Dubai: Dubai's non-oil direct exports grew at an average rate of 23 per cent in 2009 compared to 2008. The value of goods exported through all Dubai Customs entry/exit points was Dh52.4 billion in 2009, as apposed to Dh42.6 billion in 2008. The growth rate over the past five years was 47 per cent.
Ahmad Butti Ahmad, Executive Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Director-General of Dubai Customs, said the UAE adopted strategies with the aim of diversifying its production base and economic activities.
Deepening trade and economic relations with various countries also played a major role in attracting investment and positioning the UAE as a hub for trade in the Middle East, he said.
Partnership
Butti Ahmad said a strategic partnership and efficient cooperation between the government and the private sector helped develop the economy and expand Dubai's trade activities.
Statistics indicate that Dubai exports contributed to 71 per cent of the UAE's compound export rate in 2008.
Butti Ahmad said valuable metals and the products made from them, processed food products, plastics, rubber and natural metal products had a share of 87 per cent in the value of Dubai's direct exports in 2009.
He said precious metals and stones and their products constituted the biggest chunk. With a share of 63 per cent, this sector has topped the exports list since 2007.
Normal metal products came second with 8 per cent share. The processed food sector was the third with 7 per cent. Plastic and rubber products came next at 5 and 4 per cent, respectively. Mineral products accounted for 4 per cent.
For the second consecutive year, India topped the list of Dubai's export markets with a share of 40.6 per cent and a value of Dh21.3 billion.
Switzerland came second with a share of 16.6 per cent (Dh8.7 billion). Third was Saudi Arabia with a total value of Dh2 billion (4 per cent), followed by Pakistan with a share of 3.3 per cent (Dh1.7 billion) and Iran with 2.8 per cent (Dh1.48 billion).
- 23% overall growth in exports in 2009
- Dh8.7b value of exports to Switzerland
- Dh2b value of exports to Saudi Arabia
