The total volume of cargo this year totaled 1,035,118 tonnes compared to 1,038,807 tonnes in 2008, a marginal fall of 0.3 percent.

'The Middle East continues to demonstrate vibrant growth during the global economic downturn and Dubai International (Airport) is at the epicentre of that growth,' said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports in the United Arab Emirates.

'The double-digit increases we've seen in the past two months are the direct result of a boost in passenger numbers from Emirates and other long-haul network carriers and continual growth in the low cost sector. As for cargo, considering that airports around the world continue to record sharp decline in freight traffic, we have fared well,' he added.