
Country Reports Disclaimer
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Packaging
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- Baby and Child-specific Products Packaging
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- Bar Soap
- Bath Additives
- Body Powder
- Body Wash/Shower Gel
- Hand Sanitisers
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- Intimate Washes
- Intimate Wipes
- Liquid Soap
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- Eye Liner/Pencil
- Eye Shadow
- Mascara
- Other Lash and Brow Make-Up
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- BB/CC Creams
- Blusher/Bronzer/Highlighter
- Foundation/Concealer
- Powder
- Other Facial Make-Up
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- Lip Gloss
- Lip Liner/Pencil
- Lipstick
- Other Lip Products
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- Nail Polish
- Nail Treatments/Strengthener
- Polish Remover
- Other Nail Products
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- Deodorant Creams
- Deodorant Pumps
- Deodorant Roll-Ons
- Deodorant Sprays
- Deodorant Sticks
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- Hair Removers/Bleaches
- Women's Pre-Shave
- Women's Razors and Blades
- Fragrances Packaging
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- 2-in-1 Products
- Colourants
- Conditioners and Treatments
- Perms and Relaxants
- Salon Professional Hair Care
- Standard Shampoos
- Styling Agents
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- Men's Post-Shave
- Men's Pre-Shave
- Men's Razors and Blades
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- Men's Bath and Shower
- Men's Deodorants
- Men's Hair Care
- Men's Skin Care
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- Dental Floss
- Denture Care
- Mouth Fresheners
- Mouthwashes/Dental Rinses
- Tooth Whiteners
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
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- Body Care
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- Face Masks
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- Liquid/Cream/Gel/Bar Cleansers
- Facial Cleansing Wipes
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- Basic Moisturisers
- Anti-Agers
- Lip Care
- Toners
- Hand Care
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- Adult Sun Care
- Baby and Child-specific Sun Care
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- Dark Beer
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- Flavoured/Mixed Lager
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- Domestic Lager
- Imported Lager
- Non/Low Alcohol Beer
- Stout
- Cider/Perry
- RTDs
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- Brandy and Cognac
- Liqueurs
- Rum
- Tequila (and Mezcal)
- Whiskies
- White Spirits
- Other Spirits
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- Fortified Wine and Vermouth
- Non-Grape Wine
- Sparkling Wine
- Still Light Grape Wine
- Non Alcoholic Wine
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- Fresh Coffee Beans
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- Fresh Ground Coffee Pods
- Standard Fresh Ground Coffee
- Instant Coffee
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- Black Tea
- Green Tea
- Fruit/Herbal Tea
- Instant Tea
- Other Tea
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- Flavoured Powder Drinks
- Other Plant-based Hot Drinks
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- Asian Speciality Drinks
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- Carbonated Bottled Water
- Flavoured Bottled Water
- Functional Bottled Water
- Still Bottled Water
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- Cola Carbonates
- Non-Cola Carbonates
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- Liquid Concentrates
- Powder Concentrates
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- 100% Juice
- Juice Drinks (up to 24% Juice)
- Nectars
- Coconut and Other Plant Waters
- Energy Drinks
- Sports Drinks
- RTD Coffee
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- Carbonated RTD Tea and Kombucha
- Still RTD Tea
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- Cat Treats and Mixers
- Dry Cat Food
- Wet Cat Food
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- Dog Treats and Mixers
- Dry Dog Food
- Wet Dog Food
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- Dried Baby Food
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- Liquid Milk Formula
- Powder Milk Formula
- Prepared Baby Food
- Other Baby Food
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- Dessert Mixes
- Frozen Baked Goods
- Packaged Bread
- Packaged Cakes
- Packaged Pastries
- Dessert Pies and Tarts
- Breakfast Cereals Packaging
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- Chocolate Pouches and Bags
- Boxed Assortments
- Chocolate with Toys
- Countlines
- Seasonal Chocolate
- Tablets
- Other Chocolate Confectionery
- Gum
- Sugar Confectionery
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- Butter and Spreads
