Rolls-Royce has said it has seen car sales in the Middle East increase by 98 percent in the first half of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.

The total of units sold marks record sales for the manufacturer of luxury cars in the region.

While all dealers in the Middle East reported impressive figures, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia trebled their sales, the company said in a statement.

The importance of the Middle East is underpinned by the fact that four out of the top 10 selling dealerships are located in the region, the same number as in 2009.

The Middle East accounts for about fifth of Rolls-Royce’s global sales and it currently has eight dealerships in the region.

"This is a clear sign of the unparalleled appeal of Rolls-Royce, in particular following the challenging economic environment in 2009," said James Crichton, regional director for the Middle East.

Abu Dhabi also topped the best selling bespoke dealers in the world.

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