Introduction – United Arab Emirates’s Banana Market by the Numbers
Let’s talk bananas—literally. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) may not be famous for its tropical fruit farms, but when it comes to banana trade, it plays a pretty big role, especially in the Middle East. Despite producing just 203 tons of bananas in 2025, the UAE acts as a key importer and re-exporter in the region.
In 2023 alone, the UAE imported bananas worth a whopping $157 million, making it the 23rd largest banana importer globally. That’s not all—the country re-exported $26.4 million worth of bananas, ranking 38th in the world. With such numbers, it’s clear the UAE banana market isn’t just about consumption—it’s about strategic distribution.
In a market this dynamic, choosing the right supplier is everything. Whether you’re a wholesaler, distributor, or retailer, leveraging data is crucial to sourcing bananas efficiently and profitably. And platforms like Freshdi make that easier by providing real-time supplier verification, RFQ trends, and trade analytics.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Current Demand Data
Let’s unpack the banana trade in the UAE further to understand what’s really happening behind the scenes.
Production is Minimal
Despite being a hub for banana trade, the UAE barely produces bananas locally—only about 203 tons in 2025. That’s practically a drop in the global banana ocean.
Market Value
The banana market in the UAE dropped by 6.4% in 2024, settling at $142 million. That decline might sound worrying, but it’s more of a market correction after earlier growth spurts. In fact, between 2019 and 2023, the UAE’s banana export value grew by more than 50%, showing long-term upward momentum.
Key Export Destinations
Even though the UAE doesn’t grow much, it ships out quite a lot. In 2023, the country exported $26.4 million worth of bananas to destinations including:
- Saudi Arabia: $9.13 million
- Ecuador: $5.32 million
- Qatar: $4.64 million
- Kuwait: $2.95 million
- Oman: $2.15 million
That’s a strong re-export game, right?
Import Origins
To feed its own demand and that of neighboring countries, the UAE imports bananas from:
- Ecuador: $98.2 million
- India: $32.8 million
- Philippines: $13.9 million
- Sri Lanka: $5.27 million
- Guatemala: $3.2 million
India’s growing share is noteworthy, especially with 19,235 banana shipments sent to the UAE recently.
Market Demand via Freshdi RFQs
Platforms like Freshdi show a steady increase in RFQs (Request for Quotations) for premium banana varieties like Cavendish and Robusta. Demand spikes particularly around Ramadan and the summer months.
Top 4 Verified Banana Suppliers in United Arab Emirates – Top Tier Based on Export Data
When it comes to sourcing bananas in the UAE, not all suppliers are created equal. We’ve sifted through supplier performance data, buyer reviews, and export volumes to present the top banana exporters in July 2025.
1. MUHAMMAD SAQIB RAO FOODSTUFF TRADING LLC
A consistent performer on Freshdi, this company is well-known for:
- Exporting AA-grade fresh bananas
- Competitive pricing from Pakistan
- High buyer satisfaction
Their bananas score well on sweetness, shelf life, and packaging quality.
2. 24 Royal Bloom Fze LLC
This supplier specializes in banana pulp and value-added banana products. Notable features include:
- Ideal for juice and dessert industries
- Long-term clients across the Gulf
- Strong logistics and on-time delivery record
3. Al Bahar Fresh Produce LLC
Although not listed on Freshdi directly, Al Bahar is a known re-exporter specializing in Cavendish bananas from the Philippines and Ecuador. Their strengths:
- HACCP & ISO certifications
- Air-freight capabilities to GCC countries
- Real-time tracking for shipments
4. Green Gold Agro FZE
This supplier focuses on Indian banana varieties like Robusta and Yelakki. Their value proposition:
- Direct sourcing from Indian farms
- Certified organic offerings
- Targeted exports to Qatar, Oman, and Jordan
Dynamic Ranking Note
Keep in mind, platforms like Freshdi regularly update their supplier rankings based on recent orders, buyer reviews, and fulfillment metrics. Don’t be surprised if new players enter the Top 4 next quarter!
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Let’s break down the ever-shifting dynamics of the UAE banana market.
