As summer approaches and temperatures rise across Egypt, one fruit quickly takes center stage on family tables and street markets alike: watermelon. Known for its refreshing taste and high-water content, watermelon has long been a favorite summer companion for Egyptians seeking relief from the heat. Beyond its popularity today, watermelon holds a remarkable place in Egypt’s history. Archaeological evidence suggests that it was cultivated by the ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago and was even placed in royal tombs as a source of nourishment for the deceased in the afterlife.

In this factsheet, we explore the fascinating journey of watermelon in Egypt, from its historical significance and cultivation practices to harvesting seasons and growing export opportunities. So, grab a slice of watermelon and enjoy reading!

• Watermelon is cultivated across Egypt’s warm regions throughout the year, with the optimal planting period typically extending from mid-December to January. The harvest season begins in May, bringing to market a wide range of watermelon varieties grown in Egypt, including Baladi, Tendral, and Sugar Baby, each known for its distinctive characteristics and consumer appeal.
• Egypt cultivates watermelons over a total area of 64,067 feddan, which represents 1% of the country’s cultivated area. In the marketing year 2023/2024, these lands produced around 94 million tons of watermelons.
• In 2024, Egypt ranked 19^th among the world’s top producers of watermelons, with a share of 0.7% of the global production. On the regional level, Egypt was the 4^th largest producer in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
• Beheira governorate, including Nobaria city, is responsible for 45% of Egypt’s production, with 422,659 tons. Dakahlia and Kafr El Sheikh came in 2^nd and 3^rd places, with 26.4% and 7.4%, respectively.
• In 2025, exported quantities of watermelons reached 9,299 tons. Egypt’s watermelon exports have remarkably fallen by 150% year-on-year (YoY) between 2024 and 2025. Exports hit $11.01 million in 2025, as the crop made up 0.4% of Egypt’s fruit exports.
• In 2025, Egypt accounted for 0.4% of the world’s watermelon market, ranking the 26^th-largest supplier in the world and 4^th in the MENA region.
• Egypt exported its watermelons to 24 markets in 2025. At the top came Saudi Arabia with exports of $7.06 million, representing 64% of Egypt’s exports. Kuwait and Italy came in following places with $1.75 million and $0.54 million, accounting for 16% and 5%, respectively.

By: Amina Hussein