McDonald’s UAE generated a total contribution of AED 2.32 billion to the country’s GDP in 2024, according to the brand’s first-ever Economic Impact Report, conducted by Oxford Economics and released this week.
The report, which examines the footprint of McDonald’s UAE across the economy, workforce, environment and community, found that for every AED 1 million in direct GDP created by McDonald’s UAE, a further AED 2.7 million was supported across the wider economy.
Operated locally by Emirates Fast Food Company since 1994, McDonald’s UAE has been part of the country’s commercial landscape for three decades. The AED 2.32 billion GDP figure encompasses the company’s operations, supply chain spending and the impact of employee wages.
McDonald’s UAE supported over 13,100 jobs in 2024
In 2024, the company invested approximately AED 87 million – around 7 per cent of total supplier spend – in new restaurants and upgrades, signalling its continued commitment to growth within the country.
The report identified McDonald’s UAE as a source of employment across restaurants, logistics, food production and local suppliers, with more than 13,100 jobs supported in 2024.
The company’s workforce skews towards early career: 22 per cent of employees are aged between 18 and 24. Women account for 41 per cent of staff, which is 17 percentage points above the national average. McDonald’s UAE also operates a restaurant in Umm Suqeim, Dubai, that is staffed entirely by women.
“Over the past three decades, McDonald’s UAE has proudly grown alongside the nation, creating jobs, supporting local suppliers, and investing in communities. In 2024, our restaurants served over 62 million guests and delivered more than 14 million meals to homes and workplaces. As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our presence, upgrading our operations, and leveraging our scale to drive lasting economic, social, and environmental impact. This report demonstrates the tangible value our business generates, underscoring our role in supporting the UAE’s long-term growth and success,” Walid Fakih, CEO at McDonald’s UAE said in a statement.
Environmental programmes have been part of the company’s operations for 15 years. McDonald’s UAE has recycled used cooking oil into biodiesel throughout that period, with the initiative reducing emissions by 2.8 million kg of CO₂e in 2024 alone.
The report also outlines McDonald’s UAE’s social spending during the year. The company donated 1,000 meals in response to the UAE floods and contributed over AED 1.7 million to Emirates Red Crescent to support access to healthcare. It also gave AED 1 million to the Mother Endowment Campaign.
As part of its community wellbeing activity, McDonald’s UAE invested AED 1.6 million in its Junior Padel Academy, through which more than 1,200 children aged between 8 and 12 received coaching in the sport during 2024.
Fakih added: “As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our presence, upgrading our operations, and leveraging our scale to drive lasting economic, social, and environmental impact. This report demonstrates the tangible value our business generates, underscoring our role in supporting the UAE’s long-term growth and success.”
Oxford Economics, which conducted the independent analysis, noted that the findings reflect how local ownership, domestic sourcing and community investment combine to create value that extends beyond the company’s direct operations.
