Meituan says closely monitoring Mideast situation: report
TL;DR
Meituan is expanding its Keeta food delivery service in the Middle East, with operations in 20 Saudi cities and entry into Kuwait and Qatar, while adopting a cautious strategy to manage risks and target long-term growth.
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Meituan says closely monitoring Mideast situation: report
Meituan Closely Monitoring Middle East Expansion Amid Strategic Growth Plans
Meituan, China’s leading local services platform, has been actively expanding its international food delivery brand, Keeta, into the Middle East, with operations now spanning 20 cities in Saudi Arabia and recent entries into Kuwait and Qatar. The company has outlined plans to further extend its presence to the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, reflecting its focus on emerging markets as part of a broader globalization strategy.
According to Meituan’s Q2 2025 financial report, the company’s international operations, including Keeta, contributed significantly to its new business revenue, which grew by 22.8% year-on-year to 26.5 billion yuan. Keeta’s expansion in the Middle East has leveraged the region’s high per capita GDP and growing demand for digital services, with the platform already securing a 15–20% market share in Saudi Arabia after one year of operations. Additionally, Meituan’s drone delivery subsidiary, Keeta Drone, received a commercial license in Dubai in December 2024 and plans to expand its delivery routes in the second half of 2025, prioritizing areas like the Dubai Marina.
Despite rapid growth, Meituan has adopted a cautious approach to its Middle East expansion. Management emphasized the importance of thorough market research and strategic planning before entering new regions, including Brazil, which is currently under evaluation. This measured strategy aligns with the company’s broader focus on building sustainable ecosystems, as seen in its domestic investments in merchant support, rider protection, and food safety initiatives.
Analysts note that Meituan’s success in the Middle East stems from its ability to adapt its “convenient food delivery” model to local markets while addressing gaps in digital infrastructure. However, challenges such as regulatory hurdles, competitive pressures from regional players like iFood and Didi’s 99Food, and economic volatility in emerging markets remain key risks.
Looking ahead, Meituan has set a long-term target for Keeta to achieve $100 billion in gross merchandise volume (GMV) within a decade, underscoring its commitment to internationalization as a growth driver. The company’s next steps in the Middle East will likely hinge on its ability to balance expansion with profitability, a critical factor in sustaining its global ambitions.
