The volume of diamonds traded in Dubai rose by more than half in the first six months of the year. A total of 206.1 million carats were traded, 57 per cent more than the 131m carats traded in the same period last year, according to figures from Dubai Diamond Exchange. Values increased to US$25.3 billion (Dh92.9bn) from $16.3bn.

Gold prices have hit fresh record highs this week. Tamara Abdul Hadi / Reuters Soaring gold prices have helped Dubai record a substantial increase in international trade. The value of exports and re-exports handled by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and