Cucumbers and gherkins market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh cucumbers and gherkins in the UAE showed strong expansion, growing from 78.1 thousand tons in 2018 to 130.2 thousand tons by 2021. This upward trend was supported by advancements in hydroponic and greenhouse farming technologies, which boosted domestic production efficiency and aligned with increasing consumer preference for fresh, high-quality produce. Additionally, the adoption of significant legislative amendments in 2021 enhanced the economic and investment climate, facilitating trade and business operations within the sector.

After a modest decline to 124.0 thousand tons in 2022, the market volume recovered to 133.2 thousand tons in 2023. This recovery was underpinned by continued strong consumer demand for premium fresh vegetables, which drove further investments and improvements in cold chain logistics and distribution networks to ensure product quality and availability.

Production cucumbers and gherkins in the United Arab Emirates

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

World map of production of cucumbers and gherkins, 2017-2020

Cucumber and gherkin production in the United Arab Emirates has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 105.8 thousand tons, marking a significant 15.1% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production surged by 96.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 25.2%.

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

Exports cucumbers and gherkins from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, t

The export market for cucumbers and gherkins showed considerable volatility during these years. Exports hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.8-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, shipments from the United Arab Emirates totaled 243 tons, reflecting a gradual decline of 8.3% from the year before. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 265 tons, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018, with a jump of 193.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for cucumber and gherkin exports from the United Arab Emirates were Oman, Afghanistan, and Bahrain. Oman accounted for 41.1% of exports, Afghanistan for 31.5%, and Bahrain for 13.9%. Together, these three countries made up 86.5% of total export flows.

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, K $ US

Export values displayed irregular patterns, pointing to a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the peak occurred in 2019, with a 5.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates exported cucumbers and gherkins worth 301 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp drop of 31.6% compared to 2019. The maximum value was 440 thousand US dollars in 2019, and the largest increase happened in 2018, with a surge of 437.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Afghanistan was the dominant market for exports in value terms, holding a 72.3% share of total flows. The remaining exports were spread across various other markets.

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 cucumbers and gherkins to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, t

Cucumber and gherkin imports into the United Arab Emirates have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 7 810 tons, showing a modest increase of 7.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 56.6%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 16.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two key suppliers—Iran and India—dominated imports in kind, together accounting for 81.7% of the total. The rest of the imports came from a diverse range of other countries.

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, K $ US

After two years of decline, cucumber and gherkin import values in the United Arab Emirates rebounded. In 2020, imports amounted to 3 966 thousand US dollars, up 14.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 2.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 456 thousand US dollars, and the largest decrease occurred in 2018, with a drop of 7.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main sources for imports in value terms were India, the Netherlands, and Spain. India contributed 34.8% of imports, the Netherlands 16.8%, and Spain 13.1%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 64.6% of total import flows.

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