Dubai World’s statistics department has released a new CD containing a comprehensive compilation of facts and figures on Dubai’s foreign trade during 2008, which shows a 38 per cent rise in total non-oil trade.

The CD – equipped with cutting-edge search engine technology, as well as pre-defined, interpretable tables and graphs – presents vital statistical information on 7,000 diverse commodities that were imported, exported and re-exported through the emirate’s free zones and customs warehouses last year.

The data contained in the CD represents 78 per cent of UAE’s total non-oil trade, and a comparative analysis conducted shows that the UAE's trade rose by over 43 per cent compared to 2007, with Dubai continuing to be the dominant player.

The statistical compilation in easy-to-access digital format provides information on the origins & destinations of the goods, which enable the user to quantify, monitor and understand the patterns of trade flows, and evaluate the factors that drive Dubai’s commerce.

Saeed Alqaizi, director of group procurement, contracts, statistics and general administration, Dubai World, said: “Dubai World Statistics Department is committed to its mission of increasing transparency and awareness in external trade figures through its periodic reports that contain raw data, objective analyses and other relevant information to facilitate sound business decision-making.

“We are aware of the importance our data plays for economic planners and investors, and have taken extreme care to maintain the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information provided.”

Nassim Al Mehairi, senior manager of the statistics department, said: “This CD is the culmination of long and dedicated hard work by our team of experts who carried out a detailed and accurate study of last year’s trade movements in Dubai in all sectors.”

“We believe it will provide the basis for several key business operations such as fixing of prices and wages, among other things,” Al Mehairi added.

The statistics department has positioned the CD as an imperative tool designed to help various segments of the business community to gain in-depth understanding of trade patterns that influence Dubai’s vibrant non-oil sector.

Its periodic reports have become an important source of information for exhibition and trade events organizers, ministries, government economic departments, business houses, media establishments and research organisations.

The statistics department employs sophisticated technological tools and highly qualified statisticians to prepare its trade database, the largest of its kind in the region. Its service has been lauded by leading international institutions such as the UN and the International Monetary Fund.

The new CD is available at the statistics department’s offices located at the Dubai Customs premises at the Wharfage in Deira. – TradeArabia News Service