The value of
electronic goods traded in Dubai soared by 15
per cent to Dh18.8 billion in the first half of
this year compared with the same period in 2007,
a new report reveals.
Iran topped the list of re-export destinations
while China was the leading exporter to Dubai,
according to the study by Dubai World's
statistics department. Morocco was the emirate's
biggest export market.
"Thanks to the UAE's strategic location and its
harnessing of top-notch electronic technologies
and machinery the country has encouraged the
growth and development of several sectors,
especially the trade and commercial sector,"
said Saeed Alqaizi, Director of Group
Procurement, Contracts, Statistics and General
Administration at Dubai World.
"This has helped Dubai become one of the most
prominent electronic trade hubs in the world.
The free trade zones in Dubai contributed
towards the enhancement of trade, particularly
of electronic goods, transforming the emirate
into a vital link between the countries.
"These zones host a large number of leading
multinational companies that manufacture
computers, audio and video systems, mobiles and
other electronic goods."
Nassim Al Mehairi, acting head of the statistics
department, said the value of electronic
equipment and devices traded, particularly
mobile phones, computers and video and audio
devices, jumped by Dh2.4bn, increasing from
Dh16.3bn in the first half of 2007 to about
Dh18.8bn during the first half of 2008.
Dubai's imports of electronic goods rose to
Dh12.3bn in the first six months of this year
compared with Dh9.7bn in the first half of 2007.
Imports from China topped the list at Dh4.5bn,
followed by Hungary in second place at Dh1.68bn
and Japan in third place at Dh970 million.
Re-exports in the first half were Dh6.3bn
compared with Dh6.5bn during the same period
last year. Iran was in first place at Dh1.58m
followed by Iraq at Dh763m and Libya at Dh262m.
Exports were worth Dh4m in the first half of
2008 compared with Dh11m during the same period
in 2007. Morocco topped the list followed by
Qatar and Yemen.
