Changing drinking habits and rising costs are transforming the bar landscapes across the Middle East and Africa. As patrons seek more from their nights out, local venues are adapting by emphasizing regional identity in their offerings.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) covers over 70 countries with varied cultures and economies. However, conversations with industry professionals from cities such as Cape Town, Nairobi, Accra, Marrakech, and Dubai indicate several common trends emerging across the region.
One of the key trends is a focus on local identity. Chris Beaney, operations manager at The Honeysuckle Group in Accra, Ghana, noted that rising costs have prompted bars to adopt a “local first” approach in their operations. He stated, “Bars and restaurants are pushing homegrown, sustainable menu programmes because imported produce and spirits have become more expensive. Sourcing locally isn’t just a trend anymore – it’s an economic necessity.”
In Morocco, the cocktail scene is also reflecting local heritage. Achraf El Moufadal, founder of Moroccan Mixology, highlighted that North Africa’s extensive cultural influences provide a rich environment for innovative bar concepts. He pointed out that traditional hospitality practices, such as sharing tea or meals, can be reimagined in modern bar settings.
Dubai is witnessing a shift towards smaller, neighborhood bars, according to Derrick Pereira, co-founder of Drip. He observed that recent geopolitical tensions have led consumers to favor local venues over larger hotel bars, marking a notable change in consumer behavior.
Initiatives launched in 2025, like Kenya’s Culture Connect, the UAE’s Gulf Bar Show, and South Africa’s Cape Town Cocktail Week, reflect a growing determination among industry professionals to influence their own direction rather than depend on external trends.
Drinking preferences are also evolving. Data from IWSR indicated an increase in abstinence among South African drinkers, from 53% in 2024 to 58% in 2025. Caitlin Crockart, bar manager at Trade Bar & Social in Cape Town, has observed that guests increasingly seek cultural experiences over just high-quality drinks. In Accra, Beaney noted that patrons now demand quality and consistency, expecting the drinks to justify their price. Similarly, Richie Barrow of Tribe Hotels in Nairobi reported a trend among younger consumers favoring craft cocktails and wine tastings instead of quantity.
Economic challenges complicate the hospitality sector, with rising operational costs and decreased disposable income impacting bars across the region. UN Tourism reported a 4% increase in international arrivals to Africa in the first half of 2026, contrasting with a 22% drop in the Middle East due to conflicts disrupting travel.
Concerns about staffing remain prevalent, with inadequate wages and competition from cruise-ship recruitment affecting talent retention in some countries. In Morocco, lengthy licensing procedures pose additional challenges for independent investments, even as the nation seeks to boost its tourism sector.
Despite these challenges, there are signs of international recognition. Ghana recently celebrated its first entries in The 50 Best Bars, with Accra’s Front/Back and La Borracha ranked at 80th and 87th, respectively. Michael Kinyanjui from Kenya was recognized as the first Africa-based winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Emerging Talent in Bartending award.
As the bar scene continues to evolve, regional events and changes in consumer preferences are likely to shape the future landscape of nightlife in the Middle East and Africa.
