Dubai World Statistics Department showcases growth of automotive sector at Automechanika 2009

Taking part in Automechanika Middle East 2009, the Middle East's leading aftermarket exhibition for the automobile industry, which is being held at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre between May 31 and June 2, the department pointed out that the auto spare parts trade grew 18.67% in 2007-08, to reach Dhs21.62bn.

The Statistics Department, Dubai's premier trade data cruncher and analyst, recently released a report that showed Dubai maintaining its position as the region's leading automotive parts hub.

Saeed Alqaizi, Director of Group Procurement, Contracts, Statistics and General Administration, Dubai World, said:

"Our careful statistical studies and systematic evaluation have clearly established the auto parts industry's enormous driving power and its role as a key player in the economy. We see a promising growth curve for this segment of the economy not just in Dubai but also in the UAE and the rest of the GCC. This is the third consecutive year the Statistics Department has participated in Automechanika, which shows how much we value the role the automotive sector plays in Dubai's economic development."

The Statistics Department's recent report on the automotive trade showed that import alone was worth Dhs13.63bn in 2008, which marked a growth by 23.65% compared to the previous year.

Japan remained the leading exporter of auto spares to Dubai in 2008, recording business worth Dhs3.4bn, followed by China (Dhs1.98bn) and Germany (Dhs1.96bn).

Pakistan was the top export destination for spare parts worth Dhs51.20m, while Kuwait (Dhs40.68m) and the United Kingdom (Dhs34.29m) were in second and third places.

The report also showed that Iran was the leading re-export destination, with orders worth Dhs2.63bn, followed by Iraq (Dhs706m) and Russia (Dhs340m).

In a presentation to a conference on the sidelines of Automechanika on "Reflection of Dubai's Autoparts Trade", Nassim Al Mehairi, Senior Manager of Statistics Department, said:

"The Department adopts a carefully designed mechanism to collect trade data that ensures accuracy and authenticity. This is very important because our database is widely used by business houses, government departments, trade missions, academics and the media as a reference and we are committed to provide them with the clearest picture of Dubai's trading activities."

The Statistics Department recently released a CD containing a comprehensive compilation of facts and figures on Dubai's foreign trade during 2008. The CD presents vital statistical information on 7,000 diverse commodities that were imported, exported or re-exported through the emirate's free zones and customs warehouses.

The Department's data service has been lauded by leading international institutions such as the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund.