Citrus fruit market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

The citrus fruit market in the UAE grew steadily from 278.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 326.3 thousand tons in 2020. This expansion was supported by broader trends in the food and beverage sector, including a reported 10-15% growth in the juices and dairy market driven by population increase and rising demand for healthy, high-quality products, which bolstered consumption of fruits like citrus. Concurrently, strong government support for agriculture, emphasizing modern techniques and food security, contributed to a significant rise in domestic citrus production, which more than doubled from 15.3 to 36.9 thousand tons over these two years.

Market volume reached a peak of 329.0 thousand tons in 2021 and experienced a minor adjustment to 323.3 thousand tons in 2022 before climbing again to 338.8 thousand tons in 2023. This period of stability at a high level reflects sustained demand for citrus fruit, with import volumes remaining robust to supplement domestic supply.

Recent developments have focused on enhancing market infrastructure and access. In 2024, directives were issued to establish the world's largest logistics zone for food, vegetable, and fruit trade in Dubai, a project designed to link the UAE more effectively with global markets and double its trading space. Furthermore, the growth of daily fresh fruit delivery services, such as Talabat Mart, points to increasing consumer demand for convenient access to fresh citrus and other produce.

Production citrus fruit in the United Arab Emirates

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Citrus fruit production in the United Arab Emirates grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 36 882 tonnes of citrus fruit, marking a sharp increase of 50.0% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 127.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 31.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 15 306 tonnes, when output declined by 5.5%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with production jumping by 60.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports citrus fruit from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for citrus fruit from the United Arab Emirates showed significant volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the volume of citrus fruit exports was recorded at 165.6 thousand tonnes, representing a strong increase of 31.3% compared to 2019. The largest decline in exports was seen in 2019, with a drop of 6.3%, while the biggest surge occurred in 2018, with exports soaring by 215.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iraq were the top destinations for citrus fruit exports from the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia accounted for 38.0% of exports in kind, Oman for 11.9%, and Iraq for 10.7%. Together, these three countries made up 60.6% of the total export flows during this period.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of citrus fruit exports from the United Arab Emirates exhibited notable volatility over these years. Exports bottomed out in 2017 and reached their peak in 2020, with a 5.2-fold difference between these two points. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates exported citrus fruit worth 179.7 million US dollars, showing a steep year-on-year gain of 35.8%. The largest decline in export value was recorded in 2019, with an 8.8% drop, while the most significant increase happened in 2018, with a surge of 317.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Oman remained the primary buyers of citrus fruit from the United Arab Emirates in value terms. Saudi Arabia contributed 36.3% of total export value, Iraq accounted for 15.8%, and Oman made up 11.8%. Collectively, these three countries represented 63.9% of the total export value during this timeframe.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020

Imports citrus fruit to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, the United Arab Emirates imported 455.0 thousand tonnes of citrus fruit, up by 15.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 17.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.5%. The largest decline in imports was recorded in 2019, with a slight decrease of 0.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa, Egypt, and Pakistan were the leading sources of citrus fruit imports to the United Arab Emirates in terms of volume. South Africa supplied 37.9% of imports in kind, Egypt provided 23.0%, and Pakistan contributed 8.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 69.3% of the total import flows during this period.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, citrus fruit imports to the United Arab Emirates rebounded in 2020. Imports totalled 294.3 million US dollars that year, up by 23.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 7.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%. The lowest import value was recorded in 2019 at 237.9 million US dollars, following a decline of 9.5% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa, Egypt, and Spain continued to be the main suppliers of citrus fruit to the United Arab Emirates in value terms. South Africa accounted for 44.2% of import value, Egypt for 15.4%, and Spain for 6.7%. Collectively, these three countries represented 66.3% of the total import value during this timeframe.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020