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- Processed Cheese
- Packaged Hard Cheese
- Soft Cheese
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- Flavoured Milk Drinks
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- Fresh Milk
- Shelf Stable Milk
- Goat Milk
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- Powder Milk
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- Sour Milk Products
- Yoghurt
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- Chilled and Shelf Stable Desserts
- Chilled Snacks
- Coffee Whiteners
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- Condensed Milk
- Cream
- Fromage Frais and Quark
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- Plant-based Milk
- Plant-based Yoghurt
- Plant-based Cheese
- Edible Oils Packaging
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- Frozen Yoghurt
- Impulse Ice Cream
- Plant-based Ice Cream
- Take-Home Ice Cream
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- Frozen Fruit
- Frozen Processed Potatoes
- Frozen Processed Vegetables
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- Shelf Stable Beans
- Shelf Stable Fruit
- Shelf Stable Tomatoes
- Shelf Stable Vegetables
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- Chilled Processed Meat
- Frozen Processed Meat
- Shelf Stable Meat
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- Chilled Processed Seafood
- Frozen Processed Seafood
- Shelf Stable Seafood
- Meat and Seafood Substitutes inc Tofu
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- Dried Ready Meals
- Shelf Stable Ready Meals
- Chilled Ready Meals
- Frozen Ready Meals
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- Chilled Pizza
- Frozen Pizza
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- Meal Kits
- Quick Recipe Kits
- Chilled Lunch Kits
- Prepared Salads
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- Dry Soup
- Shelf Stable Soup
- Chilled Soup
- Frozen Soup
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- Noodles
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- Chilled Pasta
- Dried Pasta
- Rice
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- Bouillon
- Gravy Cubes, Powders and Pots
- Herbs and Spices
- Monosodium Glutamate
- Tomato Pastes and Purées
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- Liquid Recipe Sauces (excl pasta sauces)
- Dry Recipe Sauces
- Pasta Sauces
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- Barbecue Sauces
- Chili Sauces
- Fish Sauces
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Oyster Sauces
- Salad Dressings
- Soy Sauces
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- Dips
- Pickled Products
- Other Sauces and Condiments
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- Nuts, Seeds and Trail Mixes
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Salty Snacks
- Savoury Biscuits
- Meat Snacks
- Seafood Snacks
- Other Savoury Snacks
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- Chocolate Spreads
- Honey
- Jams and Preserves
- Nut and Seed Based Spreads
- Yeast-based Spreads
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- Fruit Snacks
- Snack Bars
- Sweet Biscuits
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- Candle Air Fresheners
- Car Air Fresheners
- Electric Air Fresheners
- Gel Air Fresheners
- Liquid Air Fresheners
- Spray/Aerosol Air Fresheners
- Other Air Care
- Bleach
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- Automatic Dishwashing Liquids
- Automatic Dishwashing Powders
- Automatic Dishwashing Tablets
- Dishwashing Additives
- Hand Dishwashing
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- Electric Insecticides
- Insecticide Baits
- Insecticide Coils
- Spray/Aerosol Insecticides
- Other Home Insecticides
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- Carpet Cleaners
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- Dryer Sheets
- Liquid Fabric Softeners
- Laundry Aids
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- Powder Detergents
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- Compact Powder Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Tablet Detergents
- Liquid Detergents
- Other Detergents
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- Floor Polish
- Furniture Polish
- Metal Polish
- Shoe Polish
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- Cleaning Solution
- Starter Kits/Sweepers/Sticks (Excluding Wipes)
- Wipes (Excluding Starter Kits/Sweepers/Sticks)
- Bathroom Cleaners
- Descalers
- Drain Openers
- Floor Cleaners
- Home Care Disinfectants
- Kitchen Cleaners
- Multi-Purpose Cleaners
- Oven Cleaners
- Scouring Agents
- Window/Glass Cleaners
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- In-Cistern Devices
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- Rim Blocks
- Rim Liquids
- Toilet Care Tablets/Powders
- Toilet Cleaning Systems
- Toilet Liquids/Foam
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