Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the UAE market for fresh or chilled pumpkins, squash and gourds experienced substantial growth, with volume rising from 37 000 tons to 61 850 tons. The most pronounced increase occurred in 2021, when market size jumped by nearly 50% compared to the previous year.

After peaking in 2021, the market saw a moderate correction in 2022, dipping to 58 191 tons. However, it rebounded in 2023 to reach a new high of 63 431 tons, reflecting continued expansion over the full period from 2018 to 2023.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in the United Arab Emirates

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

The United Arab Emirates saw its production volume of pumpkins, squash, and gourds rise for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 22 572 tonnes, marking a 5.3% increase compared to the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, overall production declined by 5%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 1.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 20 501 tonnes, with that year also experiencing the sharpest drop of 13.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The United Arab Emirates experienced a second consecutive year of growth in the value of its pumpkins, squash, and gourds production. In 2020, the output was valued at 11 951 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant 11.4% rise from the year before. Despite this recent uptick, production value fell by 10.7% over the 2017-2020 period, averaging an annual decline of 3.7%. The lowest value was observed in 2018 at 9 753 thousand US dollars, which also saw the most substantial decrease of 27.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, t

Exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from the United Arab Emirates grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 8 345 tonnes, representing a robust 72.2% increase over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by an impressive 9 088.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 351.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bahrain and Kuwait dominated the United Arab Emirates' exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms, while other markets played a more limited role.

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 value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds exports from the United Arab Emirates increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 4 418 thousand US dollars, up by 82.1% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value soared by 8 536.3%, equating to an average annual increase of 342.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two key markets—Bahrain and Kuwait—collectively accounted for 82.7% of the total export value, with the remainder spread across various other countries.

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 pumpkins, squash and gourds to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, t

The United Arab Emirates' imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds in volume terms rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, import volume totaled 27 194 tonnes, a 13.2% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 13.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.3%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 20 427 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 14.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the highest increase at 17.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Iran, India, and Oman were the primary sources for imports in volume terms, accounting for 54.7%, 22.1%, and 7.1% respectively. Together, these three countries made up 83.9% 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

In 2020, the value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds imports into the United Arab Emirates amounted to 9 450 thousand US dollars, showing a significant 12.3% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value dropped by 47.5%, with an average annual decline of 19.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 8 686 thousand US dollars, which also saw the steepest fall of 51.7%. Conversely, 2019 registered the largest increase at 24.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India, Iran, and Pakistan were the main suppliers of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to the United Arab Emirates in value terms, contributing 42.1%, 12.9%, and 9.9% respectively. Combined, these three countries represented 65.0% 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