The much-awaited mango season has arrived in the UAE, bringing an abundance of popular varieties from Pakistan, India, Yemen and local farms in Fujairah to markets across Dubai. However, mango lovers eager to enjoy their favourite summer fruit may have to pay slightly more this year, as traders report stronger demand and limited early-season supplies pushing prices above last year’s levels.
At major wholesale and retail markets, including Dubai’s Waterfront Market and Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market, traders say prices are expected to remain firm in the coming weeks before gradually easing as additional shipments arrive from exporting countries.
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Strong Demand Marks Start of Mango Season
The arrival of fresh mangoes has already attracted large numbers of shoppers looking for seasonal favourites such as Pakistani Chaunsa and Sindhri, as well as India’s renowned Alphonso variety.
According to traders, consumer interest has been strong since the beginning of the season, with many residents visiting markets specifically to purchase their preferred mango varieties.
At Dubai’s Waterfront Market, Pakistani Chaunsa mangoes are selling for around Dh40 per box weighing up to 2.8 kilograms, while Sindhri mangoes are priced at approximately Dh55 for a three-kilogram box. Indian Alphonso mangoes are available for about Dh50 per box, while other Indian varieties, including Mallika, Badami, Banganapalli and Dussheri, are selling between Dh35 and Dh45 depending on size and quality.
Meanwhile, Yemeni mangoes continue to be among the most affordable options available, with four-kilogram boxes retailing for around Dh35. Locally grown Fujairah mangoes are also attracting buyers and are currently selling at approximately Dh20 per kilogram.
Limited Supplies Keeping Prices Elevated
Market traders say the higher prices are largely a result of limited availability during the opening weeks of the season.
“The season has only just started and demand is already strong,” said Aslam, a trader at Waterfront Market. “Most varieties are selling for a little more than they did at the same time last year because stocks are still limited. Once more shipments arrive in the coming weeks, prices should become more competitive.”
According to traders, the current price increase is not dramatic but noticeable enough for regular buyers to observe. Many varieties are selling for several dirhams more per kilogram compared to the beginning of last year’s season.
Ameenul Islam, another trader at Waterfront Market, said customers should expect to pay slightly higher prices than in previous years.
He noted that Chaunsa and Alphonso varieties are generating particularly strong interest among shoppers, many of whom wait throughout the year for the mango season to begin.
Bargaining Still Helps Shoppers Save
While most fruit stalls display fixed prices, traders say customers can still secure modest discounts through bargaining.
According to market vendors, shoppers who negotiate often receive reductions ranging from Dh2 to Dh5 per purchase, particularly when buying multiple boxes.
Traders explained that mango prices vary considerably depending 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 influence pricing, with the sweetest and most visually appealing mangoes often selling first despite higher costs.
Wholesale Markets Offer Lower Rates
At Al Aweer Fruit and Vegetable Market, traders say wholesale buyers can generally find lower prices than those available at retail outlets.
Mushtaq Ahmed, a trader at the market, said wholesale rates are typically between Dh5 and Dh10 lower than retail prices. However, he agreed that overall mango prices remain slightly higher than they were at the start of the previous season.
Ahmed attributed part of the increase to occasional shipment delays affecting market supply.
“Sometimes arrivals are delayed by a few days and that affects supply in the market,” he said. “Demand is good, especially at the beginning of the season, so prices remain on the higher side.”
Industry traders expect supply conditions to improve once 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 buying behaviour.
According to Ahmed, many shoppers who traditionally purchased multiple boxes at the start of the season are taking a more cautious approach this year.
“In previous years, many customers would buy two or three boxes at a time,” he said. “This year, many people are starting with one box first and waiting to see how prices move before buying more.”
The 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 among the most economical options currently available, retailing at around Dh10.95 per kilogram.
Prices Expected to Ease in Coming Weeks
Despite the higher opening 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 expected to arrive across UAE markets in the coming weeks, traders believe competition among suppliers will help bring prices down.
Until then, mango enthusiasts appear willing to pay a small premium to enjoy one of the region’s most beloved summer fruits, marking the start of another busy and highly anticipated mango season across the UAE.
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