Non-oil trade in Dubai increased 23 per cent in the first nine-months of 2011 to reach AED814bn ($221.6bn) when compared to the same period in 2010, according to statistics from Dubai Customs.

Imports rose 21 per cent to AED326bn and exports were up 43 per cent to AED72bn compared to the same period in 2010.

Gold accounted for AED45bn of total exports in the first nine-months of 2011, spurred on by Indian demand. India was the top destination for trade with Dubai, with exports to the emirate accounting for AED66bn of all exports, China came second with AED35.5bn, followed by the US with AED27bn of exports.