Watermelons and melons market in Saudi Arabia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, production of watermelons and melons increased from 673.9 thousand tons to 732.7 thousand tons, while the market volume grew by 12% to 769 thousand tons. This expansion was driven by the geographical broadening of distribution to 13 regions across the Kingdom, which enhanced market access for farmers from the Al-Qassim region. Simultaneously, a spike in summer temperatures boosted retail sales, with market activity reinforced by daily deliveries of dozens of trucks loaded with melons to major markets like Riyadh.

Output contracted sharply in 2020 to 570.4 thousand tons, reducing market volume to 624.8 thousand tons. The subsequent rebound in 2021 saw production recover to 674.5 thousand tons and the market reach 747.2 thousand tons. During this period, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture advanced policies aimed at long-term sustainability and food security under Vision 2030. By 2021, the sector achieved a 99% self-sufficiency rate for watermelons, reflecting strengthened local production capabilities.

Between 2022 and 2023, production stabilized around 660–677 thousand tons, with market volume easing slightly to 692.7 thousand tons as imports fell. Domestic demand remained robust, exemplified by Riyadh’s wholesale markets receiving hundreds of melon‑laden trucks daily. In 2024, the introduction of advanced farm‑management solutions by local and global agri‑tech companies supported further productivity gains, while the country maintained a self‑sufficiency rate exceeding 99% on an estimated harvest of 605 000 tons.

Production watermelons and melons in Saudi Arabia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia ranked 22nd globally in the production of watermelons and melons.

Top producers of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

World map of production of watermelons and melons, 2017-2020

Following two years of growth, Saudi Arabia's production of watermelons and melons declined. In 2020, the country produced 570.4 thousand tonnes, a significant drop of 22.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 12.4%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 4.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 732.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year increase of 8.7% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Saudi Arabia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports watermelons and melons from Saudi Arabia

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Exports peaked in 2017 and hit their lowest point in 2018, with a 5.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Saudi Arabia exported 129 tonnes of watermelons and melons, representing a sharp decline of 62.7% from the previous year. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 106 tonnes. The largest decrease occurred in 2018 with an 82.6% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2019, rising by 227.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Saudi Arabia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Egypt, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates were consistently the main destinations for Saudi Arabia's watermelon and melon exports by volume. Egypt accounted for 31.2% of exports, Kuwait for 26.5%, and the UAE for 24.7%, together making up 82.4% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Saudi Arabia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. There was a 16-fold variation between the peak in 2017 and the low in 2020. In 2020, Saudi Arabia's watermelon and melon exports totaled 84 thousand US dollars, down 70.6% year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 92.0%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 165.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Saudi Arabia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Kuwait continued to lead as the top buyers of Saudi Arabian watermelons and melons by value. The UAE accounted for 52.8% of export value, Egypt for 18.8%, and Kuwait for 14.6%, collectively representing 86.2% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Saudi Arabia in value, 2017-2020

Imports watermelons and melons to Saudi Arabia

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their highest point in 2020 and their lowest in 2018, with a 4.6-fold swing between these years. In 2020, Saudi Arabia imported 54 437 tonnes of watermelons and melons, marking a steep increase of 48.3% compared to 2019. The minimum import volume was recorded in 2018 at 11 866 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 26.9% drop, while the most significant increase was in 2019, rising by 209.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Saudi Arabia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Jordan, Egypt, and Yemen consistently remained the primary sources for Saudi Arabia's watermelon and melon imports by volume. Jordan accounted for 45.3% of imports, Egypt for 20.3%, and Yemen for 17.4%, together comprising 83.0% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Saudi Arabia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Saudi Arabia's watermelon and melon import value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value amounted to 27 951 thousand US dollars, marking a modest gain of 3.0% over the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 188.3%, equating to an average annual rate of 42.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Saudi Arabia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Jordan, Egypt, and Yemen formed the core of Saudi Arabia's watermelon and melon imports by value. Jordan accounted for 40.7% of import value, Egypt for 21.1%, and Yemen for 16.5%, together taking 78.3% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Saudi Arabia in value, 2017-2020