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Dubai Chambers members’ exports and re-exports hit $37.5bn in H1, GCC top market

Dubai Chamber of Commerce businesses see growth in exports and re-exports

Dubai Chambers of commerce
Dubai Chamber of Commerce businesses see growth in exports and re-exports

Dubai Chamber of Commerce has revealed that the GCC was the top export and re-export market destination for its members globally during the first half of 2023.

Saudi Arabia was named as the top destination for members’ exports, with the total value recording year-over-year growth of more than 15 per cent to reach AED35bn ($9.5bn).

Members’ exports to Kuwait during H1 2023 were valued at AED12.8bn ($3.5bn), while exports to Qatar grew by 39.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2022 to reach a value of AED 12.4bn ($3.4bn).

Dubai Chamber of Commerce exports

Exports to Oman achieved year-over-year growth of 20 per cent in the first half of 2023, amounting to AED7.8bn ($2.1bn), while exports and re-exports to Egypt reached a total of AED5.3bn ($1.4bn).

Meanwhile, exports to Iraq soared to AED4.7bn ($1.3bn), representing year-over-year growth of 95.8 per cent.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, said: “The diversity of our members’ export and re-export markets reflects their flexibility in responding to rapidly evolving global market conditions and is supported by our efforts to provide international investment opportunities.”

Lootah highlighted the vital role of Dubai International Chamber’s representative offices and the introduction of various commercial investment opportunities, which have been instrumental in increasing the value of members’ exports and re-exports by 7 per cent during the six-month period to reach a total of AED137.6bn ($37.5bn).

He added: “Dubai Chambers remains committed to achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda and accelerating sustainable economic development.

“We are keen to enhance access to new markets for the emirate’s business community to meet our strategic targets, serve the interests of the private sector, and further boost the competitiveness of Dubai’s dynamic business environment.”

According to data from Dubai Chamber of Commerce, high rates of growth in the value of members’ exports and re-exports during H1 2023 were recorded for countries in various regions across the globe.

Key growth markets included:

  • Estonia
  • Latvia
  • Eswatini
  • Suriname
  • Zambia
  • Nicaragua
  • Djibouti
  • Georgia
  • Kazakhstan
  • Lithuania
  • Panama
  • Peru
  • Portugal

Exports and re-exports of chamber members to specific regions also witnessed significant increases during H1 2023.

The Southern Africa region topped the list, recording year-over-year growth of 81 per cent to reach a total value of AED477.2m ($130m) – up from AED264m ($72m) in H1 2022.

Central Asia recorded the second-highest growth rate at 66 per cent, with a total of AED1.2bn ($326m) in exports and re-exports during H1 2023 – up from AED708.3m ($193m) during the same period last year.

Eastern Europe was third, with an increase of 63 per cent and a total value of AED717.1m ($195m), up from AED440.9m ($121m) in H1 2022.

Northern Europe achieved a growth rate of 60 per cent to reach AED517.4m ($141m), up from AED323.6m ($88m) during H1 2022.

East Africa recorded the fifth-highest increase, with the value of its members’ exports and re-exports achieving year-over-year growth of 60 per cent to reach AED4.9bn ($1.3bn) in H1 2023, up from AED3.1bn ($845m) during the first six months of 2022.

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