The UAE’s non-oil trade grew by 3 per cent during the first half of this year, to reach AED 553 billion. The Federal Customs Authority claim it is an increase of over AED 17 billion compared to the same period last year. Asia, Australia and the Pacific regions retained their spot as the top trading partners, accounting for 39 per cent of the overall figures. Raw gold, aluminium, diamonds and automobiles topped the list of commodities traded during the period.