Talabat reported a 32% year-on-year rise in gross merchandise value (GMV) to US$2.4 billion for the first half of 2025, with revenue up 35% to US$982 million.

Talabat is an online food and retail delivery platform based in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Adjusted EBITDA increased 31% to US$166 million, while net income grew 33% to US$119 million.

The company said growth was driven by higher customer numbers and more frequent orders across both its food and grocery businesses in GCC and non-GCC markets.

GCC markets made up 83% of GMV, down from 86% a year ago, as non-GCC markets increased their share.

Adjusted free cash flow rose 47% to US$190 million.

Talabat raised its full-year outlook, expecting GMV to rise 27% to 29% and revenue to grow 29% to 32% on a constant currency basis for 2025.

🔗 Source: Zawya

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Mobile-first strategy drives aggregator dominance in MENA delivery market

Talabat’s impressive 32% GMV growth aligns with a broader shift toward mobile-dominated food delivery across the region.

Mobile orders increased by 30% in the UAE and Saudi Arabia during the first half of 2025, with aggregator platforms like Talabat processing 75% of all mobile orders1.

This mobile-first approach has become the primary way consumers interact with food delivery services, with over 70% of all food delivery transactions now conducted via mobile devices1.

The trend reflects changing consumer preferences toward convenience and digital-first experiences, particularly pronounced during peak periods like Ramadan when mobile delivery activity reaches its highest volumes.

This mobile dominance gives established aggregators like Talabat a significant competitive advantage, as they can leverage their app ecosystems to drive customer acquisition and increase order frequency, which were cited as growth drivers for Talabat’s strong quarterly performance.

2️⃣ Revenue diversification beyond commissions creates sustainable unit economics