Foodics Forward Together Initiative Supports UAE F&B Industry

Saudi Arabia-based restaurant tech company Foodics launches relief programme for UAE F&B operators facing cost pressures. Initiative includes flexible payments, free AI analytics, and discounted tech packages across five MENA markets.

Foodics Forward Together Initiative Supports UAE F&B Industry

Foodics has launched its Forward Together initiative to support UAE restaurants and F&B businesses navigating cost pressures and market uncertainties. The relief programme offers flexible payment terms, free access to digital ordering solutions, and AI-powered analytics tools designed to help local operators sustain growth during challenging times. According to Foodics' announcement, the initiative addresses the needs of an industry that employs over one million people across the MENA region and serves as a backbone for local communities.

Key Takeaways

  • Foodics launched Forward Together initiative in May 2026 to support UAE F&B businesses facing cost pressures.
  • The programme offers flexible payment terms, free access to digital ordering tools, and free AI analytics for existing clients.
  • New UAE restaurant sign-ups receive tailored packages at discounted rates to reduce upfront tech costs.
  • The initiative targets the GCC foodservice sector, valued at nearly USD 70 billion and projected to reach USD 121 billion by 2031.
  • Over one million people work in the F&B industry across the MENA region, making it a critical economic driver.

What is the Forward Together initiative?

Forward Together is built around three core pillars: financial flexibility, new revenue channels, and smarter decision-making. For existing Foodics clients in the UAE, the programme provides flexible payment terms to ease short-term financial pressure alongside free access to digital ordering solutions including Foodics Online and Self-Ordering Kiosks. Additional hardware solutions are also provided at no cost to help streamline restaurant operations.

The initiative extends beyond existing clients to support the wider F&B industry. New restaurant sign-ups in the UAE can access tailored packages at discounted rates, allowing operators to choose products customised to their specific business needs whilst reducing upfront technology costs.

How does AI analytics help restaurants make decisions?

Existing Foodics clients receive free access to Foodics AI, the company's artificial intelligence-powered analytics tool that uses predictive analytics to review recent performance and uncover actionable insights. This enables restaurant operators to make more informed, data-driven decisions as they plan their next phase of growth during uncertain market conditions.

The AI tool helps restaurants understand customer patterns, optimise menu performance, and identify operational inefficiencies that could be costing money. Based on what we've seen from similar Foodics technology implementations, these analytics capabilities can significantly improve operational efficiency when properly deployed.

Why does the UAE F&B industry need support?

According to Ahmad AlZaini, Co-founder and CEO of Foodics, the F&B industry employs over a million people across the region and serves as one of the private sector drivers across GCC and North African markets. "This is the backbone of these communities. Today, operators happen to be navigating difficult conditions," AlZaini explained in the company's announcement.

The UAE's F&B sector has been adapting to fluctuating demands, industry pressures, and tightening operational costs due to market uncertainties. However, the broader GCC food market shows significant growth potential, with the foodservice sector currently valued at nearly USD 70 billion and projected to reach over USD 121 billion by 2031.

What's the regional scope of this initiative?

Besides the UAE, Forward Together will roll out across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait — markets that together represent one of the fastest-growing and most innovative foodservice economies globally. The initiative aims to support restaurants, cafés, and diverse dining concepts of all types and sizes across these key MENA markets.

Honestly, while Foodics is pitching this in the right direction for UAE operators squeezed by rising rents, labour costs, and post-pandemic recovery pressures, we found the initiative frustratingly lacks the hard numbers UAE restaurant owners actually need. In our view, there's no published duration, no breakdown of what 'flexible' actually means in dirham terms, and no clarity on which hardware is bundled. Until Foodics publishes those specifics, UAE F&B businesses should treat this as an opening conversation rather than a concrete lifeline.

Should UAE restaurants consider this programme?

For existing Foodics clients, the free access to additional tools and flexible payment terms could provide immediate operational relief without additional upfront costs. The AI analytics component could prove particularly valuable for restaurants looking to optimise their operations during challenging market conditions.

New businesses considering the platform should evaluate the discounted packages against their specific operational needs and compare the total cost of ownership with alternative restaurant management solutions. The programme's focus on reducing early-stage setup costs could benefit startups and new restaurant concepts looking to minimise initial technology investments.

However, potential users should request detailed information about programme duration, specific payment flexibility terms, and hardware inclusion before committing. The company states that terms and conditions apply to all offerings, with programme duration subject to Foodics' terms and conditions.

Programme details and availability

The Forward Together initiative is available to both existing Foodics clients and new F&B businesses across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait. Existing clients receive automatic access to flexible payment terms, free digital ordering tools, and AI analytics, whilst new sign-ups can access discounted tailored packages.

Terms and conditions apply to all offerings, and the initiative's duration remains subject to Foodics' standard terms and conditions. Interested restaurants can learn more about the programme and access additional information through the company's website at foodics.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Foodics Forward Together initiative?

Forward Together is a relief initiative by Foodics offering UAE and MENA F&B businesses financial flexibility, new revenue channels, and smarter decision-making tools. It provides flexible payment terms, free access to digital ordering solutions, and AI analytics to help restaurants navigate cost pressures.

Who can benefit from the Forward Together initiative?

Both existing Foodics clients and new F&B businesses in the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait can benefit. Existing clients receive free access to additional tools, whilst new sign-ups get discounted tailored packages.

What specific benefits does Foodics offer through this initiative?

Benefits include flexible payment terms, free access to Foodics Online and Self-Ordering Kiosks, free hardware for existing clients, free Foodics AI analytics, and discounted packages for new restaurant sign-ups to reduce upfront technology costs.

How long does the Forward Together programme last?

The programme duration is subject to Foodics' terms and conditions, with specific timeframes not publicly disclosed. Interested restaurants should contact Foodics directly for detailed information about programme duration and specific terms.

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