Pakistani mangoes make splash at UAE’s Khorfakkan festival with ambassador’s visit
Festival draws global attention with over 150 mango varieties
DUBAI: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, alongside Consul General Hussain Muhammad, graced the 4th Mango Festival held at the Expo Hall in Khorfakkan over the weekend.
This marked Pakistan’s debut participation at the vibrant annual event, with a dedicated national pavilion set up by the Pakistan Business Council Sharjah.
Ambassador Tirmizi praised the festival’s platform for showcasing Pakistan’s rich mango heritage and emphasised its role in expanding export opportunities across the Gulf region. He engaged with attendees of various nationalities who flocked to the Pakistani pavilion, which proudly highlighted the country’s position as one of the world’s foremost producers of premium mangoes.
Mango Festival
The festival was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Chief of Sharjah Ruler’s Office in Khorfakkan. Organised under the theme “Mango: Our Fruit, Our Wealth,” the three-day event was held by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in collaboration with the Municipal Council of Khorfakkan and Khorfakkan City Municipality.
This year’s edition was the largest yet, attracting delegations from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Uganda. Over 33 local farmers, agriculture firms, and fertiliser companies participated. More than 150 mango varieties were displayed, reflecting the region’s agricultural progress and Sharjah’s emerging status in agri-tourism.
SCCI Chairman Abdallah Sultan Al Owais stressed the importance of innovation and sustainability in agriculture, while other officials echoed the festival’s contribution to preserving heritage and inspiring young agri-entrepreneurs.
Mango mania in UAE
Pakistani mangoes are a summer staple in the UAE, loved for their juicy texture, bold colour, and unforgettable aroma. The country exports over 100 varieties, including Sindhri, Anwar Ratol, Langra, Dussehri, and Chaunsa. The mango season begins earlier in Sindh due to warmer weather, followed by the Punjab harvest in July and August.
With a large South Asian diaspora in the UAE, demand for Pakistani mangoes remains high. Their close proximity allows quicker shipping, ensuring freshness and availability in hypermarkets, local groceries, and wholesale markets such as Dubai Central Fruit and Vegetable Market. Varieties are typically packed in 5kg to 10kg boxes, catering to both retail and bulk buyers.
Beyond the UAE, Pakistani mangoes are popular in the UK, Canada, Oman, Qatar, Germany, and Kazakhstan. Exporters are now targeting newer markets like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the US, as per the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association (PFVA).
Additionally, the mango's versatility is leveraged through a variety of processed products including jams, pickles, and concentrates. From creamy mango milkshakes to decadent desserts, the fruit continues to dominate summer palates across the UAE.