DP World's earnings for the first six months of this year gained as global trade continues to grow but looks "uncertain."

The Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem-led company reported an 18.1% gain in net profit attributable to owners after separately disclosed items to $642m.

It also posted a 2.1% slip in profit attributable to company owners to $593m and net profit of $629m versus a $682m profit during the same period last year.