United Arab Emirates: Watermelon Market 2024

Watermelon Market Size in the United Arab Emirates

In 2022, the watermelon market in the United Arab Emirates increased by 3% to $X for the first time since 2017, thus ending a four-year declining trend. Overall, consumption recorded a measured expansion. Over the period under review, the market attained the peak level at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Watermelon Production in the United Arab Emirates

In value terms, watermelon production reduced to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production posted a buoyant increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 171% against the previous year. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2019 to 2022, production growth failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of watermelons in the United Arab Emirates amounted to X tons per ha in 2022, rising by 3.2% against 2021 figures. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.0% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the yield increased by 38%. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the average watermelon yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of watermelons production in the United Arab Emirates totaled X ha, remaining relatively unchanged against 2021. Over the period under review, the total harvested area indicated a pronounced expansion from 2012 to 2022: its figure increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, watermelon harvested area decreased by -5.9% against 2018 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when the harvested area increased by 89% against the previous year. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of the watermelon harvested area remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Watermelon Exports

Exports from the United Arab Emirates

In 2022, shipments abroad of watermelons decreased by -14.4% to X tons for the first time since 2018, thus ending a three-year rising trend. In general, exports showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 115%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then reduced in the following year.

In value terms, watermelon exports fell remarkably to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 67%. The exports peaked at $X in 2021, and then dropped notably in the following year.

Exports by Country

Bahrain (X tons) was the main destination for watermelon exports from the United Arab Emirates, accounting for a 88% share of total exports. Moreover, watermelon exports to Bahrain exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Kuwait (X tons), more than tenfold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Oman (X tons), with a 2.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Bahrain amounted to +33.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Kuwait (-6.3% per year) and Oman (-29.2% per year).

In value terms, Bahrain ($X) remains the key foreign market for watermelons exports from the United Arab Emirates, comprising 83% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Kuwait ($X), with a 4.1% share of total exports. It was followed by Oman, with a 3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Bahrain stood at +29.8%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Kuwait (-2.9% per year) and Oman (-19.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average watermelon export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, approximately mirroring the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a strong increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the average export price increased by 63%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Qatar ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Kuwait ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Oman (+13.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Watermelon Imports

Imports into the United Arab Emirates

In 2022, after four years of decline, there was growth in overseas purchases of watermelons, when their volume increased by 4% to X tons. In general, imports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by 379% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, watermelon imports totaled $X in 2022. Overall, imports enjoyed a prominent increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when imports increased by 278%. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Iran (X tons) was the main watermelon supplier to the United Arab Emirates, with a 91% share of total imports. It was followed by India (X tons), with a 2.7% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from Iran totaled +2.0%.

In value terms, Iran ($X) constituted the largest supplier of watermelons to the United Arab Emirates, comprising 54% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by India ($X), with a 6.2% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Iran amounted to +7.4%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average watermelon import price amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -3% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a remarkable increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 an increase of 53%. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then fell slightly in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while the price for Iran amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by India (+13.3%).

Source: IndexBox Platform

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