In 2025, the GCC Ice Cream Market is attaining a remarkable growth on account of a shift in consumer tastes, an increase in income levels, and an inclination towards better-for-you frozen desserts. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman are reaping the benefits of demand due to the warm weather and the presence of a youthful population that cares about trends.

Ice Cream Consumption in the GCC Regions is Increasing

The GCC region has plenty of sunshine for 10 months of the year, with average temperatures exceeding 40 degrees C in summer months, making ice cream highly popular in the region. What makes 2025 different is not just the need for conventional ice cream, but also the growing demand for clean label products, innovative add-ins, and healthier choices such as sugar-free, vegan, and lactose-free options.

Health and wellness consciousness in the GCC region, particularly amongst the younger generations, has stimulated demand for better-for-you frozen desserts, plant-based ice creams, and high-protein snacks, which has pushed both global and local brands to broaden their portfolios.

Market Size and Forecast for 2025

By 2025, the GCC ice cream market is projected to exceed USD 1.3 billion, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE taking the lead. The two countries make up the majority of the market, but Qatar and Kuwait are steadily increasing their retail infrastructure and e-commerce platforms, allowing them to catch up as well. Moreover, the market is expected to have robust growth of more than 7% from 2023 to 2028.

The Key growth factors include:

• Increased tourism and hospitality investments with global events like Expo 2030 in Riyadh.
• Premiumization and Western culture adaptation.
• Improved organized retail and delivery services allowing access to ice cream throughout the year.

Consumer Trends Shaping the Industry

The 2025 GCC ice cream market is not only going to have growth in sales, but people are looking forward to a change in flavors too. Saffron, dates, rose, and pistachio ice cream are gaining a lot of popularity along with classics like vanilla and chocolate.

In addition, there is an increase in demand for artisanal ice creams, or “Instagrammable” ice cream that serve in a visually stunning fashions targeted towards the savvy social media audience. Unique flavored ice cream and event based pop-up parlors and food trucks are becoming trendy in city areas.

Wasting resources is of growing concern, especially in Saudi Arabia. That is why people care more about the environment and how companies obtain their products. In return, these brands add fair-trade ingredients and use eco-friendly packaging.

Companies Participating in the GCC Ice Cream Industry

The dominant brands in the GCC ice cream industry are:

• Unilever (Wall’s, Magnum)
  • Nestlé (Mövenpick, Häagen-Dazs)
  • Kwality Walls
  • Baskin-Robbins
  • Almarai
  • Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO)

In order to attract the youth, these companies are focusing on localized production and marketing strategies supplemented with digital engagement programs.

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Final Words

The ever-changing consumer behavior presents new opportunities for quality and health-focused brands in the Gulf. In the coming years, we expect the GCC ice cream market to further expand with new dynamics, blending in local culture, innovation, and global influence. No matter if it’s a scoop of classic or dairy-free ice cream, it is still a tasty treat to enjoy during the hot weather in Gulf countries.