Dubai External Trade Increases 31% in H1 2021

Dubai External Trade Increases 31% in H1 2021

The sun rises over the Dubai skyline with the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building at 830 meters, at the backdrop. (AP)

Dubai's non-oil external trade surged 31 percent in the first half of 2021 to reach $196.6 billion from $149.8 billion in the same period in 2020.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, said the trade growth demonstrates the success of Dubai's strategic plan to consolidate its position as a global logistics and trade hub that connects the world's diverse markets.

"Dubai's existing sea and air network will be expanded to cover 200 new cities around the world. We are confident that we will continue to build on our growth momentum to achieve our ambitious sustainable development projects and plans."

Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai, guided by the vision of Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has reinforced its status as one of the world's fastest-growing business hubs and plans to increase global trade to $544.4 billion in the coming years.

Based on released data, exports grew 45 percent year on year (YoY) in H1 2021 to $29.8 billion, while imports rose by 29.3 percent YoY to