Dubai external trade in 7 foods hits AED16.3bn

DUBAI / WAM

Dubai Customs’ statistics has revealed that the value of Dubai external trade in the seven primary Ramadan foodstuff in 2016 reached AED16.34 billion.
Sugar topped the list at AED5.1 billion, followed by rice at AED4.8 billion, nuts at AED3.7 billion, bottled water
at AED1 billion, juices at AED873.8 million, dates at AED813.75 million, and flour at AED57.37 million.
As for volume results, the emirate’s external trade of these items reached 6 million tonnes in 2016, with sugar taking the lion’s share at 3.08 tonnes.
Dubai Customs facilitates foodstuff trade to ensure timely delivery and easy access in accordance with quality standards set in Dubai, and to meet the increasing demand in the Holy Month of
Ramadan.
Commenting on these results, Ahmed Abdul Salam Kazim, Director of Strategy and Corporate Excellence at Dubai Customs, said, “We support our government in providing these basic foodstuffs to consumers during the Holy Month of Ramadan following the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It is a commitment from our side at Dubai Customs to ensure delivery of the right amounts of foodstuff following the best quality practices and standards, especially in Ramadan which witnesses more consumption.”
Kazim pointed out that there are strict inspection and screening procedures in place to ensure safety and quality of these foodstuffs, adding, “our customs centres are equipped with the latest devices and technologies to provide the best services to clients.”