Dubai recorded a 43 per cent increase in the exports of non-oil products in 2007, according to the latest report from the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The chamber recently released an extensive list of the value of exports of non-oil products by more than 100,000 of its members for 2006 and 2007.
Its commercial services department issued 559,652 Certificates of Origin in 2007, compared to 442,287 in 2006, recording an increase of 16 per cent to over 210 destinations, whereas the total value of the commodities exported and re-exported through Dubai according to the Certificates of Origin issued in 2007 reached Dh167.9 billion ($45.7 billion), compared to Dh117.4 billion in 2006, recording a rise of 43 per cent, which is the highest till date.
Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, chairman of the chamber, observed: “This dramatic increase in the number and values of the Certificates of Origin issued by Dubai Chamber in 2007 reflects the significant growth of Dubai’s economy, and is directly attributed to the hard work of all its members and Dubai Chamber’s efficiency in opening up new global markets and providing the opportunity of meeting up existing and fresh trade delegations while exposing the businesses to a whole new world of open-door business policy.”
He further commented: “This significant growth goes in line with Dubai Chamber’s mission of offering first rate support and services to local businessmen and investors.”
After the erratic pattern in 2004 and sluggish growth in 2005, exports appeared to gather momentum beginning in 2006 but reached an all-time high in the year 2007.
Iran and Saudi Arabia emerged as the major destinations of exports. More than 75 per cent of exports were destined to GCC countries and Iran. Together, the GCC countries were the destinations of 53.5 per cent of total exports, with an export value of Dh19.4 billion. Iran and Saudi Arabia were the largest markets, with total exports to these two countries reaching Dh 35.9 billion and Dh 31 billion respectively at the end of 2007.
They were also the busiest, in terms of frequency of transactions. Qatar closely followed with an 81.1 per cent increase in the value of exports totaling Dh28 billion at the end of 2007. Kuwait, Oman and India were next in line with  20.2, 45.3 and 81.3 per cent increases in total exports.
“The report goes in line with Dubai Chamber’s strategy of providing members with economic statistics and information to help them improve their businesses. This rise reflects Dubai Chamber’s efforts in facilitating exporting procedures for members and stakeholders besides stressing on the leading role it plays in serving the business community,” said Al Tayer.