Musabih: Dubai Customs facilitates world trade

during his participation in the “Ask the Leader” initiative on the sidelines of the 5th Dubai Government Achievement Exhibition (DGAE), Director of Dubai Customs Ahmed Mahboob Musabih said Dubai Customs’ efficiency and distinctive performance have helped the UAE in moving forward to occupy first place in the region and 4 th place worldwide in the efficiency of customs procedures category according to the Global Competitiveness Report 2016.

According to WCO’s Columbus Programme, Dubai Customs is an example to follow at an international level with its advanced work systems including the risk engine system, he explained.

“ DGAE is a global unique platform that serves as a two way communication channel to enable for more expertise and knowledge sharing of best government practices in Dubai. The exhibition showcases the distinctive achievements of Dubai Government Departments and this reflects the advanced level Dubai attained" Musabih added.

in reply to visitors' questions, the director of Dubai Customs pointed out that the figures of Dubai's external trade reflects a robust economy the emirate has and its important role as a regional and global trade hub.

Dubai's external trade reached AED 1.276 trillion in 2016 against a slow down in economy worldwide.

Musabih explained that Dubai Customs encourages new ideas and saves no effort to adopt innovative solutions and out of the box ideas and turn them into a daily practice at the workplace. More than 4,000 suggestions and ideas were submitted to the department in 2016, out of which 778 were applied. This generated AED 1.3 billion of revenues. This also enabled Dubai Customs to win a number of renowned awards and accolades.

"These awards urge us to work even harder in support of our national economy and the UAE's future plans, especially in preparation to EXPO 2020 where we will have a customs smart channel that enables clearance of goods on a 24/7 basis" he explained.

Musabih viewed some of Dubai Customs' innovative projects and services which contributed significantly to a smoother inspection and clearance, and easier movement of passengers and cargo, especially with the increasing number and volume of trade and passenger movement. Dubai Customs received 9.1 million declarations in 2016 compared to 9 million in 2015 and 8.6 million in 2014.  

" We are honoured to have received more than 35 local awards, 30 regional awards and more than 50 international awards, and more than 12 ISO accreditations during the last three years. Above all we are more honored for being awarded as the Distinguished Medium Entity in 2016 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.