Dubai-UK trade increases by 90% in just six months

Trade between Dubai and the United Kingdom jumped 90 per cent in the first half of fiscal 2004-05.

John Hawkins, British consul-general, said the value of trade increased from £1.1 billion (Dh7.3 billion) to £2.1 billion (Dh13.9 billion) during the period.

He revealed the figures at a press conference in Dubai yesterday to announce the launch of the British Educational Suppliers Exhibition, which is supported by UK Trade and Investment.

"Dubai is the UK's largest market in the Middle East and the 17th largest export market in the world.

"The UK's exports to Dubai from January to December 2004 totalled £2,030.1 million (Dh13,481.3 million) and imports amounted to £606.8 million (Dh4,029.6 million).

"The value of UK exports for the same period to the northern emirates was £418.4 million (Dh2,778.5 million) and the value of imports was £252.7 million (Dh1,678.1 million)," the organisation said in a statement.

The organisation supports British companies seeking to develop their export potential in Dubai and the northern emirates and assists local companies seeking to do business with British companies.

"This has been the busiest year we have had," said Hawkins.

By the end of the year, the number of business focus groups is expected to touch 28.

The consul-general said the embassy had to increase the number of personnel in its commercial section.

Apart from Dubai, the only other place where this has been done is China.

UK Trade and Investment is a joint Department of Trade and Industry/Foreign and Commonwealth Office organisation.

Based in London, UK Trade and Investment has regional offices in the United Kingdom and trade and investment sections in British embassies around the world.