The United Arab Emirates has shown a robust performance on the non-oil trade front as it rose 14 per cent to Dh754.4 billion in 2010 compared to Dh660.4 billion in 2009. Recently released figures by the Federal Customs Authority (FCA) said that import grew 8 per cent to Dh485.4 billion in 2010 as compared to Dh447.4 billion in 2009.

UAE’s export stood at Dh83.1 billion in 2010, reporting an increase of 27 per cent during the period. Re-export too posted encouraging numbers by surging 26 per cent to from Dh147.7 billion in 2009 to Dh185.9 billion in 2010. The non-oil trade growth has shown robust numbers despite challenging period faced by international trade in addition to ripples of global downturn.

Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of Dubai's Supreme Fiscal Committee, said that the growth is attributed to good infrastructure and the best international practices being adopted by the country.

He went on to add, "We are also witnessing logistics, retail, trade and tourism leading economic activity in Dubai, reinforcing their legacy as the chief engines and enablers of growth in the emirate."