Export Trends
From 2019 to 2023, banana exports from the UAE rose from $5.22 million to $8.03 million—a solid 53.88% growth rate. But in 2024, the UAE experienced a drop in total market value by 6.4%. This dip was more of a reset than a red flag, with export growth likely to rebound in 2025.
Import Dynamics
India has emerged as a powerful supplier. Between 2022 and 2023, Indian banana exports to the UAE grew by $7.17 million. This is due, in part, to high-yield varieties in Gujarat and strategic pricing models.
Ecuador remains the heavyweight supplier, but the UAE is clearly diversifying.
Seasonal Demand & Price Fluctuations
Here’s what the seasonal flow looks like:
- January to April: High demand leading up to Ramadan
- May to August: Summer consumption spikes
- September to December: Stable but lower demand
Pricing varies dramatically by region:
- Iraq: Lower prices due to Ecuadorian competition
- Iran & Oman: Higher prices for branded or organic varieties
- Jordan: New demand emerging post-May 2025
Production & Supply
With only 627 tons produced in 2022, the UAE’s domestic banana supply is a rounding error in global terms. But modern agriculture practices have pushed yields to 78 tons/ha—impressive for desert farming.
Forecasts & Challenges
The global banana market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.3%, hitting $154.8 billion by 2034. But challenges remain:
- Rising costs of fertilizer and transportation
- Climate-related disruptions
- Quality control issues in re-export markets
Still, the UAE is well-positioned to benefit from:
- New export markets like Jordan and Russia
- Tech-driven platforms like Freshdi for real-time insights
- Increasing demand for organic and branded bananas
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Strategic Sourcing
If you’re in the banana trade game in the UAE, you’re operating in one of the most strategic hubs in the world. The country may not grow much fruit itself, but it’s a powerhouse in banana imports and re-exports, thanks to its logistics edge and regional proximity.
Your best move as a buyer? Use data to your advantage. Analyze export volumes, monitor seasonal trends, and evaluate supplier performance before making a purchase. Platforms like Freshdi offer you just that—real-time RFQ trends, verified supplier profiles, and dynamic rankings that reflect market shifts.
Key Takeaways
- The UAE imported $157M worth of bananas in 2023, mostly from Ecuador and India.
- It exported $26.4M, primarily to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman.
- Domestic production is negligible but yields are high due to tech-driven farming.
- India is gaining ground as a preferred supplier due to price and quality.
- Freshdi can help streamline your sourcing with verified suppliers and analytics.
Banana Buyer’s Checklist: UAE Edition
✅ Confirm supplier certifications (ISO, HACCP)
✅ Monitor seasonal demand for better pricing
✅ Use Freshdi to compare RFQs and supplier reviews
✅ Diversify supply sources for price stability
✅ Target high-return markets like Iran and Oman
Future Outlook
The UAE will continue to be a central banana trade hub, with re-exports expected to rise and new markets like Jordan and Russia opening up. Digital B2B ecosystems like Freshdi will play an increasingly crucial role in helping buyers navigate this fast-moving market.
Stay nimble, stay informed, and let the data drive your sourcing decisions.
FAQs
1. Why does the UAE import so many bananas if it doesn’t produce them?
Because of its desert climate, the UAE can’t grow bananas at scale. However, it has strong logistics and trade infrastructure, making it ideal for importing and re-exporting to other countries.
2. What are the most in-demand banana varieties in the UAE?
Cavendish, Robusta, and Yelakki bananas are most sought after, especially around Ramadan and summer.
3. How can I find a verified banana supplier in the UAE?
Use platforms like Freshdi to access verified suppliers, RFQ trends, and real-time trade analytics.
4. Which countries supply the most bananas to the UAE?
Ecuador leads the pack, followed by India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala.
5. Is the UAE exporting bananas to new markets in 2025?
Yes, markets like Jordan and Russia have shown increased demand in 2025, with first shipments already underway.
References
- IndexBox – UAE Banana Market Analysis
- Citrus Freight – Top Export Destinations of Indian Bananas
- OEC – UAE Banana Trade Data
- FreshPlaza – Jordan Market Entry
- Tridge – UAE Banana Intelligence
- DataPandas – Global Banana Production Rankings
- ResearchAndMarkets – Global Banana Market Forecast
- Volza – Banana Import Data UAE
- ExportImportData – Largest Banana Exporters
