Dubai: Dubai’s foreign trade grew 0.15 per cent to Dh1.331 trillion in 2014, up from Dh1.329 trillion in 2013, according to a statement from the Dubai government on Monday.
Imports accounted for Dh845 billion last year, while exports and re-exports were valued at Dh114 billion and Dh372 billion, respectively.
Direct trade accounted for Dh818.8 billion of total foreign trade value while free zones contributed Dh488.7 billion and the customs warehouses accounted for Dh23.8 billion. The figures were released by Dubai Customs, according to the statement.
“The steady growth for Dubai’s non-oil foreign trade, with the powerful performance in other economic sectors, open new horizons for plenty of promising opportunities; yet, shouldering us more responsibilities toward careful planning and smart implementation of these plans. We are looking forward for stronger commercial ties and expanded network of trade partners, underlining Dubai’s position as a global hub for international trade,” stated Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council.
Phones were the largest significant traded commodity, up 9 per cent to Dh178 billion, computers also saw 9 per cent growth to Dh53 billion and the trade of personal-use and transportation vehicles rose 30 per cent to Dh68 billion, according to the statement.
The emirate’s tourism sector recorded 8 per cent growth in jewellery trading, adding up to Dh55 billion to the economy. Petroleum trade rose 10 per cent to Dh39 billion, while trade in rotorcraft and light aircraft increased 16 per cent to Dh22 billion. “Air jets turbine engines trade” increased 7 per cent to Dh20 billion, “satellite receivers trade” rose 8 per cent to Dh17 billion.
