Melons market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

The melon market in the United Arab Emirates saw an initial expansion in 2018, with its value rising to 22.5 million US dollars. This growth was supported by increasing consumer demand for healthy and natural high-quality products, a trend reinforced by the launch of new functional food items targeting specific nutritional needs and by stronger sales from local dairy companies, reflecting a broader shift toward wellness-oriented consumption.

After a contraction in 2019 and a sharp drop to 14.4 million US dollars in 2020, the market entered a recovery phase from 2021 onward, gradually climbing back to 20.7 million US dollars by 2023. During this period, the market regained its momentum. In 2024, the UAE government announced directives to establish the world's largest logistics zone in Dubai dedicated to food, vegetable, and fruit trade, a project developed in partnership with DP World and aimed at enhancing infrastructure and competitiveness for fresh produce.

Production melons in the United Arab Emirates

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons, 2017-2020

Melon production in the United Arab Emirates has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 4 408 tons of melons, representing a steady 7.9% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 219%, with an average annual growth rate of 47.2%.

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

Exports melons from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2017, while the highest came in 2020, with a 6.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates exported 7 250 tons of melons, up 54.6% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 12.1%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with a jump of 391.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Afghanistan were the core export destinations for melons in terms of volume. Bahrain accounted for 44.3% of exports, Kuwait for 17.0%, and Afghanistan for 15.3%, together making up 76.6% 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

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. The lowest value was in 2017, and the highest in 2020, with a 10.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cross-border shipments of melons from the United Arab Emirates reached 6 371 thousand US dollars, marking a 14.6% year-over-year increase. The largest decline was in 2019, at 1.0%, while the biggest increase was in 2018, with a surge of 826.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and Kuwait were the key partners for melon exports from the United Arab Emirates in value terms. Afghanistan represented 38.6% of exports, Bahrain 29.6%, and Kuwait 14.2%, together accounting for 82.4% of total export flows.

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 melons to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, t

Melon imports into the United Arab Emirates have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 26 093 tons, reflecting a 20.0% drop from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 28.7%, with an average annual decrease of 10.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, India, and Jordan consistently remained the main sources for melon imports in terms of volume. Iran accounted for 29.1% of imports, India for 15.6%, and Jordan for 13.8%, together making up 58.6% 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

Melon imports into the United Arab Emirates have decreased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 16 892 thousand US dollars, showing a significant 24.5% decline compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports dropped by 44.1%, equating to an average annual rate of 17.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Honduras, Australia, and Brazil—together absorbed 53.8% of total melon imports into the United Arab Emirates in value terms.

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