TheDubai economy has remained resilient to global economic headwinds caused by the negativeimpact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Dubai’s external trade in the first quarter of 2020 reached AED323billion. Exports grew 2% toAED43billion compared to the corresponding quarter last year. Imports accounted for AED189billion while re-exports touchedAED92billion.

The volume of Dubai’s external non-oil trade reached 24 million tons – imports accounted for 16 million tons, exports 4.2 million tons, and re-exports 3.6 million tons.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council said: “Dubai has demonstrated its economic resilience amidst the global COVID-19 crisis. Though the pandemic has impacted markets around the world, Dubai’s external trade has been able to maintain its momentum thanks to the diversity of its markets and its ability to adapt to global changes, trends and needs. We are reaping the benefits of what our leadership has sown. From an early stage, our leadership invested in developing infrastructure and advanced technology that haveenabled us to be resilient amidst crises and turn challenges into opportunities.”

His Highness added: “To support businesses during this difficult time, we announced a stimulus package plan which included a refund of 20 per cent of the customs fees imposed on imported products sold locally in Dubai markets from 15 March to 30 June. The package also includes the cancellation of the AED50,000 bank guarantee or cash required to undertake customs clearance activity. Bank guarantee or cash paid by existing customs clearance companies will be refunded.

We look to the future with optimism and we are confident we will overcome this current challenge, and at the same time use the opportunities that this challenge creates in the best possible way to realise our strategic plans to consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global example of excellence and success.”

Direct trade in Q1 2020 reachedAED188billion while trade out of free zones reached AED133billion, and customs warehouse trade accounted for AED2billion. Land trade contributed AED4billion, sea trade AED116billion, and air trade AED163billion.

Against all odds and despite the many challenges and hurdles facing the world market due to the outbreak of COVID-19, customs transactions in Dubai skyrocketed 60% to reach 4 million in Q12020, from 2.5 million in the corresponding quarter last year. This reflects the resilience of the Dubai economy and its ability to cope with changes and challenges.

Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman & CEO and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation said the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, have strengthened Dubai’s resilience despite the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Dubai’s strong customs structure helped achieve a 60% increase in customs transactions despite the challenging global environment, growing from 2.5 million transactions in Q1 2019 to 4 million transactions this year. This makes Dubai one of the best customs and logistics hubs in the world, and a very attractive environment for foreign investments and businesses. Thanks to a number of government strategies and stimulus plans, Dubai remains credible and trustful in the eyes of investors and businesses worldwide.

Dubai Customs has implemented the government stimulus package plan to help businesses maintain their operations during this difficult time. At the same time, it continues its efforts to further develop customs operations. The World Customs Organization recently endorsed the Dubai Customs initiative of establishing a global platform for the best customs practices and AEO mutual recognition agreements. With this, Dubai Customs will lead efforts to facilitate data transfer between the World Customs Organization and member customs organizations.

Dubai Customs has been working diligently to combat the challenges arising from the pandemic. Its inspection officers are equipped with protective gear to ensure their safety. They are also working meticulously to facilitate the uninterrupted flow of goods.”

China remained Dubai’s largest trading partner, contributing AED35.8billion, followed by India contributing AED30.4billion, and the USA withAED19.5billion.

The highest traded commodity by value in 2019 was precious metals and stones. Gold, jewelry and diamonds trade grew 2% to AED92billion, followed by phones with AED38billion, and petroleum oils which contributed AED16billion.