The UAE's vegetable production has shown significant variability from 2014 to 2023, with notable fluctuations. The production value in 2023 stood at 414 thousand metric tons. Between 2022 and 2023, the year-on-year growth was 1.97%, with a 5-year CAGR of 1.52% from 2018 to 2023. Key spikes occurred in 2015 and 2017, with considerable jumps of 13.31% and 29.75% respectively, but there were also periods of decline, as seen in 2016 and 2019.
Looking ahead, the forecast indicates a steady growth trend in vegetable production, with an expected average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.51% from 2024 to 2028, leading to a forecasted production of 455.6 thousand metric tons in 2028. This suggests a slow but steady increase, with an overall 7.78% growth over the next five years.
Future trends to watch for include:
- Technological advancements in farming methods, which could boost production efficiency.
- Government policies promoting sustainable agriculture.
- Climate change impacts, which may affect the feasibility of certain crop types.
- Economic factors influencing both the cost of production and market demand.
