Jumps in Dubai Automobile Imports

Dubai’s automobile and vehicle imports posted a record growth of 48 per cent in 2000 over 1999, thanks to the boom in the local economy and non-oil sectors. “Automobile imports by Dubai rose by 36,256 units to 112,200 units in 2000, from 75,944 units in 1999,” said Mohammed Obeid Al Nawi, Head of vehicle licensing at Dubai Seaports and Customs Department. Al Nawi quoted by Dubai-based ‘Al Bayan’as saying that “the second half of 2000 has witnessed high rates of auto imports, with October having the lion share of 12,806 units, followed by November with 12,034 and September with 10,618 units.” Al Nawi expects that high demand for automobiles and vehicles would continue in Dubai due to the continued growth of local economy and non-oil sectors and expansion and modernization of infrastructure projects to meet requirements of the new economy. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)