Bags of calamansi at a supermarket in Dubai on September 17, 2025. EXPAT MEDIA

Philippine calamansi, a tiny citrus fruit beloved by Filipinos, has become one of the most expensive fruits being sold in the UAE today, as Expat Media editors discovered during a supermarket visit in Dubai. The calamansi, which costs from P50 (Dh3.25) to ₱159 (Dh10.30) per kilo in the Philippines, was priced at Dh49.95 per kilo in the Dubai store on Wednesday (September 17). The price tag puts calamansi at more than three times the cost of lemons, which retail at around Dh15 per kilo. This means that in the UAE, a kilo of calamansi is almost five times more expensive than in the Philippines.

A taste of home, at a premium

For Filipinos, calamansi is more than just a fruit—it’s a cultural staple. Locally known as kalamansi or lemonsito in the Philippines, it is commonly used in Filipino cooking as a dipping sauce (mixed with soy sauce, vinegar, or fish sauce), added to pancit and grilled dishes, or squeezed into a refreshing calamansi juice. Compared to lemon and lime, calamansi has a distinct flavor: tart yet slightly sweet, with a fragrant tropical aroma. This unique profile makes it irreplaceable in many Filipino recipes. Beyond its culinary use, calamansi is also valued for its high Vitamin C content and health benefits, from boosting immunity to aiding digestion and even being used in traditional remedies for cough and sore throat. The high price of calamansi highlights the cost of importing niche produce into the UAE. While lemons remain an affordable kitchen essential, calamansi has turned into a luxury item for Filipino expats craving an authentic taste of home. Despite its hefty price tag, many are still willing to buy it in small quantities. “Calamansi has no substitute if you want that authentic taste. For us Filipinos, it’s worth it,” one shopper told Expat Media. PIA/Expat Media ALSO READ: Why calamansi is Philippine essential and superfood
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