Dubai Customs Unveils Groundbreaking Innovations At UAE Innovates 2024

The launch of Dubai Customs activities for the Emirates Innovation Month "Emirates Innovates 2024" commenced with a significant emphasis on "Impactful Innovations". The event saw the presence of Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director-General of Dubai Customs and CEO of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, alongside notable figures such as Sheikha Noora bint Humaid Al Nuaimi, Director of Ajman Centre at the Department of Municipality and Planning, and Sheikh Engineer Ali bin Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mu'alla. The ceremony was well-attended by executive directors from customs divisions, department heads, and directors of customs centres in Dubai.

In his opening address, Musabih highlighted the dedication of Dubai Customs to fostering innovation within the UAE, aiming to bolster the nation's status as a global hub for innovation. This commitment is evident in the array of activities planned for Emirates Innovation Month, designed to showcase new developments in security, economic innovations, and future prospects by young innovators from schools, universities, and research centres. The event also includes training workshops and lectures on creativity and innovation, marking the launch of Dubai Customs' second Innovation League.

Musabih underscored the strategic importance of innovation in enhancing customs operations. The strategic plan for 2021-2026 places innovation at its core to improve the efficiency of customs services. He proudly referenced Dubai Customs' impressive record of developing 6,081 ideas and innovations in 2023 alone, with a total of approximately 57,870 ideas since its inception in 2000. The department's innovative efforts were internationally recognised with an honorary fellowship from the IdeasUK Organisation Awards for 2023, making it the first Arab and international institution outside the UK to achieve this feat.

The department's commitment to innovation was further validated by winning two major awards from the CMO ASIA Award and the Asian Excellence Organisation for 2023. Additionally, it received the Innovative High-Value Solutions Award for its Cross-Border E-commerce Platform project from the European Government Network for Customs Practitioners in collaboration with the Cross-Border Research Organisation.

Ahmed Abdul Salam Kazim, Director of Strategy and Corporate Excellence Department at Dubai Customs, expressed that their leadership in customs innovation is a testament to their love for the country and loyalty to its leadership. He emphasized that innovation is crucial for survival and highlighted various innovative initiatives undertaken by Dubai Customs in service innovation, policy development, technological advancements, and equipment enhancement.

The event also marked the inauguration of the Innovators Club by Hussein Al-Fardan, Innovation Centre Manager at Dubai Customs. This club aims to foster collaboration among innovators within the department. Following this, a Students' Hackathon was launched by the Emirates Foundation for School Education, encouraging young minds to contribute their innovative ideas.

This series of initiatives by Dubai Customs during Emirates Innovation Month "Emirates Innovates 2024" not only showcases their commitment to innovation but also aligns with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33 objectives to double the value of Dubai's foreign trade through continuous development and innovative practices.

With inputs from WAM