Dubai’s non-oil foreign trade tops AED965bn

DUBAI / WAM

Signifying Dubai’s rising role in global trade, the emirate’s external non-oil trade in the first nine months of 2018 reached AED965.3 billion. Re-exports registered 13 percent growth to touch AED299.2 billion, while imports reached AED592.2 billion, and exports AED97.7 billion.
Dubai Customs, which released the emirate’s external trade figures, applauded this achievement and attributed the high performance of the foreign trade sector to Dubai’s advanced infrastructure and forward thinking policies.
Dubai Customs pointed out that the emirate’s distinctive performance in external trade reflects the success of government policies and initiatives and strategic sustainability development plans to support the growth of various economic sectors. Dubai has embarked on ambitious and forward thinking initiatives such as 10X which aims to place Dubai 10 years ahead of other cities.
Technology is playing a major role in backing external trade in Dubai through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence applications. Dubai Government departments are working to provide the best and most advanced services and facilities to their clients as part of an integrated plan to sustain public happiness, welfare and prosperity and turn Dubai into a world class model for economic growth.
Trade through free zones grew 22 percent to reach AED394.3 billion in the first nine months of 2018. Direct trade touched AED562.8 billion while customs warehouse trade weighed in at AED8.3 billion. Dubai’s seaborne trade grew 4.1 percent to AED362 billion and airborne trade grew 2.3 percent to AED449.4 billion. However, trade conducted through land transportation declined 13.6 percent at AED153.8 billion.
Sultan Ahmad bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO and Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), said, “Hosting Expo 2020 encourages us to further enhance the trade and customs services and facilities provided by Dubai Customs to investors and traders. Work on e-commerce is progressing and is expected to further facilitate trade and support the economy.”