Food delivery apps have become dominant players in Kuwait’s dining economy, but their growing influence comes at a steep price for both restaurants and consumers. According to Al Qabas, platforms now routinely charge commissions of 25–30% per order — far above the global average of 10–15% — leaving restaurants with shrinking margins and customers facing higher bills.
By the end of 2024, monthly online food orders in Kuwait surpassed 2.6 million, with more than 72% of consumers opting for app-based services, especially during evening hours. The surge has fueled the rapid expansion of cloud kitchens, which climbed to 120 facilities in 2024, up from 77 just two years earlier, as the industry pivots toward delivery-focused models.
Yet the digital convenience masks mounting costs. Many restaurants, unable to absorb the steep commissions, have raised menu prices or cut portion sizes, often telling diners bluntly: “the app takes its share.” With limited alternatives and lax regulatory oversight, delivery platforms now hold near-monopoly power, setting terms for both consumers and businesses.
Kuwait’s food delivery market was valued at $880 million in 2024 and is projected to hit $1.43 billion by 2032, according to GMI Research. Still, insiders warn the imbalance is unsustainable. Legal experts point to Kuwait’s competition laws, which prohibit monopolistic practices, but enforcement has lagged behind the sector’s rapid digitization.
Some restaurant owners are calling for caps on commissions, transparent contracts, and collective bargaining to push for fairer terms. Others are exploring alternatives such as cooperative delivery services or building in-house fleets. For now, however, most operators admit that apps remain “an obligatory partner” — one that invests no capital but collects a cut from every meal ordered.
