UAE Mango Season Kicks Off with Elevated Prices Amid Surging Demand
The mango season in the UAE has officially begun, showcasing a variety of popular mangoes from Pakistan, India, Yemen, and local farms in Fujairah. As the season unfolds, mango enthusiasts may find themselves facing higher prices this year due to increased demand and limited early-season supplies, which have pushed prices above those of the previous year.
Traders at major wholesale and retail markets, including Dubai’s Waterfront Market and Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market, anticipate that prices will remain stable in the coming weeks before gradually decreasing as more shipments arrive from exporting countries.
Strong Demand Marks Start of Mango Season
The arrival of fresh mangoes has drawn significant crowds of shoppers eager for seasonal favorites such as the Pakistani Chaunsa and Sindhri, as well as India’s esteemed Alphonso variety. Traders report robust consumer interest since the season’s onset, with many residents visiting markets specifically to purchase their preferred mango types.
At Dubai’s Waterfront Market, Pakistani Chaunsa mangoes are priced around Dh40 per box (up to 2.8 kilograms), while Sindhri mangoes are available for approximately Dh55 for a three-kilogram box. Indian Alphonso mangoes are offered at about Dh50 per box, with other Indian varieties like Mallika, Badami, Banganapalli, and Dussheri ranging from Dh35 to Dh45, depending on size and quality. Yemeni mangoes remain among the most affordable options, with four-kilogram boxes retailing for around Dh35. Locally grown Fujairah mangoes are also attracting buyers, priced at approximately Dh20 per kilogram.
Limited Supplies Keeping Prices Elevated
Market traders attribute the higher prices to limited availability during the initial weeks of the season. One trader noted that the season has just commenced, and demand is already strong. Most varieties are selling for slightly more than they did at the same time last year due to limited stocks. However, they expect prices to become more competitive as additional shipments arrive in the coming weeks.
Traders indicate that the current price increase is noticeable enough for regular buyers to observe, with many varieties selling for several dirhams more per kilogram compared to the previous year’s season start. Another trader mentioned that customers should prepare for slightly higher prices than in past years, particularly for the Chaunsa and Alphonso varieties, which generate significant interest among shoppers.
Bargaining Still Helps Shoppers Save
While many fruit stalls display fixed prices, traders suggest that customers can still secure modest discounts through bargaining. Vendors report that shoppers who negotiate often receive reductions ranging from Dh2 to Dh5 per purchase, especially when buying multiple boxes.
Mango prices vary significantly based on several factors, including fruit size, sweetness, appearance, and overall quality. Premium-grade mangoes with larger fruit typically command higher prices, while smaller varieties and lower grades are available at more affordable rates. The quality of early-season shipments can also affect pricing, with the sweetest and most visually appealing mangoes often selling first despite their higher costs.
Wholesale Markets Offer Lower Rates
At Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market, traders indicate that wholesale buyers can generally find lower prices compared to retail outlets. One trader mentioned that wholesale rates are typically between Dh5 and Dh10 lower than retail prices. However, he acknowledged that overall mango prices remain slightly elevated compared to the start of the previous season, partly due to occasional shipment delays affecting market supply.
Sometimes, arrivals are delayed by a few days, impacting supply in the market. With good demand, especially at the season’s beginning, prices remain on the higher side. Industry traders expect supply conditions to improve as larger shipments from exporting countries arrive consistently over the next several weeks.
Consumers Adjust Purchasing Habits
The rise in prices appears to be influencing customer purchasing behavior. Many shoppers who typically buy multiple boxes at the season’s start are adopting a more cautious approach this year. One trader noted that, in previous years, customers would often buy two or three boxes at a time, but this year, many are starting with just one box and waiting to see how prices fluctuate before making additional purchases.
This strategy allows consumers to enjoy the fruit while monitoring potential price declines later in the season when supplies become more abundant. For budget-conscious shoppers, Jordanian mangoes are currently one of the most economical options, retailing at around Dh10.95 per kilogram.
Prices Expected to Ease in Coming Weeks
Despite the higher initial prices, traders remain optimistic that costs will gradually decrease as imports increase and supply catches up with demand. Chaunsa and Alphonso mangoes are expected to remain among the most sought-after varieties throughout the season, while Yemeni mangoes are likely to continue attracting consumers looking for quality fruit at lower prices.
With additional shipments anticipated to arrive across UAE markets in the coming weeks, traders believe that competition among suppliers will help bring prices down. Until then, mango enthusiasts seem willing to pay a premium to enjoy one of the region’s most cherished summer fruits, marking the beginning of another bustling mango season in the UAE.
Source: timesofdubai.ae
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Published on 2026-06-10 15:29:00 • By the Editorial Desk
