Fresh grapes market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the UAE fresh grape market volume in physical terms showed moderate growth, rising from 32.4 thousand tons to 37.9 thousand tons, with a peak of 39.8 thousand tons in 2022. However, in value terms, the market contracted from $42.3 million to $34.0 million, indicating changes in prices or trade structure.

The market volume increase to 39.8 thousand tons in 2022 was accompanied by a significant rise in imports to 72.1 thousand tons, while exports also grew to 32.4 thousand tons. In 2023, market volume declined to 37.9 thousand tons as imports continued to increase to 76.2 thousand tons, but exports rose even further to 38.3 thousand tons.

In 2024, imports of fresh grapes dropped to 50.5 thousand tons, while exports fell sharply to 5.7 thousand tons. The grape harvest season in the UAE runs from May to July with yields of 8-10 tons per acre, and exports to Arab countries and Russia contribute to hard currency inflows.

Production fresh grapes in the United Arab Emirates

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

Fresh grape production in the United Arab Emirates declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 34 840 kg of fresh grapes, marking a slight year-over-year decrease of 0.9%. Production peaked in 2018 at 35 220 kg, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.1%.

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

Exports fresh grapes from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed significant fluctuations during this period. From 2017 to 2020, exports varied by a factor of 3.6 between their highest and lowest points. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates exported 15 921 tonnes of fresh grapes, representing a 23.1% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 8.0%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018 at 215.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait dominated the export structure in volume terms. Saudi Arabia accounted for 48.8% of exports, Oman for 17.2%, and Kuwait for 14.7%. Together, these three countries represented 80.7% 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

Market performance exhibited notable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with an 8.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of fresh grapes from the United Arab Emirates totaled 29 750 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 28.4% increase from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 20.3%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2018 at 694.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait remained the primary destinations for exports in value terms. Saudi Arabia held a 50.8% share, Oman 14.8%, and Kuwait 14.5%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 80.0% of total export value.

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 fresh grapes to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of decline, fresh grape imports into the United Arab Emirates increased in 2020. Imports reached 47 559 tonnes that year, showing a modest gain of 4.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 19.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 45 660 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 21.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, India, South Africa, and Egypt led the import structure in volume terms. India accounted for 30.6% of imports, South Africa for 15.6%, and Egypt for 10.7%. Together, these three countries represented 56.9% of total import flows.

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

Following a two-year reduction, fresh grape imports into the United Arab Emirates rose in 2020. Imports totaled 70 052 thousand US dollars that year, indicating a 12.3% increase over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 22.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -8.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 62 367 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 21.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, South Africa, and Australia formed the main cluster of markets for imports in value terms. India held a 24.4% share, South Africa 20.9%, and Australia 10.8%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 56.0% of total import value.

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